Patrick Snelgrove
Degree and Year of Degree: 3rd year BA, Political Science and French
Which university abroad did you attend? Université de Poitiers
Which city/country did you go to? Poitiers, France
Where did you live when you studied abroad? In an apartment in the centre of town
What was the easiest thing when you arrived in France?
Meeting people - especially in the department I was in - there were tons of international students from all over the world.
What was the most challenging thing when you arrived in France?
The administration of the school. It is a completely different system and there isn’t much help available to find and register for courses. You basically have to walk around the hallways looking for courses that seem interesting.
What did you find different about studying in a French University?
The system for marking is completely different in France compared to Canada – how they write essays and evaluate us. In many of my classes it would be one final exam that would be our entire mark.
Best thing about Poitiers?
The ‘centre ville’ where I lived. It has a really relaxed environment, we would spend many hours just walking around, seeing the old buildings and sitting in cafés.
Which courses did you take?
I am taking a number of different courses in English and French including translation courses, civilization courses and oral expressions.
Which course did you enjoy the most and why?
I really enjoyed my translation courses – I never realized how difficult it was to try and do direct translations of texts or expressions, and oral translation is even harder.
Most memorable experience in France?
I personally liked the days where you would just hang out with a bunch of friends and sit in the café for hours. They have a Canadian café here in Poitiers called ‘Caribou Café’, even though everything in it was more stereotypical than actually Canadian.
Food you miss the most and could not get in France?
Peanut butter and Kraft Dinner. They have peanut butter here but it is not very popular and very expensive.
What did you like most about studying abroad?
The people you meet. I made some amazing friends from all around the world. There were tons of international students, and since we were all in the same boat it was really easy to get to know each other. I also made many French friends, we'd go in turns speaking English and French so that we each would get practice in the other language.
How many other countries did you visit when you were studying abroad?
The first semester I mainly stayed in France and Poitiers and really got to know the community. The second semester I have plans to go to England, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, The Netherlands as well as many other places.
What are your future plans?
I am hoping to return to France or Europe for a year after I graduate, I also am looking at different schools for a Masters Program.
Do you have any advice to future students, who may wish to study abroad?
I think all students should study abroad. It's an experience that changes you and makes you more aware of the world and of yourself.
