France: Lyon - French Language, Art History, and Francophone Studies

I studied abroad for the fall semester of 2022. From the start of being accepted into the program, I was able to easily communicate with USAC staff, however sometimes it would take a little while for them to respond. The webinars and checklists were very helpful in order to prepare for departure and make sure everything was in order. I did not however like the travel agency they work with, Frosch Travel Agency. Communication was quick, however the flights scheduled were constantly rescheduled making a large group of us miss our flight to Lyon and have to add multiple hours to our already long travel day. On my way back to the United States, I also had many problems with my ticket (the airline said I did not have a ticket reserved for me on the flight, yet Frosch was saying that I did) and resulted in me almost missing my flight back home as well. Once I arrived in Lyon, the staff in the city were very nice and welcoming, and I thought the tours of the city given that week were very helpful. The living space that I was put in was the biggest option out of all, however the location was awful (on the top of a hill, so it was very hard to get back home at night without a bus) and there was nothing provided (towels, sheets, pillows, etc) which proved to be a very costly expense at the beginning of the program on top of the already expensive living situation. Lyon itself was amazing. The school, UCLY, is very nice and I thought all of the teachers were accommodating and nice throughout the semester. There were also many opportunities to participate in school activities and meet other international students. I wish we had gone on more pre-planned trips as a group because I found those to be the most exciting and stress-free trips. By the end of my trip, I did not want leave Lyon and hope one day I can go back again.

I'm forever grateful to have studied abroad with USAC. USAC made the entire process easy to understand and had several procedures that set me up for success in France. My homestay was a perfect match for me, and I cherish having the leveraged cultural and social support. The program directors and instructors undoubtedly had the student's best interest in mind—they provided guidance, recommendations, and material to help students reach their goals while enjoying their summer. Lyon was the perfect place to better my French, and the social atmosphere was generally welcoming. I miss being able to navigate a city as easily as Lyon. I can't wait to go back someday.

My study abroad through USAC was everything and more. USAC was aware of student needs and questions, and made sure to answer them thoroughly. Before leaving for France, I felt confident and ready. My instructors were incredible and understanding, my classes interesting and engaging, and my extracurriculars were fun and memorable. I was able to have both the experience to live with a host family and around other students in the program. My French improved from barely functional to confidently proficient. I learned so much, meet some really one-of-a-kind people, and traveled with friends I still keep in touch with. I loved the care and consideration of the program coordinators. Really a program I couldn't recommend more.

My study abroad experience in Lyon was amazing. I'm so glad that I chose to study in Lyon. My program directors were incredibly helpful and organized several fun outings, such as a snowshoe hike and a wine tasting, as well as picnics and other get-togethers so we could form a small community. My classes were all in French, and they were designed specifically for international students studying French. I got to meet students from around the world who had come to Lyon to learn French just like me. Forming friendships with people I would never have met if I hadn't come to Lyon was one of the program highlights for me.
I lived in an apartment with one other student in the USAC program. I had my own bedroom and attached bathroom and a small kitchen we shared. I like to cook, so the size of the kitchen was a bit irritating at times, but for 5 months it was a perfectly fine living space. I lived about 20 minutes away from the school, so we could either walk or take the bus.
The directors and local mandates in Lyon helped protect everyone during COVID as well. I felt safe most of the time out in public and indoors.
Overall, it was an amazing opportunity to learn French and to learn about myself as well. I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and learned so much about my own independence and ability to survive on my own in a foreign country where I didn't fully speak the language. I am so grateful that I was able to live in this beautiful city for 5 months and I am already planning ways to return in the future.

I had so much fun in Lyon! The city was beautiful and I had fun exploring. The food was delicious! I stayed in a dorm which was nice but quite hot with no AC. I really enjoyed the field trips to Annecy and other places. I liked being able to travel on weekends, I went to Geneva Switzerland and Paris and London! The classes and teachers were a bit unorganized but the content for the most part was interesting. I definitely think I improved my french. I also made some great new friends. Overall a great time!

It was all a little daunting at first, what with the language classes being really long but it ended up helping improve your language skills faster. I also met some amazing people and hope to keep in contact with them forever. The people you surround yourself with really impact how you see this new and big city and as long as you chose a good one you will have a great time both in and out of the city. There is also a lot of transport available to surrounding cities and countries, it’s really easy to navigate.

My semester was incredible and I had so much fun studying abroad. I was able to see so much of not only a France but all of Europe for a decently affordable price. I enjoyed the freedom of staying in a dorm, but those who lived with host families had an even more enhanced experience and I feel like it’s a better way to learn the culture and language. Classes were difficult to get used to at first, but I really loved most of my professors and I learned so much. I wish I tried a little harder to meet other French students on campus, but I definitely made great friends with people in my program. The excursions organized by USAC were some of the highlights of my semester and I always felt safe and supported. If you can, definitely go on the optional tour at the beginning of the semester! It is totally worth it.

Studying abroad in general is something that I feel like everyone should do if they have the opportunity! I learned so much about myself as a person, and I also grew substantially in the 5 months I was in Lyon. I learned more about the world and the role that I hope to play in it in the future. I also got to see things that I may have never had to opportunity to see otherwise. I am one of the first people in my family to actually leave the country and travel over seas.
I think the best part of my experience was living with host family. They were some of the nicest people I have ever met, and they took me in, and treated me as though I was their own child. My host mom also made the best food, which I now miss very much being back home in the US. Lastly, it was the best thing I could have done in order to expand my knowledge of the French language. It is nice to know that should I ever need it, I have the ability to at least get through a simple conversation with someone who speaks French.