<p>If I want to pursue a study abroad experience in French my school offers 2 programs, one in a small town in the center of France, and one in Africa. I can't decide which would be better because they're so different. The one in France is a program run by my school, the one in Africa is a program many colleges attend... I can see too many positives and negatives for both.</p>
<p>Cozette- What a great decision to make! I think it depends on what you want to get out of the experience. </p>
<p>I have a unique perspective, I think.</p>
<p>D1 is in France this semester at a school associated with her US University. She is very happy, and has overcome some nerves, etc. to be at a point where she now travels on week-ends and is completely comfortable with her speaking abilities. Students from all parts of the world live in the dorm. They mostly speak French, though some want to speak English with her. She is takng 5 classes in French, 3 language classes (translation, etc.) and two others- Art History & Speech.</p>
<p>My brother lives in Africa, in Lome, Togo. He works for the US Govt. He passed a rigorous French exam after 6 months of imersion studying. His French is very good, for a non-native. Togo is a very poor country, and though the “official” language is French, he reports that most people speak a cross of French/local native dialects. He does not cummunicate well with the local people. He is also very aware of security issues outside the Embassy.</p>
<p>Where in Africa are you considering? I would do some research about where you will live, and who will be in your immediate vicinty (dorm, etc.). What language is spoken in that area? Will you be with native French speakers? Also, on a more general note, what is your overall intention for the experience overseas? What will you study? What classes (if any) will transfer to your US College? Will you want to travel? Or is it strictly a language imersion situation? </p>
<p>It is a great opportunity to go overseas…I wish you lots of luck and happiness with your decision.</p>
<p>You need a bit more detail beyond ‘Africa’…</p>
<p>Well, maybe we can help a bit more if you tell us more. A small town in the center of France: well, we actually a lot of places like that lol. I might help you if I know the name of the city. But there might have huge differences if you live in one or another. Africa is a vast continent, and a lot are french speaking countries, so… but life in Morocco or C</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies! The France program is in a small city in France, and the Africa program is in Dakar, Senegal.</p>
<p>Also:</p>
<p>The France program is in the center of France, Clermont-Ferrand, and is a program run by my school. Though I have always liked the idea of studying in France, I don’t like only being with students from my school in a small city, though there is a homestay</p>
<p>The Senegal program appeals to me because I’m interested in international relaitons, but I’m worried that it is too limited if I haven’t had a deep interest in African Studies before, and my parents are really worried in general about the culture shock.</p>
<p>The purpose of studying abroad is to improve language skills, so the real question is what programme will allow you more time speaking French through interaction with locals.</p>
<p>France I think would be the better choice. That said, you will have to make a substantial effort to meet local people because living and studying with American students is not a very good idea if your goal is language improvement. If you have no particular interest in Africa then I can’t imagine why you’d want to go to Dakar, given you will probably receive far less exposure to French.</p>
<p>Yes I definitely agree with you Dinoysus, I looked into the local language and if French is what I want to learn, Senegal will be very difficult. I think I will go to France, and try to visit Sengal someday.</p>
<p>Are you in college now? If so, it would seem very odd to me that these are your only 2 choices. Talk with your study abroad office and see if they’ll approve a program that you find on your own. You’ll need to ask them whether credit would be accepted by your university. Check out [American</a> Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) - Au Pair, Study Abroad, Summer Opportunities, Gifted Education, Insurance](<a href=“http://www.aifs.com%5DAmerican”>http://www.aifs.com), [Integrated</a> Systems Analysts, Inc.](<a href=“http://www.isa.com%5DIntegrated”>http://www.isa.com) and <a href=“http://www.cisabroad.com%5B/url%5D”>www.cisabroad.com</a>. All have great programs to France. For your first study abroad experience, I would definitely recommend going to France as opposed to any francophone African country. If you want some specific recommendations, message me. I’m a former French teacher and currently work as the study abroad coordinator for a college.</p>
<p>Ok, so Clermont-Ferrand, I can actually tell you a lot about this city, I lived twenty years not so far and one of my very good friends comes from there. First thing you need to know: It’s located east of the central mountains, “le massif central”, and the weather is mostly sunny and dry, it’s very cold during the winter and very warm during the summer. Second: the city is not very dynamic (going better this last few years), I won’t lie, but people are warmly welcomed, as warmly as the weather is cold. the city use to be known for its automobile industry “Michelin”, but the economy is more diversified now. Don’t expect the Riviera or Paris, this is not this kind of city. It’s not fancy, but you might like it. The population is quite younger than the median in France (30,000 students).
The mountains are actually a volcanic chain (inactive since a longtime), so there are beautiful landscapes. I had one very funny trip when I was a kid. If you like climbing, canoeing, hiking, and this kind of activites, this a very interesting regions.
Oh, and one good point: it’s pretty easy to travel everywhere, because one of the former french president is from this city, and, well, let’s say he used his position and influence to favorize the construction of transport lines (highways, and train to Paris). If you have a car, you can travel a lot in France (and in Europe).
I guess it’s better to learn french in France than in Africa, but I also have very good friends from Africa and from Senegal in particular, and they are very friendly people. It’s not a developped country, so yes, the culture shock might be huge. But it’s warmer than Clermont, for sure lol.</p>
<p>Anyway, study or live abroad is a great experience, not only in purpose of school or job, but living experience. So take advantage of your opportunities, and enjoy!</p>
<p>You can also use abroad101 to compare the experience other students have had in france and africa. Here’s the links:</p>
<p>[Study</a> Abroad in France | Abroad101](<a href=“http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/countries/france]Study”>http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/countries/france)
[Study</a> Abroad in Senegal | Abroad101](<a href=“http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/countries/senegal]Study”>http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/countries/senegal)</p>