... this is absolutely impossible! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

For context, though I was part of the Wellesley-in-Aix program, I did a full course load at Sciences Po. At the end of the semester, preparing for 7 oral exams was a bit stressful. But frankly, coming from Wellesley, Sciences Po Aix was not difficult to adjust to, though there certainly was adjustment (I was shocked to learn there was virtually no homework in between classes, and that there were no assigned texts). You're just expected to keep up with the material throughout the semester.

On-site administration of your program

Wellesley did a fantastic job dealing with all the bureaucratic frustrations that tend to arise in France. Extremely organized and helpful.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I chose to live in Cité U Les Gazelles (basically dorms), and am really happy with my decision. It was a great way to meet both French and international students (Sciences Po houses all of their international students there). Private room, private bath, communal kitchen. Not glamorous, and a bit of a trek to class (30 min. if you're taking classes at Sciences Po), but really worth it.

I cooked for myself most the time, and I am a horrible cook, so this is entirely my own fault. But French food is obviously fantastic, and nothing beats nibbling on fromage et charcuterie on a sunny day in Parc Jourdan (cutest little park right next to Les Gazelles). Didn't eat out a ton, but Aix is packed with restaurants and bars with something for everyone. Shake Shack pizza = top. Get le Savoyarde. Warning: France has no peanut butter. This was a difficult adjustment for me. But any American food France is lacking (which honestly isn't much anymore -- hamburger places sont partout) is completely worth it because their approach to eating is that it should 1) taste incredible, 2) take forever, and 3) be made of real ingredients. It's truly fantastic and will make you cringe walking through the aisles of American grocery stores when you return. Oh, and if you're a coffee snob, get ready to be disappointed. Despite the café culture, the coffee itself is horrendously sub-par. The espresso is sometimes bearable. The only place in Aix with truly good coffee is Coffee To Go near the Sciences Po building, le Pain Quotidien is okay in a pinch. I also suggest buying your own French press for making coffee at home. Oh and the baguettes! I forgot the baguettes! Go to Jacob's. Just incredible -- they're warm when you buy them. Mine were always halfway finished by the time I got home. And pain au chocolat in the morning... okay yeah, wow, I miss the food a lot.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is one reason why I would highly recommend spending a full year abroad -- it really gives you time to sink into French culture. Coming back to the U.S. was a bigger adjustment than I thought it would be. Apart from French culture, I will add that I felt incredibly integrated into the ERASMUS (E.U. study abroad program) culture, since the students I spent the most time with were international students at Sciences Po. Everyone becomes extremely close extremely fast since everybody's trying to get acclimated to their new surroundings. But it was great, because through them I also learned a great deal about Germany, Italy, Turkey, Ireland, etc. My only regret is that I would have joined a sports team or a club of some sort, since that's the best way to meet and become friends with the French students. They're incredibly nice and well-meaning, they just tend to have already very solidified friend circles that are harder to break into.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I don't know that I can really speak to this, since I did not experience any health issues besides a cold here and there.

Overall, I felt very safe in Aix. Though I probably should have, I walked home alone at night several times without feeling unsafe. Also, despite the frequent warnings of the dangers of pick-pockets, I was never stolen from, though I learned to keep a really good eye (or arm) on all my things at all times.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• the people
• the classes
• going to the beach in October

• I can't think of anything!

The Outright Urbanite