Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Eye-opening! Past Review

By (Art History, Criticism and Conservation., Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/20/2012 to 01/12/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worth while. I was able to explore Europe for the first time. I loved my host family and will always stay in contact with them. I felt that my French (comprehension, writing, speaking) definitely improved.

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.

The University of Aix-Marseille did not offer many resources besides the library. The professors did not have office hours and you could not email them. Third year classes were difficult both in terms of subject matter and language (i.e. vocabulary, pace of speaking).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I thought it was well-administered but there were some problems. I understand that the French university system is unpredictable and doesn't plan ahead but I felt I was on my own sometimes determining when my finals would be and if I could reschedule them as I had to leave before the 2nd week of finals period. However, I could always contact the director and schedule a meeting with her if I had problems. We were well taken care of.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host family and the director did a great job of matching me with a host family.

* Food:

My host mother made great meals and the cuisine in France is AMAZING.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt integrated (i.e. knew my way around, could converse with others easily in French) but I felt a bit out of place at the university.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe even at night. Sometimes, even in the safe quarter, there were loud drunks on the weekend. I also know some girls in the program had an issue with aggressive men.

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)

I definitely needed the $300/month for food and traveling expenses. Aix is a very expensive city.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $60 each week on food and other expenses; difficult to say as I traveled a lot.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food at supermarkets as it is cheaper to pay for it yourself. Clothes and hygienic products are also expensive so I would bring those from the United States.

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

You always needed to speak French - in class, at the Wellesley Center, with your host family.

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 seminar
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Always talk French, even with your friends though it may be tempting to speak English.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • host family
  • Aix
  • ability to travel on the weekends
* What could be improved?
  • communication with Wellesley
  • support at the French university
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How awful the French university looks and how to prepare for classes with only 1-2 assignments/semester.

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!