Exchange Experiences
International Office
France – Université d’Avignon
2015-2016
Report 1
faculty/college
Humanities
level
bachelor’s
name study programme
History
PREPARATION
exchange application process
The exchange application process went quite good actually. In the beginning I would have expected it to be very
difficult, but it was not at all. Erasmus did a great job with giving the right instructions.
counselling & support at Utrecht University
The Utrecht University was a great support during the application process and was a good help with doing the
preparation.
academic preparation
I did not put loads of effort in my academic preparation.
language preparation
My language preparation could have been way better. Since people speak french in France, which is basically the
most logical thing ever, I as a non-french speaker had a hard time sometimes. Before my departure I took some
french lessons, I tried to read french literature, I watch french television and listened to the french radio. This is
how I once learned to speak and understand the english language. Looking back in time, I could have done
better. It’s very important to have good basics when it comes up to studying in a country with a, for you,
unknown language. But, after all, I did well and managed to improve my french, and funnily my english.
finances
Before departure I had a good saving account. At the moment it’s empty as a bottle of wine. Just as my language
preparation, I could have done my finances better.
STUDY ABROAD PERIOD
study programme (content and organisational issues)
Histoire
academic quality of education activities
Exchange Experiences
International Office
France – Université d’Avignon
I didn’t really enjoy the way this french university worked. This has apparently to do with the fact that my
language knowledge wasn’t optimal from the beginning. Though, following many courses, was a good way to
expand this knowledge. At the University of Utrecht, we have classes that are very open. There is loads of space
for discussion and the professor is interested in what the student has to say. You don’t always have to agree
with what the professor says. Here in France, I realized that the school system is way different. I prefer the way
Utrecht University does it. I think that the France way of dealing with pupils, subjects and courses is killing
curiosity. Dead curiosity is everything but it ain’t good. At the Université d’Avignon the students have to read
many books, professors have too much to tell in too little time.
counselling & support at receiving university abroad
I found the counselling & support at the Universityy of Avignon very good. The people (professors, some other
students, the international organisation) are very welcoming to newcomers like Erasmus students.
transfer of credits
This I found hard to answers, since I still didn’t receive any grades. So no credits yet.
STUDENT LIFE
welcome & orientation programme
The first week, the university organized a lot. That I enjoyed with all of my heart. A good way to make some
friends from the beginning.
accommodation
I stayed in a very pleasant single studio in the middle of the centre next to the Palais de Popes. This I organized
all by myself, without any help from the university. But I am okay with that. I like to take care of myself and
organise my own stuff without institutional help.
leisure & culture
Avignon is the most peaceful and romantic city I ever lived in. Exactly what I needed and what I was looking for.
Avignon is (for me) a town where I really learned to live with myself. How to encourage myself. How to enjoy
myself. How to organise myself. And how to make the best of things. There are not so many big night life events,
I think (but I’m used to big nightlife), this is the thing I missed most now en then. But, you know, enough cool
city and places around this lovely Provencal town, to eat your heart out.
suggestions/tips
Get lost.
CONCLUSIONS
would you recommend this university/destination abroad to others? please explain
Exchange Experiences
International Office
France – Université d’Avignon
Yes I would. But only if you ready for it. I’m 24 now. If I would have done a Erasmus semester abroad three or
four years go, I would have chosen a bigger city with more entertainment. Besides, Avignon is a good place
when it comes to accelerated your french speaking.
do you have any additional advice or comments?
Don’t be afraid to dive in the deep.