Summer Study Abroad in France Past Review
By Theresa J (Film/Video and Photographic Arts., Ithaca College) for
Institute for American Universities (IAU): The School of Humanities & Social Sciences, Aix-en-Provence, France
Yes it was "worthwhile" I gained an understanding of the type of art I want to create, the views of another culture, and I started learning independence being isolated from everything familiar.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Summer 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a flat in an apartment building with an elderly woman. It was just outside the city and not too long a walk from the city's center. <br /><br /> |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I got the chance to travel and experience a lot of local things such as a week long music festival, Bastille Day, art museums, nearby cities, several beaches. I only wish I could have spent a longer time there. |
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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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't buy a lot of things at once, don't go out for drinks too often and limit yourself to dining expensively. It's good to try a few higher prices places for the experience but some of the best food was at the cheapest places. Only buy what you need and no more |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you enjoy any kind of fine art, have years of experience or couldn't draw/paint to save your life, this program is for you. |
Comments
Aix-en-Provence is a beautiful place with friendly people, delicious food, and home to a wonderful painting program. I took art lessons for 12 years and still learned so much alongside people who'd never taken art lessons.
TJ February 09, 2010
