Studying abroad in Lyon, France for a year, any advice?

Question

I am a 20 year old male UC Santa Barbara student and I will be studying abroad in Lyon for the 2008/2009 school year at the University of Lyon. Has anybody studied/lived there and can offer me some general tips or advice about the city or university?

Answer 1

dear etnom88:

You are going to have a blast. I was in Barcelona, and Carcassone, FR. It's going to be a bit expensive, but it is going to be worthwhile. I have a question for you, what ever happened to your S.B citation (public urination)? I am sorry to ask you , but I got the same citation in Long Beach, CA. and I'm freaking out. Please email me at [e-mail]

Thanks and good luck.

Answer 2

Have fun. You're a lucky guy. I haven't been to Europe but Assistants in France program. From what I hear, the European universities are a lot different. I hear that there's basically only a final exam and that nobody goes to class. I have no idea how true this is. I've just been to Quebec. You should go to Geneve because you'll be pretty close. I think you'll find the Swiss pretty different from the French.

You should visit all of the historical places. There are Roman ruins all over the South. You can go to Avignon, Nice, Montpellier in the South. Go to Bordeaux and the beaches in the west for surfing. Go to Versailles and Paris. So read some history and research the historical places that interest you before you go. If you have ancestral origins in France or England it might be worth it to research that before you go.

Speak French whenever you can. The best way to do this is to have a French girlfriend. The French are very good sportsmen so play soccer and climb and go skiing. There is good climbing in the east. Look up Club Alpin Francais. Maybe you can email me and tell me what it's like there. All the French that I've met here are polite and understanding.

In general you should refuse to speak English unless somebody asks to practice to improve their English. More Americans should want to explore the world like we do.