Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A sleepy town with lively students September 01, 2026

By (International Relations - history, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/05/2026 to 05/20/2026 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very valuable to learn the language and be immersed in the local education system, I am glad I took a number of classes at AMU. It definitely helped shape my post-grad plans, encouraging me to someday aim to live in a French city, but perhaps not study there

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

Stephanie and Celia did an amazing job organizing everything!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment was perfect, we had some challenges with random roommates, but that was unavoidable

* Food:

The food stipend was very adequate

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was easier to integrate in Marseille than Aix, even though I resided in Aix

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was easy to get support from a doctor when I had some health issues, I did not go through the problem, but I did use their health insurance to get reimbursed

* Safety:

Aix was fairly safe, and Marseille was welcoming for a large city

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I think I would have flourished in a larger city

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)

Wellesley's allotted stipends were very much sufficient for the cost of living

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about 200 euros on food and miscellaneous items, like taxis, toiletries, and outings
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Large grocery stores in France are very affordable, especially Intermarché, and taking advantage of Aix's frequent open-air markets allows you to experience local ingredients while cooking at home. Having a fully equipped kitchen already in our apartment was probably one of the biggest cost-saving measures and boosts to quality of life

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

I spoke French throughout the semester, even usually with other American students

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? B2
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Reading a variety of French material helps prepare for the bureaucracy of French academia

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
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?
  • Apartment
  • Camaraderie with other students
  • Marseille
* What could be improved?
  • Random roommate selection
  • Honesty about program ahead of time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To take full advantage of Marseille and even Paris if possible, as well as the natural beauty surrounding Aix. Once I got out of the town more in the latter part of the program, I had a much better experience

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!