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
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
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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 |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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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? | 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 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! |
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: |