Best Study Abroad Experience in France Past Review

By (Economics, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/03/2015 to 05/21/2015 with

Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Wellesley-in-Aix

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My french is so much better after this program. I had a great time, academically and socially.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program is one of the best study abroad program! It was great!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

This town is very expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 50$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The town is just a little expensive. There isn't much you can do about that.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Total use of French by the program.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300 level french class.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Just speak it all the time. Best way to get better.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The other students and director
  • Taking classes at University with French Students
  • FRANCE!
* What could be improved?
  • Host Family Choice
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Histoire des Empires

Course Department: Histoire
Instructor: Nicolas Vedoni
Instruction Language: French
Comments: This class was amazing. Very challenging but so worth it. The professor had high expectations of all students but pushed us all to think critically about the material.
Credit Transfer Issues: