I'm a bit of a control freak. Okay, I'm a big control freak. I stress over just about everything, and planning to study abroad in a country that is so joie de vivre and not being supplied all of the necessary information up front is driving me crazy. Here are a few things that are really causing me some anxiety:
- The dates for my institute are different from the calendar the Limoges University sent me. Classes are said to start 8 Sept, but my placement test isn't until the 16th, and classes start the 22nd for the institute. Is there a separate placement/language proficiency test for the regular classes? Who knows.
- UNCC records letter grades for study abroad classes, rather than pass/fail. Eep.
- No one has mentioned how I actually sign up for anything except for housing. Where do I register for classes? When?! How? Do I need a French bank acct so I have the proper RIB # and a chip-and-pin debit card?
-Trying to figure out the cheapest method of exchanging currency. Would it be better to put my spending money into a French bank, or is it better to just pull out cash with my normal card and take that exchange fee?
- I have no clue what classes are available. The French university course system really confuses me.
- Instead of putting me in the dorms that are basically across the street from the Instistute, I've been put into a dorm that is a 40 minute walk, or a 30-50 minute bus ride from the institute. Um, not cool. I inquired about the other dorm twice, and mentioned that I would only be there for the French Institute, and they just say it isn't possible.
- I bought my airplane ticket at the beginning of June after I had gotten the calendar that said 4 September was orientation. Also, flights are expensive the closer you get to departure and the website I was using wouldn't let me reserve, and you have to have a plan for departure for your visa. I let someone know at Limoges when I was arriving in late August and they said that was rather early... Got an email last month saying that there was a 2-week immersion program that starts a few days before I will arrive. Early. My. Ass.
- The immersion program is 350€. Nope, not paying that kind of money. Not to mention I sent the lady an email (in French, mind you) asking two questions, and never heard back. Rude. I'll spend my free time adventuring and practicing my French the hard way- ordering food in a beautiful café and asking for directions.
-It seems like everyone has outdated information. Even the Office of Education Abroad, and they send at least one person there a semester. You'd think they would have more to go on if you get feedback from each student!
- Pages of the University and the Institute websites are 2-3 years old, especially on the English pages. (Maybe they should hire me to update their stuff)
xx
P.S.
Have you studied in France? If so, what were the hardest parts for you in terms of planning for your semester/year? How did you overcome them?
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