A good host families can make all the difference Past Review
By Wellesley'13 (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/28/2013 to 01/17/2013 with
Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Wellesley-in-Aix
Improved my language and interpersonal skills, became well-versed in french culture, and met a wonderful host family who became part of my real family to me.
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 at Sciences Po were good, but those at Aix-Marseilles were fairly dull and repetitious. It was a very different system than in America, and I don't think any of us really felt prepared for final exams, though I think most of us passed alright. I didn't like that we were somewhat discouraged from taking all classes at Sciences Po (we had to take two Sciences Po classes to get one credit, whereas Aix-Marseilles classes counted for a whole credit, even though the Sciences Po classes were more rigorous and intellectual). |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They weren't particularly approachable. In fact, they often scolded us and treated us like children. That would've been somewhat more acceptable if they'd nurtured us as well, but they didn't--we had to figure out how to do most things on our own, even matriculation to Sciences Po. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed with a wonderful family, with whom I still communicate regularly and am hoping to visit in the near-ish future. Wellesley did a great job matching me with my family. Some of my close friends had apartments, in which I spent a considerable amount of time, and they were lovely, with a great location. The best housing you'll have in college. |
| * Food: |
I'm not really sure what this question is asking because the food wasn't through the program, but obviously the cuisine in Aix is amazing, if somewhat expensive. They did give us a stipend, which covered normal expenses reasonably well. When we went out to dinner with the program, they often ordered the food for us, which I found annoying, but... hey, free food! Who am I to complain? |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The french students were largely unapproachable and we had few opportunities to connect with them outside of at bars, which... is not the best environment for making *friends*--I'm really lucky that I had my host family. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was sick for about the first month and my program didn't help at all, just told me that maybe I shouldn't go on the fun day trips they had planned until I stopped coughing. My host mom took me to the doctor, though, and that was an odd experience that I don't really think did much good, but it didn't do much harm either. I'm sure if there'd been a serious problem the medical system in Aix could've taken good care of me. |
| * Safety: |
It's a city, so there are dangers (and the men are very aggressive and have no qualms about following a lone woman and heckling her), but it's about as safe as a city gets. Marseille, however, is a different story. My hot mom didn't like me being there after dark, and for the most part I followed her wishes. My bike did get stolen once, despite being locked up. C'est la vie. |
| 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) |
The stipend they gave us made it easy but otherwise it would've been very expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I can't remember; this was months and months ago. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy groceries at monoprix instead of casino or the other more expensive chains, and take advantage of the lunch deals at restaurants. |
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 |
I mean they wanted us to use it all the time, but we weren't actually around our program all that much. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | LIVE WITH A HOST FAMILY. I cannot stress that enough. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | What Aix was really like--it's not as picturesque as they make it seem. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
