A Lovely Semester in Provence Past Review
By A student (Art History & French, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/20/2012 to 01/12/2013 with
Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Wellesley-in-Aix
I became more independent, responsible, and calm in stressful/new situations. I learned to live completely on my own and navigate a new culture. I learned a lot about the French way of life, and I gained a new perspective on the western world. It was most definitely a worthwhile experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes through the WIA program were rewarding and interesting, but all courses through la faculté de lettres (Aix Marseille University) were completely disorganized and frustrating. I had to constantly remind myself that the reason I went abroad was to learn outside of the classroom, because in the classroom was unfulfilling and futile. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very helpful, organized, and involved. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Nice apartment in the centre ville, with all necessary amenities provided. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had a host family through BFEE which was great, but it was hard to befriend local students in class. I only began to connect with fellow students toward the end of my stay. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Aix, but exercised caution when I was out alone at night in the streets. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook your own meals; do not eat out. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | FREN 211, writing intensive |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had known not to expect anything from local French university classes - they were such a disappointment and frustration after classes at Wellesley. I wish I had known to just concentrate on just learning from daily life. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
