Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

charming Provence Past Review

By (Wayne State University) - abroad from 05/29/2012 to 06/30/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Aix-en-Provence, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was ABSOLUTELY worthwhile. I feel so much more independent after my experience abroad, and I know now that I'm capable of travelling by myself and having a great time. My French skills certainly improved, along with my understanding of French cultural. I had an amazing time!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The French language course at the superior level was engaging, fun, and laid back [it was a summer course, after all!] The professor was great and my class took many "mini cultural field trips" around Aix, like touring the Pavillon Noire. Homework was reasonable and exercises were useful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration was STELLAR. Our program director was so hands-on, it was easy to go to her about anything. She made us feel well taken care of and at home.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed with a host family and they were amazing. The house was within walking distance of the university, we ate proper French meals outside in the garden each night, and my roommate and I had a lot of fun hanging out with our "host sister"'s friends!

* Food:

Um, French food. I don't think I need to elaborate.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Even after five short weeks in the program, I did feel well-integrated into the culture. Aix isn't very big, so this was enough time for it to feel familiar and home-y.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Like any city, you have to be alert and keep an eye on your belongings, especially at night. My biggest piece of safety advice would be to BE CAREFUL crossing streets - people drive everywhere!

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)

If you're willing to be a bit frugal, it was SO easy to live cheaply in Aix. The daily farmers' market offers fresh produce for dirt cheap prices, and there are plenty of cafes were a good sandwich isn't more than a few euro. I saved money by always carrying my own water bottle so I wouldn't have to buy drinks.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 100 euro per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you're concerned with saving money, be willing to sacrifice buying unnecessary souvenirs, but take advantage of experiences, like traveling on weekends.

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

I had plenty of opportunity to use the language at my homestay and in class, but it was sometimes difficult during group outings because the language levels of program participants varied greatly.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? 6000 level
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? You have to force yourself to speak it! Be strict, because you CAN get buy using English, for the most part. I basically refused to speak English to anybody, and it paid off in the end!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • location
  • host family
  • all the opportunities included in the program (travel, cooking classes, wine tastings, lavender fields, petanque, etc.)
* What could be improved?
  • more French speaking within the group
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how beautiful Aix was going to be. It was hard to leave!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!