Pseudo vacationing while becoming fluent in another language January 23, 2023

By (French, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/29/2022 to 12/16/2022 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Fluency in French more than anything. But also got to experience first hand the culture, I learned a lot about how the french educational system is different from the American one, and got the chance to compare the mindset and habits of people there to what I knew before.

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

The director program, Monique, is very on top of things and efficient which provides a smooth administration experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Food in France is AMAZING!

* 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

In the end I did manage to fulfill my goals for the program and I loved my experience there.

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)

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? FREN202
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! It makes all the difference!

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
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?
  • Immersion
  • My host family
  • The city and its accesibility for traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Integration with french students
  • Class offer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing