Sarah

Travel Study Program: Maîtrise Information-Communication, Université Toulouse III

Why I decided to study abroad: I wasn’t sure what to do with my French degree from an American university—I just knew I wanted to live in France.

How I chose the program: I knew I liked literature, journalism and technology, and I hoped this degree would help me choose a more specific domain.

My biggest challenges: The administrative details were very complicated. The classes were difficult to pass, in that our grade for each course was only based on one or two marks. I had a job at the same time I was studying, and class hours sometimes conflicted with work hours.

My tips for readers who want to study in France: Don’t be shy around French students! Don’t be afraid to ask other students for help.

Cultural differences I faced in France: La bise [the customary French kiss on one or both cheeks], which we don’t do in America, and how strangers don’t smile as much to each other as in America.

What to expect from a study experience in France: You cannot expect a lot of help from professors when you have to write things for classes; the methods are very different; you will improve your French quickly.

My favorite places: Toulouse is full of great museums and restaurants. For a weekend, I recommend going to Cordes-sur-Ciel and St-Antonin in Aveyron, or farther northwest to Poitiers to see Le Futuroscope.

My best memory from the experience: Getting good marks on my final project for the maîtrise [master’s], going to great parties with French people and dancing to great music, speaking French all the time.