UQ Program: Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Arts
Academic experiences: During my exchange at Lyon 2, I took six classes of 5 ECTS each. The funny thing about Lyon 2 is that you sign up for the lecture (CM) separately from the tutorial (TD) – it’s recommended that you not take one without the other. I took a syntax lecture, a syntax tutorial, a phonology lecture, a phonology tutorial, a description of African languages tutorial and a Russian language tutorial. I found that the style of teaching at Lyon 2 (in the language sciences department at least) was similar to high school. It was less official and fixed than UQ, for example they could spring a mid-semester on you for next week without telling you or even a final. Don’t expect to know a lot about what you’re doing over the semester in terms of assessment or content until you get to class each week. Also, don’t expect much from BV (le bureau virtuel – blackboard equivalent) as most French lecturers will want you to take your own notes and those that have slide shows, won’t necessarily put them online. I found it a great experience to take university classes in French, especially to take a Russian class in French. My French was already quite good on arriving, but I feel a lot more confident now I have applied it in an academic context – assignments, exams, textbook readings.
Personal experiences: I made a lot of friends while at Lyon 2. I lived at a university residence in a flat with four others: two international students and two French students. It was great to get to know the French students and their way of life. I did the typical Australian-in-Europe thing and travelled pretty much every weekend (see ‘easyJet.com’). Travelling to Spain, Ireland, Germany, the Czech Rep, Italy, the Netherlands, and the like was a great experience – especially travelling with new friends I made in Lyon. But remember not to forget France! Some of my most memorable experiences were travelling inside of France by train (get a ‘carte 12-25’). Toulouse, Bordeaux, Besançon, the French Alps and Annecy were all part of my French experience and I feel good that I have got to know France a little more as well as all of Europe. Also, when travelling in France, check out ‘couch surfing’, because how better to find out about a French city than to hang out with a French local. One last note on Lyon; I discovered far too late in my exchange that Lyon is such an appealing city in its own right. Go and see the markets at Croix Rousse, the silk museum, Vieux Lyon and Fourvière, and just walk around – especially the northern parts of the Presqu’île. It’s a charming city – make the most of it!
Expenses: I travelled a lot! So I spent most, if not all, of the special emergency money that I brought over not meaning to spend. But when you’re in Europe and you know you won’t be again for a long time, what’s another return easyJet flight (40-80 €), three nights in a hostel (~60 €), and food/spending money (~60€), given that you get to see Prague in the spring time! Also, I know you’ve spent a lot of time earning that money, but when in Europe you HAVE to just pretend euros are dollars – if not, you won’t spend anything! In the end it’s up to you and how good you are at budgeting. Rent is cheap at the uni residences depending on whether you want a share flat or a private studio. Go for the share flat, I reckon. All of my friends who got studios wanted to change to the flat because they felt isolated. Groceries are cheapish too if you look around.
5 Top Tips:
If you can, try and get classes that are at the Quais (Berges du Rhône) rather than at the Bron (Porte des Alpes) campus. It’s nicer and closer than Bron which is half an hour by tram. If not, it’s okay – ALL of my classes were at Bron; I got used to it.
If you are planning to easyJet around, book tickets a month in advance because they skyrocket around the fortnight mark! In high season also book hostels in advance.
When in Lyon on Sundays, you MUST go to ‘Pain & Cie’ (Bread & Co.) near the Cordeliers metro stop, for their brunch. I only had the full brunch once (it’s huge and expensive), but we all kept going back for the cheaper smaller breakfasts.
Bring summer clothes too! Lyon gets hot in late-spring. I’m talking comparable to Brisbane, but minus the humidity.
Don’t get bogged down. Because believe me, France brings it! Between the social security, visa, titre de séjour, rent assistance, a French bank account, enrolment, compulsory lung x-rays (I’m not kidding), and running from place to place to get the official stamp on random bits of paper (they LOVE putting the official stamp everywhere), you’ll also be doing your own washing, cooking, shopping, cleaning, studying, travelling etc. Just enjoy it and try not to kill the person you’re dealing with when you explain your problem and they just shrug at you and blow a raspberry – you’ll understand when you get here.
BON COURAGE!