I will do it again! Past Review

By (Political Science And International Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/02/2012 to 05/31/2012 with

Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Wellesley-in-Aix

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think I gained more confidence in my academic potential and more determination to excel in my classes at Wellesley.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Aix-Marseille, Science Po Aix-en-Provence
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Wellesley College in Aix has a professional administration that show unique dedication to students. In particular, professor Catherine Masson, director of Wellesley-in-Aix, did an outstanding job helping each student find their dream study abroad experience.

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 80-100 euros/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? go to local food market and cook yourself

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? 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? 211
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? Try to limit your use of your native language to skype conversation with your parents/friends home and try to limit skype as much as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Excellent organization provided by my college and the location.
* What could be improved?
  • I know it is already greatly improved in the last 2 years.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I believe there is not much I did not know.