A cultural experience! Past Review

By (Economics, French, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/01/2013 to 05/19/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a much greater understanding of the French language and of French culture. It was definitely worthwhile!

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.

Some of the French professors weren't the best, the program could have better prepared us for writing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment was great!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was better if you joined BFEE. It was difficult to make friends with French people that were our age.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The French health care system was great.

* 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)

Wellesley's stipend is awesome.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150 Euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to cook lunch every once in a while

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? 300
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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
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?
  • Cultural components/days
  • Food
  • Aix!
* What could be improved?
  • Writing preparation
  • The Paris course
  • Internship connections
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Aix-en-Provence is a great city! I had done almost no research before going.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.