Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Aix-en-Provence: plein soleil and pains au chocolat Past Review

By (Literature, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/19/2013 to 01/11/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a great deal of confidence and undeniably improved my command of French. I'm very glad I went to Aix for the semester--the pace of life is relaxed and slow, and I really felt that I enjoyed life. Lovely food and the beautiful weather.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I think that the academic experience was as rigorous as one made it. I took second-year French literature and poetry courses, and I worked pretty hard because I wanted to, as I was invested in the subject. My professors were actually fabulous—the fac de lettres may be unattractive and falling apart, but the professors, especially the literature professors, are super.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Extremely well-run.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed with a host family, which I wholeheartedly recommend.

* Food:

French cuisine is great—no further remark required!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because I lived with a host family, it was easier for me to feel integrated in the culture. However, a lot of my friends on the program felt isolated from French students and mostly hung out with their American friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any issues on 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)

The program provided 300 euros a month for students living in a host family. I was actually able to put some of this money towards traveling.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep a budget, don't buy too many pains au chocolat (it adds up!).

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? French 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? Stop speaking English, already.

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
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?
  • location
  • academic advising
  • excursions
* What could be improved?
  • advising
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that city life suits me better, and that sometimes I did feel isolated in Aix—even a little bored with the pace of life. However, I'm glad I spent the semester here, as it was a great way to acquaint myself with France and the culture.

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!