Un semestre aixois génial! Past Review

By A student (Political Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/21/2015 to 01/17/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My French improved immensely, I learned and incredible amount about French culture and "la France", I became more independent, and I got to live in Europe for 6 months. It was totally 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.	My Science Po classes provided a nice break from the structure of the American education system, while allowing me to still learn a lot about subjects which I found extremely interesting. The W-I-A classes (namely, the Méthodologie et expression écrite class) proved very helpful for my language acquisition.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	So, so supportive. Always provided excellent guidance!
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived in a student apartment, and it was exactly what I was looking for: great location and all mine. The only little thing I wish could have been a little different is that I wish the residents were a little more social, but, other than that, it was a quiet and comfortable place to live.
* Food:	Amazing!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Coming from a Latin (Hispanic & Italian) household, I felt very much at home in France; it all felt very familiar to me.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Yes, I had an allergist (immunologist), and he was excellent, professional, and very friendly.
* Safety:	Super, super safe!
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)	This is not particularly applicable to me, as I was on a fairly flexible budget. But, I think living on a student budget is most definitely doable.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$130
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	If living in an apartment, the obvious suggestion: Cook for yourself :)

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	Constant encouragement to always speak French.
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?	211
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?	Meet the local vendors/waiters/restaurant workers, and speak to them in French; Travel around France and listen to the different accents and try to pin the differences between expressions, words, sounds used in each different region; Read French books; Meet your friends' host families, befriend them, visit them, and converse with them any chance you get; Write in French A LOT - it helped my language acquisition enormously!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?	0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	French culture Language improvement Organization & Administration
* What could be improved?	'Traduction' class
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	That I would not be making as many French friends as I had hoped.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Méthodologie et expression écrite
Course Department:	W-I-A
Instructor:	Elodie Burle-Errecade
Instruction Language:	French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Traduction
Course Department:	W-I-A
Instructor:	Mireille Ozoux
Instruction Language:	French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Géopolitique de la Méditerranée
Course Department:	Science Po Aix (IEP)
Instructor:	Walter Bruyère-Ostells
Instruction Language:	French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Laïcité et droit
Course Department:	Science Po Aix (IEP)
Instructor:	Pierre Langeron
Instruction Language:	French
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: