Experience in University François Rabelais of Tours, France by Hannah

Generally, what is University François Rabelais of Tours like?

There are different buildings around Tours, and I use the 'Lettres et Langues' building called Les Tanneurs most frequently. So, my main evaluation will be on their language building.

Les Tanneurs is set in a great location, just by La Loire river (be careful not to stare out of the classroom window for too long, though the scene is quite breathtaking). It's also a 2-minute walk from Place Plumereau, a lively and beautiful square with lots of restaurants, bars, and cafés.

I'd heard that studying in France would be a challenge as some aspects aren't as modern as in England, but it's not too hard here and I enjoy being at this University.

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What are the facilities like?

For language learners there's a specific room with computers where you can go to practise, revise, take part in the 'Tandem' program. This is where two people of different language backgrounds meet up and talk and improve each other's foreign language. I do this, and it's probably the most enjoyable "class" I have (you can do it for credits).

There are facilities regarding to health as well which include illness, contraception, sexual health, mental health, etc. I've not used these facilities but the University makes you aware of exactly how to use it or where to go if you need to.

What are the tutors like?

The tutors are all very friendly and eager to help, which is a relief as I'd heard that French tutors were most distanced with their students than English tutors. I've not had to email a tutor yet, so I can't comment on how quickly they reply, but if it's anything like their helpfulness in the classroom, I'm sure they will reply promptly.

Are the lessons easy in University François Rabelais of Tours?

Obviously at first all lessons in French are quite daunting, but it gets easier over time.

The teaching style in France is a lot different to England's communicative approach. There will be blackboards and chalk, there will be a lot of talking from the tutor, you will be writing and listening a lot. That's just how it is in France though, there's not much you can do.

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A heads-up for anybody who might pick grammar lessons in different languages- they're very different to England's approach. For example, for 8 weeks in a row for Spanish we were learning tenses and conjugations and just writing them down, and where to place accents and why. You will be told a lot of rules. And in the exam, you will need to know the correct answer and why it is the correct answer.

Also, for anyone wanting to take a beginner's approach to a new language too you will be given lots of rules too- 8 weeks in and I can conjugate different verbs in Italian, but we've only covered how to say my name once.

Grammar lessons are just grammar, you will not be practising them with a writing task or anything like that.

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Does the University organise activities? If so, what are they like?

Yes, the University organises lots of activities, the first few weeks we had many social events that were fun like discos, etc. They hold many different events that are well advertised around the University such as a film viewing, etc. You'll see them all on flyers around the building!

Do you think there is a good quality of teaching?

As mentioned before, it's a different style of teaching, very grammar translation based, and not much practising with creative writing or communicative skills.

It's a different style, but you learn to adapt, so it's fine.