Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Merveilleux! Past Review

By (Film/Video and Photographic Arts., Ithaca College) - abroad from 01/28/2012 to 05/20/2012 with

Institute for American Universities (IAU): The School of Humanities & Social Sciences, Aix-en-Provence, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely worth while! I gained lifelong friendships with my host family, and with my fellow American students.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

Ms. Abonnel was the best host mother EVER.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My host parents went WELL out of their way to help me to feel at home and to include me in their daily lives and their family.

* 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? 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)

* 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? 30 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy from markets and bring your own lunch.

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

My host parents went out of their way to help me learn French outside of class.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Elementary French II
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? Try not to speak English at all, even with other American students and you'll learn the host language a lot more quickly.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • My host family.
  • The friends I made from France and from across America.
  • The French cuisine and culture.
* What could be improved?
  • Students shouldn't be allowed to speak any English and should be completely immersed in French.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't worry about spending money, do everything and experience everything you possibly can.