The provencal life, a life worth living, and remembering. Past Review
By Brillant A (University of Denver) - abroad from 09/07/2012 to 12/18/2012 with
Institute for American Universities (IAU): The School of Humanities & Social Sciences, Aix-en-Provence, France
It is really hard to say. But it was hard leaving because this place became my new home, and saw things from a different perspective. I truly fell in love with the program and the region.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes were not too difficult, challenging but manageable. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program administration were unbelievably amazing. I definitely developed great relationship with them as a network. They are also very supportive. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had my reservations, but I definitely enjoyed my host family, as did many of my friends. |
| * Food: |
My host mother was an amazing cook. Eating out was great also, but it added up in cost over time. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
By the end of the program, Aix becomes home to you. You can be as integrated as you want to be. The school encourages it, but you have to push yourself. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
It varied week to week, but if you budget well, it is not too difficult. Don't try to spend as much as everyone because we all had different budget. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about 80 Euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Look for cheap flights like Ryanair, Jetblue, Aerlingus if you want to travel cheep. If you want to shop, go to the markets on weekends. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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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? | I already spoke the language so I didn't take a class |
| 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? | Take a risk and be outgoing and talk to the natives. Make friends with them, and don't be afraid to talk with your host family |
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
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | To save up more money |
