Aix-en-Provence Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

As I mentioned above, the lack of community and the emphasis on independent learning were challenging aspects I had to get used to, but I always maintained an open mind and had an overall excellent experience studying abroad at this university. Perhaps expectation levels weren't high for everyone, but students set their own expectations and I found this quality admirable. I also thought that maybe in depth learning wasn't as pushed as it is here, but I think that's up to the student. My experience studying abroad really made me appreciate the effort that professors put in here for giving us assignments that really cement our learning, and for providing us with a variety of ways to learn material. The most involved professors reminded me of the ones I had in the US. Some of my professors often praised the American way of doing things, but I have my own admiration of the French way of doing things. After oral presentations in front of the class, everyone including students commented on the presenter and what they like or didn't like about their presentation. Professors sent final grades to everyone via email (in a public document, with everyone's name next to their grades), or announced them in class. It was shocking but even more so just refreshing to let go of some of that embarrassment or anxiety about everyone knowing your grade. I bet it helped relieve some of the competition as well, which I didn't sense as strongly there as I do in the US. Like in the US, it was difficult to achieve a high A grade, but many students were satisfied with the equivalent of Cs or lower, as long as they passed. I didn't take these differences to mean that any particular system of education was better or worse. I see both systems in the US and France as being different and I think I can take away very positive learning experiences from studying in France and using that to my advantage in the US. This experience was especially important for me, a science student, as it was great for me to experience a semester of all humanities courses in a completely different and enriching way.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Such variety in Aix! I even found Mexican food! What!! But beware, some places are expensive...I think it'd be great to have a great allowance of cultural money for food there. For the everyday food, markets are the best places to get deals, but I did a great deal of shopping at Monoprix (think of it like Walmart or Target with pretty much anything you need, but still pretty pricey), and convenience stores.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The kayaking trip was great, the wonderful dinners. I enjoyed the first social event the program held for us where we got to meet other students. I wish something with them had been arranged again. I appreciate that the program paired some of us with families that we could have a chance to meet families but not necessarily live with them.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I don't think there were many health issues. I personally experienced a health issue but I ended up going to the dentist on my own which was an interesting experience. I think the emotional health support that the director provided us was really helpful, just always being available to talk or visit in her office. The town was very safe but I always travelled with someone else late at night, for the most part. But even at night I felt safe and sometimes I'd come back late alone from somewhere and it'd be fine. Since I lived farther away than others, my taxi fares got reimbursed so sometimes I'd take a taxi.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

My listening comprehension was enhanced and most of all I felt more comfortable speaking in french, more quickly and with less stumbling. I was mostly able to practice speaking with my roommates from the program, but when I met friends from school I spoke to them on a regular basis in French, and I also made a friend through a french-english conversation exchange. I did need to use French in everyday interactions, such as shopping, and especially when I had to go to an emergency dentist visit. It was tough to keep it up with program members, but there were definitely a bunch of us who tried our best to stick to it, which I think benefited us the most. I also think those who stayed with families got a lot out of it language wise.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Local Students