An unforgettable experience! Past Review
By A student (French Language, Literature, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/22/2015 to 05/24/2015 with
Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Wellesley-in-Aix
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 |
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
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? |
|
* What could be improved? |
|
* 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! |