Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Wonderful, Perspective-Changing Semester in French Language and Culture Past Review

By (Biology and French, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/22/2013 to 01/13/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was definitely worthwhile. Living in a foreign country was absolutely wonderful for learning about a new culture first-hand. Even if it may seem cliche, it honestly was able to offer me a new perspective on life and the world. Living in a different country and culture and being surrounded by a different language was a really unique experience for which I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity.

Review Photos

Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Universite de Provence (Aix-Marseille I) Photo Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Universite de Provence (Aix-Marseille I) Photo Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Universite de Provence (Aix-Marseille I) Photo Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Universite de Provence (Aix-Marseille I) Photo Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Universite de Provence (Aix-Marseille I) Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would suggest just trying to create a budget and keep to it, especially when trying to save money for traveling and other personal expenses, and don't be afraid to do a little research to try to find cheaper options for food, etc.

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? 200-level
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? I think that finding friends or working with native speakers from your classes, even though it isn't always easy to do, can help a lot to encourage you to speak the language. Even when staying with other Americans seems the safest and most comfortable, it can really help to try to push yourself out of your comfort zone in order to practice the language. I also give the advice to not be embarrassed or worried if your language skills aren't perfect, people are very understanding, and making mistakes is truly a great way to learn.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International 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?
  • The fact that the program is well-established, and therefore the great resources offered by Wellesley there
  • The location in southern France (in a nice town that is not too small and not too big, and less touristic than Paris)
  • Taking classes at the French university with native French students
* What could be improved?
  • None
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had known just how quickly it goes by, even though people warn of this, and how important it is to take advantage of every possible experience.

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!