Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Highly recommended. AUCP Marseille, Bridge to the Middle East Past Review

By (French Language, Literature, Grinnell College) - abroad from 09/03/2011 to 12/16/2011 with

France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I cannot recommend AUCP highly enough -- my experience as a student at AUCP in 2011 continues to impact me. Supported by the professors and staff, I made major progress in my French and the way in which I handled inter-cultural situations. Today, in 2015, I am pursuing a Master's degree in French-English translation in France. AUCP gave me the solid foundation I needed to do more with my French than I ever thought was possible.

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.

I cannot recommend AUCP highly enough -- my experience as a student at AUCP in 2011 continues to impact me. Supported by the professors and staff, I made major progress in my French and the way in which I handled inter-cultural situations. Today, in 2015, I am pursuing a Master's degree in French-English translation in France. AUCP gave me the solid foundation I needed to do more with my French than I ever thought was possible.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? 300-level
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Immersion environment
  • Classes
  • The city of Marseille
* What could be improved?
  • More independence from host family
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? As most meals are eaten with the host family (and therefore most evenings are spent at home), sometimes my experience felt too sheltered.

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 Linguist
You 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!