The time of your life: Aix en Provence Past Review
By Katey W (Journalism, University of Maryland - College Park) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Aix-en-Provence, France
I gained a stronger understanding of the world and of myself. I learned to view things from a wider perspective. The language and knowledge gained abroad landed me with my first job out of college with a French company and I still use the skills today in my current job.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system was very different, but overall the workload and teaching methods were great. The diversity of the student body was fantasatic. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My expectations regarding this program were far exceeded. It was years ago and I still look at it as the best time of my life. The on-site directors were phenominally helpful and knowledgeable. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I felt the city was 100% safe. I felt comfortable going out alone. I first went for the Spring semester and stayed with a roommate in the city center. It was amazing. Right outside of our apartment door was a daily open market. She was another American, so how much we practiced French was up to us. I decided to stay on for the Summer semester independently and lived with a French family I had gotten to know throughout the program. Living with a family was a much better way to learn the language and feel immersed in the French culture. |
| * Food: |
You can't go wrong with any food in Aix...seriously. :) We had an opportunity to take weekly cooking classes which I did every week. The classes were hours long and some of the most memorable nights of my time in France. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were offered a variety of field trips and special events. The lavender harvest was my personal favorite. It was breathtaking! Monte Carlo was a blast too. We went to a cabaret show and casino. This program will honestly change your life. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The only doctor I needed was a dentist. It was very accessable and one of the directors went with me so there were no language 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 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I knew no French when I arrived in Aix. I had to practice with the directors of the program, other students, teachers and host families. I used the language everyday in most situations. How much I learned and used the language was really up to me though. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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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? | If you can do it for longer than 1 semester: do it. |
