Ma deuxième maison Past Review

By (Pennsylvania State University - University Park) - abroad from 09/10/2012 to 05/18/2013 with

Institute for American Universities (IAU): The Marchutz School of Fine Arts, Aix-en-Provence, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience showed me that by delving deeply into new and different things, it is only inevitable to gain a deeper understanding of oneself. I feel as though before my study abroad, I didn't know how to fully learn or to appreciate the way that I do now. I was never able to focus, to take the time to let a book or a painting, or a landscape or a person teach me what it had to offer. I will be forever grateful for the experience I took part in in Aix and with the Marchutz School. Both for introducing me to treasures of history and culture, while also helping me to more fully understand who I am meant to be.

Review Photos

IAU College: Aix-en-Provence - The Marchutz School of Fine Arts Photo IAU College: Aix-en-Provence - The Marchutz School of Fine Arts Photo IAU College: Aix-en-Provence - The Marchutz School of Fine Arts Photo IAU College: Aix-en-Provence - The Marchutz School of Fine Arts Photo

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.

IAU College and The Marchutz School provided courses that were challenging and interesting, by professors who were enthusiastic about the subjects and teaching. Since studying at the Marchutz School, I have gained a great ability to focus as well as a desire to learn that I had not previously had. From this experience I've been given the greatest gifts: the want to always be learning and seeing, and the understanding that this is possible.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a wonderful host family and living arrangement, with my own apartment though still connected to the family's house. They were very warm and welcoming, and became like family.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

As my French speaking progressed, I felt more integrated into the culture as a local. I enjoyed going to similar shops and knowing the store clerks, seeing familiar faces on my daily routine.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to see a doctor and get lab work done while in Aix, which was very easy thanks to IAU administration.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Aix, even on walks home at night. I was in an area more residential from the city, which I think helped.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buying food from the fresh markets helps to save money, and the food is fresher than at grocery stores.

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? 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? French 331
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? Watching French news programs online helps, and listening to music.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Landscape painting
  • John and Alan
  • All of the readings and discussions for art seminar
* What could be improved?
  • Limited number of Marchutz students (a bigger group in the Spring semester was a bit chaotic)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have packed less.

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!