Aix: A new place to learn about yourself Past Review

By (French, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/20/2015 to 01/16/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself and my tendencies and how I live by myself.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Local healthcare was great. France has cheap health care and there was always at least one clinic open. The pharmacies are really accessible and are easy to understand. Doctors were very helpful.

* Safety:

Make sure you carry your cell phone at night and walk with a buddy if that makes you more comfortable. I felt safe walking home alone, but it took a couple of times for me to feel that way.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The program itself was fine, I would do it again, mostly because of the direct support offered to me.

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)

Food was pretty cheap, and I could make the choice to throw in bars or other fun events.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50?
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take a tour of the grocery store, figure out all of the deals that happen. Keep track of how much you are spending. Prepare your own meals instead of eating out.

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

"Ici, on parle français" signs (Here we speak French) in the program center.

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 level classes at Wellesley
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? Live in a host family. I did not, so I spent a lot of time by myself and thus did not speak as much as other students did.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the trips
  • academic support
  • assistance when needed
* What could be improved?
  • liaisons with french students
  • emotional support
  • pre-departure communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How hands-on you have to be to make friends with french people. Colloquial language. Racism (as it affects the students travelling with you, even if you are white)

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.