Spending a Happy Year in the South of France Past Review
By Katherine P (Comparative Literature., Wellesley College) for
Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Wellesley-in-Aix
Yes. I improved my French and became more confident using it, gained a better understanding of my own culture as well as French culture, and learned how to live independently as an adult.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There was much less assigned homework, but it was important to master the French essay-writing system, which was difficult. I also had to adapt to lecture-based taching instead of discussion-based teaching. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Some of the program's employees did not get things done quickly, but the director was amazing. She made sure we had everything we needed and that we were doing well both in and out of our classes. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Aix has a wonderful market as well as many great restaurants. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My program director arranged monthly outings for the group to see more of France. She also made sure we were all involved in at least one extra-curricular activity away from the group with French people |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Aix is a very safe city; common sense should be enough to keep anyone safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | One can spend about 40 euros a week and cover the bare minimum. However, more than that is more typical. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I did not know how to make and stay on a budget when I first went abroad. While the experience definitely helped me learn, I wish I had had a better idea of what to do prior to arrival. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 211 |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people outside of the program did not speak English, so using French was very important. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't be afraid to try new things. |
