Study Abroad in France: Best Year of College! Past Review
By Madeleine S (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/22/2014 to 05/20/2015 with
Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Wellesley-in-Aix
I gained not only language skills, but confidence in myself and independence. I really pushed the boundaries of what I was comfortable with, and now I feel empowered to pursue all sorts of opportunities I may not have considered before. It was completely worthwhile.
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Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had a good educational experience, but Aix-Marseille Université does not have many resources, and it is really up to each student to make his or her experience work. Works best for students who are independent and highly motivated. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
This is a very well-supported program (to make up for a lack of institutional support at the local university). There are 2 full-time program managers, as well as tutors, support classes, and French student leaders all available just for this program. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had French friends, a French host family, a French job, a French boyfriend, went to French university, etc... there was no aspect of life where we weren't integrated with the locals. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Although the health care system was good in my opinion, everyone smokes in public, and there are no designated smoking areas, so I received constant second-hand smoke. |
* Safety: |
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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) |
I lived with a host family, so meals were taken care of. With the generous stipend (and a part-time job I worked giving english lessons) I never had any problems--if anything, I actually saved quite a bit throughout the year. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 30-40 euros |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eating at the university, while not the most appetizing, saves a lot of money. |
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 |
All program events were conducted in French (including tours, meetings, visits to local sites, presentations, etc). We were forbidden to speak English at the program center, and encouraged to speak French at all times. |
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? | 10+ |
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Make French friends! It's just too tempting to speak English with other American students. Living with a host family is also really helpful for practicing and learning the language. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
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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 planned my cultural activities better, because I really didn't take advantage of that fund. [cultural stipend for 200 euros a semester] |