For those that went to School in France to study French?

Question

*What type of test did you take before you actually started to learn French as a class together? - Was it a test just to see where you were in the French language?

*How was your class experience - was it hard, easy...?

Here if you missed this:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AhRxpkC5Vu9EhxoGDq4IpKTsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080517072951AAcf0X0

Answer 1

My program had no such test.  It was a Junior year abroad program given by the french department.  Everyone in the program had at least a few years of French.  If you were very good, you took normal classes with the French Students at the University of Rouen.  Of the 19 of us 3 were that good.  The rest of us took classes set up for those not yet aclimated to the language.  These special classes were set up for the intermediate level student.  They were all in French and taught by French Professors.

Answer 2

I was tested on the day before classes started.  They did this to see what level you would be placed in.  There was an oral and written component.  In the oral portion the person just tried to hold a conversation with you.  I don't remember too much about the written part, probably conjugations or something.  

The class experience itself was wonderful.  The class is conducted entirely in French.  The only time English was ever spoken was if the teacher could see that everyone was really, really confused.  As opposed to most teachers in the US, I felt these teachers actually cared about us learning.  They really took the time to work with us and were willing to take more time and give individual attention if needed.

Hope that helps.