An Aix-cellent Experience Past Review
By Gillian Courtney (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/03/2017 to 05/14/2017 with
Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Wellesley-in-Aix
Understanding of another culture, particularly political views, and systems, a new level of capability in the language, and a unique look into how we learn language as children and adults.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Absolutely incredible, but once sent me to the hospital (peanut allergy) |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
City of Aix is very safe |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program was so well run, provided us ample opportunity to immerse ourselves in the culture, and learn the language. Such a valuable experience!! |
Finances
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* 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) |
Not terrible. Spent a little extra money out of pocket, but mostly on vacations which weren't *techincally* a part of the program |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 90 euros, maybe |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | This program grants you access to a kitchen, use it! Cook lunches with others. You'll make friends, save money, and gain new skills |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
No english was spoken in the program center and with host parents |
| 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? | The requirement for the program (French 210) |
| 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 with a host family! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | That I was going to want to stay longer! |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
