A Chance to (Aix)hale Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/18/2017 to 01/11/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I'm so happy to have had the chance to go abroad and finally put my language skills to the test!

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.

This program is not very difficult as far as academic rigor goes- there's not a lot of work and the work is rarely difficult. But frankly, the fact that classes were not difficult was better for me because I was able to focus on learning the language, not on whether or not I was going to pass my classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Monique is a gem! She's always looking out for you and encourages you to find ways to make the most of your time abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living with a host family is great! There's no better way to assimilate to a culture or learn a language.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200

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? 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? 226
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? Go out of your way to have conversations in your target language, even with other people in your program when you could more easily speak English

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?
  • The community created by the other members of the program
  • Language
  • Group Trips
* What could be improved?
  • Academics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't worry too much- things will work out!

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!