Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Aix-cellent Study Abroad Aix-perience! (Puns Thoroughly Intended) Past Review

By (Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne / IPFW) - abroad from 01/04/2016 to 05/05/2017 with

Aix-Marseille University: Marseille - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely! Study abroad. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and everyone should be able to take advantage of it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enrolled at Aix-Marseille Université via the Indiana University / University of Wisconsin program in Aix. I had wonderful on-site advisors, excellent support, and a rewarding time in my courses. It was ideal!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not needed.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I had a great time, and most everything was wonderful. The few obstacles I did come into contact with were easily surmounted and although it was exhausting most days, I truly believe that my current level of professional French would have been impossible without the experience.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200

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? 400-Level
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

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
  • 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?
  • classes
  • advisors
  • location
* What could be improved?
  • some of the admin details are frustrating
  • nothing else
  • really!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt well-prepared -- I'm not sure there's anything I know now that I wasn't made aware of or prepared for, thanks to IU!

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!