Ma deuxième maison Past Review
By Andi W (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
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
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 |
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* 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: |
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* 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
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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) |
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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 |
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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 |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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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? | 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 LinguistYou 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! |