Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Year In Aix Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/20/2012 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 learned that I am capable of adapting to a different way of living. I thoroughly enjoyed my year abroad and hope to live in France again after I graduate.

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.

The academic experience was very different from what I was used to at Wellesley and the hardest challenge was adapting to a different style of teaching and learning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I thought Wellesley did a great job but the French school system was very disorganized and mostly unhelpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was hard to make friends in school and there weren't many opportunities outside the program. I mostly made friends through volunteering at the film festival and through the people I already knew in Aix.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I only got sick twice during the year and both times it was cold that did not require me to go to the doctor or health services.

* Safety:

I know of other people in the program who had safety issues but I never experienced them myself.

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 only times I required extra money were for trips outside of France. Otherwise, I felt the budget fit very well.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-$100, more if I was traveling.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of your budget and plan ahead for events that will cost more money than you usually allot yourself weekly.

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? Advanced
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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Spend time with people who speak the language and make sure you use it anytime you're out of the house.

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
  • International Students
  • Other
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?
  • The organized trips to different parts of France
  • The Wellesley Center in Aix
  • The organized group events in Aix
* What could be improved?
  • The relationship with the Aix-Marseille University
  • The organization of events where students can meet locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had had a better understanding of the French school system.

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!