Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great little program in the south of France! June 01, 2022

By (International Relations-Political Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/21/2021 to 05/25/2022 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I loved my experience! Like anything in life, it's what you make it. Have a lot of patience when it comes to integrating with the French and it will pay off!

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.

The WIA courses were an overall positive experience. However, it was difficult to adjust to the French educational system at Sciences Po Aix. You need a high level of the French language to succeed academically.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

You will be expected to do a lot of your own research when it comes to Sciences Po Aix or AMU. There are resources at Tavan to help you but student connections elsewhere may prove to be useful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I started out living with a host family, but I ended up moving to studio housing. It met all of my needs and was in a great, central location.

* Food:

The program stipend for those living in studio housing covered all food expenses with enough to go out for dinner every so often.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If you don't live with a host family, it will be difficult to integrate into the French culture. That being said, your experience in Aix will be what you make it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The only experience I had with healthcare was in regard to the Covid-19 pandemic. Antigen tests were not covered by the program, yet we were expected to take them often at our own cost. Each test was 25 euros.

* Safety:

Aix-en-Provence is extremely safe.

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)

The stipend provided by the program is sufficient.

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? French 220
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Live with a host family if you want to improve your French the most.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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 location
  • Variety of options (institutions, housing, etc)
  • Tavan
* What could be improved?
  • Host family situations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The academics will be challenging, especially if you are in a position where you need to fulfill credits. You will have to spend a lot of time studying in the place of enjoying being abroad.

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 Urbanite
A 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.