An unforgettable experience! Past Review

By (French Language, Literature, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/22/2015 to 05/24/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile! I not only learned about French culture and customs, I also learned so much about myself and grew as a person in so many ways.

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.

Although less rigorous than my U.S. college's curriculum, we were able to experience the French system along with French students. In addition the program provides ample resources- books, supplementary classes and academic support.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a single studio in a student residence with other French students. Was a great option for me, but not for everyone. Required extra effort to make friends and fully immerse myself in the culture.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program gave me advice and a list of recommended clinics. The health care system in quite different and usually the pharmacy is helpful enough that you don't have to go to the clinic.

* Safety:

Aix is a pretty safe city as long as you are vigilant. Watch out if you go to Marseille. As long as you're smart about it, safety shouldn't be a problem.

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)

program provides a stipend which was absolutely crucial for me! Not enough to cover all expenses but extremely helpful.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100

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? Advanced
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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The academic support and support in general
  • The funded cultural activities
  • The funded dinners and travel opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • The cours de soutien for Sciences Po courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That going abroad in general is really hard at first, and it definitely takes a long time to get used to, but it is so SO worth it. Go for the whole year!