Title: Lille by Alejandra Budar
Housing:
In Lille, one can live in the university dorms with other international students and French students or find a flat off campus. The dorms are a bit more expensive than a flat but It makes it easier to meet a large amount of people in a short amount of time. AEU, the housing department of the university also organizes events for those in the dorms. However, one ofthe drawbacks of the dorms is that the communal kitchen in on the first floor, so students must bring everything to the kitchen each time they wish to cook.
Most students enjoyed living in the university dorms due to the proximity to school and the amount of interactions one can have with other students from all over the world.
For the same price paid to AEU for a single room, a single in a shared flat can also be found. However, the flats also range depending on how close they are to the university or the center of the town.
Finances:
The cost of living is just as high as it is to live in California. Housing is cheaper than housing in Silicon Valley, but the food is just as expensive.
. Food is just as expensive as it is back home, but organic food is much more expensive. Baguettes are very cheap and can be found for less than 1 euro. When I arrived to France, the exchange rate was more expensive than when I left. At the beginning, One euro was $1.13 and when I left it was about $1.05. I found that having a budget for food and travels was very helpful. I was fortunate enough to receive financial aid but I also created a budget where I calculated how much I could afford for out-of-pocket expenses.
There are many resources available both from Santa Clara and the U.S. Government. There is the Santa Clara Fund as well as any money received for financial aid. There are also scholarships provided by the government for specific eligible students.
Academics:
If students will be taking courses taught in French, it would be best to practice and brush up on the language. It is also helpful to learn about the teachingtechniques of the French.
The host university’s study requirements are very similar to that of SCU. However, the classes for exchange students are formatted in a way that give you the flexibility to travel on the weekend with the majority of the work done within the week.
The host institution and Santa Clara University emphasize attendance for exchange students, as this is how students maintain their student visa status abroad, but tests and knowledge are most greatly measured when it comes to grades. The French education system gives grades out of 20. It is very difficult to receive a perfect score and, thus, this is taken in to consideration when the grades are placed on one’s transcript.
Student Life:
The campus is very open with several areas for people to interact and study areas. The French are encouraged to meet with international students to discuss cultural differences, so it is easier to get involved through meeting French students.
On campus cafeterias have been replaced by coffee vending machines, but there is an official cafeteria that is only 5 minutes away. Computers and printers are available on campus.
There are clubs ranging in topics that one can join, but there are no official intramural activities organized by the university. There are still student-organized intramurals.
For studying - there is a library located next to the university as well as other libraries specific for schools. Lille has a total of 18 colleges and schools, so you will want to work with your coordinator to figure out which library might be best for you.
Social Life:
I met people by attending the events organized by the international club, as well as in class. I would encourage students to have an open-mind about other cultures and customs. I would also encourage them to embrace the French customs, as the majority of students will practice the French way of greeting others, called bisou.
Students should engage in “afterworks” often held by various clubs on campus, which are when clubs are trying to advertise themselves to students.
Engagement:
Lille primarily offers students the opportunity to engage in Studying with Locals as well as Intensive Language. Dependent upon the type of visa that you get, you may even be able to do a part time job for pay while at Lille. This is a great opportunity to practice French language and learn more about the business culture. In terms of studying with locals, all of my classes were with local or other international students. I did not take any classes with only American students or only Santa Clara University students. Because Lille is a French university, it is very possible to take more than one of your courses in French.
Religion:
France is a very secular country and religion is kept very separate from work or school.
Predominantly, one can find Catholic and Muslim faiths in the region. Local people observe their faith by attending church or mosques. There are a few churches and mosques in the city that students can go to. There is not a space on campus but other resources can be found in the community.
Race/Ethnicity
France is becoming more of a melting pot, but cultural ignorance can still be found. I knew I stuck out racially so I merely embraced it and was myself. Power and privilege was very similar to that of the states. Those who were of a white complexion with an education were more privileged than other minorities of color.
My understanding of my ethnicity after my time abroad was due to my interactions with my Mexican friends. As a Mexican-American, I realized where I have derived different aspects of my personality. I had not previously realized how my Mexican cultural norms have played a role in how I navigate situations.
Talking to both French and international friends was helpful in learning about racial relationships in my host country. The French were able to explain dynamics to me but my international friends were able to discuss different discoveries and any discomfort experienced.
Gender & Sexuality:
Gender roles and gender identity were very similar to that of the United States.
I did not face any issues with my gender and sexuality as a straight, cisgenderedwoman, and neither did friends who do not identify as a straight or cisgendered.
I would encourage those to remain true to themselves and to not take it personally if others are surprised by their sexual or gender orientation, since in my experience, it will be something that they have merely never encountered.
Talking to French students was very helpful in learning about gender/sexuality in France.
Academics
Class helped me improve my French a lot by listening to the professor and asking questions in French. It also gave me the opportunity to meet more people. At IESEG, I also had the opportunity to have professors from all over the world, which I really enjoyed.
Socio-economic
My class/socio-economic status was highlighted through my ability to travel to other countries. The more one was able to travel on the weekends showed a higher SES among students both French and international. My understanding of class/socio-economic status has changed by helping me realize a privilege, such as traveling.
In terms of the country, power and privilege was held by those able to attend private universities such as the one I attended. It was also given to those who were able to travel to expensive countries such as Denmark.
Ability and learning considerations
Privilege was held by those who were able-bodied and could afford to attend a private institution with knowledgeable professors.
French professors tend to write very little on the board. It is all very verbal, which is distinct from my learning style. However, this approach did improve my understanding of spoken French.
My physical abilities played out the same as attending class in the states.
In order to maximize learning, others should attempt to take detailed notes, especially if the class is in French. It is better to write down what a professor has said in courses taught in French, because it is often easier to quote notes in exams later on.
Leisure: (Review and Update)
The citadel is located close to the university and it is a beautiful park with a free zoo as well. There are also plenty of bars to grab a beer with friends on Rue Solferino, which is also close to school.
The citadel is a must see and they often have different events. I really enjoyed hanging out at the citadel with friends. You can go to anypatisserie for cheap pastries and then have a picnic at the citadel.
There are several events during the year for international students. Such events range from a pub crawl to a talent show to a gala.
Soccer is a very big sport here in Lille.
Shopping:
The town mainly has large malls with big names such as H&M, Zara and other European brands. I did not have trouble buying items. The sizes were comparable to that of the states. Students should not buy toilet paper or a drying rack for clothes as that is provided.
Final Thoughts
Students should know that Lille is only a 1 hour train ride to Paris. It is very much a college town so it has a similar feel to Santa Clara.