La France: incredible, histerical, patriotic. Past Review
By A student (Mathematics and French, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/02/2013 to 05/17/2013 with
Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Wellesley-in-Aix
I learned so much about France that I cannot fit it all in this box. I learned French history, which allowed me to understand the French more. I watched TV shows that gave me talking points with my neighbors and host parents. I traveled and got to experience different cultures that put into perspective the differences with French culture. I made lifelong friends from my university, other universities, and my neighbors + host parents. Yes, this experience was completely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academically it was hard because all of the classes were in French and they were lecture style, but I felt that the material could have been harder. I was not working as hard as I do in Wellesley, but I appreciated that since I got the opportunity to travel and get to know other cities in France. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I feel that they could have been more helpful when the Boston bombings occurred. We did not have a place to go to talk about this issue or anyone who can help us go through it. Other than that, the administration was super helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved living in my own studio apartment! It was superb and I loved my neighbors, they were really accommodating and helped me dive into their culture. It was great not having a roommate :) and a TV with cable!!!! My hearing in French improved dramatically! |
| * Food: |
What is there not to like in French food (besides foi gras ugh)? |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Pretty integrated since I had my neighbors and my host parents to guide me through the fun French culture. I was lacking the social interactions with other young people, but my host parents and neighbors made up for that! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It was super easy to access. The program did not help me at all. They had a health section in the GAP which was super useful and I used it as a kick start, but I did it all on my one for the most part. It was cheaper in France than in the US. |
| * Safety: |
Totally freaked out every night I had to walk back from a dance class alone because there were a lot of weird and drunk people. I did not feel safe to walk around alone at night. I would always run and have my cell phone ready at hand. But I survived, right? It wasn't that (italics) bad. |
| 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) |
Wellesley is so accommodating in this aspect that makes it super easy for us to live comfortably abroad! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 0. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make your own lunch since it is cheaper, and go out to dinner in a restaurant 1-2 times a week to still get the culinary experience if you are in an apartment! |
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 |
On field trips it was not really encouraged... Our director in Paris was way stricter than our director in Aix. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Fren 224 |
| 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? | Whenever you are out on the street always, and I mean ALWAYS, speak/practice French. It will make you fit in more and you will be practicing, which is what you need to do to become a fluent speaker. |
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? | To try harder to explore Paris and enjoy living in the moment. Don't sweat the little things that are happening back home whether it be with friends or family (except if it is an emergency). Take as many pictures as possible and write about everything you do. You would not want to forget a funny story or unparalleled adventure! |
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.' |
