Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Whatever I made it. Past Review

By (Bowdoin College) - abroad from 01/08/2017 to 05/14/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile. I learned to be more independent.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academics at the local university were disorganized, but certainly helped me improve my french

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Allowed me to be independent but also provided guidance when needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Amazing host family.

* Food:

My host family was so generous and accommodating of my dietary needs.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Thanks to my host family

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I only had a cold, and my host mom was very helpful

* Safety:

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)

My host family provided most of what I needed.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60 maximum

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

It definitely could have been more strict.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? A 2000-level course (out of 3000)
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Stay with a host family.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • language learning
  • relationship with my host family
  • ability to make my own decisions
* What could be improved?
  • more language immersion within program
  • more appealing program classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How disorganized the academics would be

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!