Aix en Provence Past Review

By (French Language and Literature., Western Washington University) for

ISEP Exchange: Aix-Marseille - Exchange Program at Aix-Marseille Université

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I met amazing people and have a very close group of friends from all around the world. My French has improved significantly and I have memories that will last a life time.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Grading system is confusing. Teaching style is very traditional but my teacher was willing to change her methods to match our needs and requests. My school is not a good reflection on the French education system since it is an international school.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My advisor here in Aix was very helpful. She helped make the transition to living in a foreign country very easy. The administrative procedures in France are confusing and unclear, my advisor helped me with every step and followed up on the paper work.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

We were given a check each month to buy our own food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our program did not facilitate activities, however I met people through my program that I went on many trips with.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There were lots of break ins in the dorms through the windows on the bottom floors, however I was on the fourth floor so I was relatively safe. Healthcare is amazing in France

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • International students
  • Location
  • Small classes
* What could be improved?
  • More integration with the host country
  • Bigger stipend
  • 3 hour language classes each day is too long