Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Many Good Points, But Areas To Be Improved Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/03/2019 to 05/09/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was kinda recovering from a previous abroad experience so I didn't immerse myself in French culture as much as I could've. But I made amazing French friends and bonded with students from other American schools, which alone made it worthwhile. Wish I could've improved my French more, though, as I feel it actually regressed.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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:

Aix is generally very expensive

* 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

I'd want to redo what I did wrong. I'd want to be more active in cultural integration.

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)

Aix is very, very expensive...

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • Europe is easily accessible
  • Independent Living
  • Felt emboldened to choose different courses
* What could be improved?
  • Cultural integration for students living in Rossini
  • Financial aid - laundry & food incredibly expensive
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I'd had really terrible experiences with host families before. I wish I had been given more information about how they are chosen and actively encouraged to choose a host family (or at least the shared apt option) because I regret not having as much immersion.

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!