An Aix-cellent time in France! Past Review

By (Elementary Education, Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/19/2012 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester at Aix-en-Provence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I advanced my learning skills and language skills.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 35€
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save money for trips and eating out, buy groceries to make your own lunches and you will save some money

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? 100
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak as much as possible in the other language, even with American counterparts

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The administrations
  • The town
  • The students
* What could be improved?
  • Use more French
  • The communication with teachers
  • The credit transfer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much English would be spoken