A refreshing break Past Review
By liana.goehring (French Language and Literature., Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/22/2013 to 01/09/2014 with
Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Wellesley-in-Aix
I learned to slow down and really enjoy life.
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. |
The university itself was not very challenging or invigorating but it worked out because all courses were in French. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Director was so wonderful and helpful! Really took care of everything and made us feel comfortable. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Yes I loved my host family. |
| * Food: |
Restaurants and cafés were amazing. My most mom was an OK cook but everything was pretty good. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It took some time and unfortunately I never felt integrated at the university because I didn't make many french friends but I felt a part of the city by the end |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Yes I needed to see a doctor and the Wellesley in Aix administration was helpful as was the doctor - he was great! |
| * Safety: |
I didn't feel safe walking around alone at night and sometimes the men can be quite aggressive so young women should be careful. |
| 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) |
Aix is kinda of expensive, but not as bad as Paris. Plus Wellesley provides a reasonable stipend. |
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 |
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| 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? | French 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? | Really just go for it and don't speak english! |
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? | I wish I had not packed so much! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
