Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

a wonderful experience Past Review

By (Music, French, Vanderbilt University) - abroad from 05/28/2014 to 12/10/2014 with

Vanderbilt University: Aix-en-Provence - Vanderbilt Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Vanderbilt-in-France is definitely a worthwhile program! The professors are all so passionate about their work, and the coursework is definitely challenging. I feel that I was really able to improve my level of French, simply by being in class, having dinner with my host family, and spending a lot of time with the tutors. A study-abroad experience is what you make it, so if YOU want to improve your language skills, YOU have to make it happen! I took several trips to towns outside Aix, where no one spoke English, and I felt completely immersed in the French culture. I took a two-hour guided horseback tour in the town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer, and I learned a lot about the local culture and landscape. Throughout my time in Provence, I was proactive about improving my French, and I feel that it paid off. In addition, I took classes at the conservatory in Aix, and the head director of Vanderbilt-in-France was extremely helpful in getting me enrolled. She came with me to speak to the director of the conservatory about signing up for classes, and she attended my orchestra concert. All three directors are extremely supportive of the students in the program and genuinely want to see them succeed in their studies of the French language!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

* 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 much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? 200-level
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? Spend as much time as you can with the tutors. They are super-nice and will hang out with you even if just to practice speaking and listening.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • courses and professors
  • host family dinners
  • opportunity to work with French tutors
* What could be improved?
  • more organized excursions to museums, etc. during the semester
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know now that when you live in a foreign country, there will be ups and downs every day as far as speaking and interpreting the language. It is important not to beat yourself up if somebody doesn't understand you or if you have trouble understanding someone. The point of studying abroad is to LEARN!