Aix is the Best Past Review
By Sara Q (Philosophy., Western Washington University) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Aix-en-Provence, France
Living abroad as a young adult is invaluable. I do not think I would be as adaptable, open to new experiences, and able to get along with all sorts of people had I not studied abroad in college. My experience directly impacted my plans for the future-- I am in the middle of getting ready to move overseas to teach English.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Institute for American Universities (Aix), University College Cork |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This was the one area I had a bit of a problem with. I found that the philosophy courses didn't have any equivalents at my home university and I could not afford to spend a whole year for non-specified upper division credits. For this reason, I switched CEA locations for the second half of my year abroad so that I could attend a university that had courses more similar to my home university. I would recommend working closely with the department to which you plan to transfer your courses. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The CEA staff was awesome. They helped with everything, from the language barrier in my home stay to finding accommodations for my visitors. They were always friendly and available, and they organized great outings. Vivienne even booked a hotel for me when I came back to visit. I can't say enough good things about them! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was arranged by CEA. The neighborhood felt safe and was within easy walking distance from class/ the city center. I did not have to buy any housewares (although I probably would have needed a towel if I hadn't brought one) and my host family bought a mini-fridge for us to use so we could store our own food. I was treated like a guest more than as a family member-- with kindness, but more formally and less involved than my previous home stay experiences. |
| * Food: |
I think it would be somewhat inconvenient and difficult to live in France with dietary restrictions, but the food is fantastic. It might be what I miss the most about living in Aix! I had my favorite cafes and restaurants, but unfortunately I have either forgotten their names or they have closed. It isn't hard to find good food, but don't expect American or Mexican cuisine. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everything was memorable! Hiking Mont Ste Victoire, touring the calisson factory, cheese tasting, wine tasting, meeting groups of French students, trips to nearby cities/towns like Nice and Arles... |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had no experiences with healthcare or safety-related incidents. I occasionally took a cab home from nights out if it was late and I was by myself, but for the most part, I walked everywhere and had no problems. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
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| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do not hesitate. Go to Aix. I went with no French whatsoever and had a great experience. This program is best for those who are openminded and want to speak French, not English. |
