I moved back to my study abroad town as soon as I could! Missed living in Aix while I was away! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved studying at Universite Paul Cezanne in Aix. The school for international students was excellent. I adored my language teacher! I learned so much in the classroom and my teacher was incredible at helping us learn in an exciting way. My teacher was strict enough to keep us serious about learning but dynamic enough to keep us interested, laughing, and excited about French! There were lots of electives to choose from which helped to diversify the courses that we were taking. There are certainly differences between the French and the American educational systems but I did not find them insurmountable. The differences in grading and instruction were easy to see and understand. I got use to them fast and my studies were not inhibited by them. The work load was manageable. Many people that study abroad say that the course work isn't serious and that it was more like a vacation semester; this is not the case in Aix. The course work is real (thank goodness). I'm very glad that the courses actually included homework and studying because it helped me to learn the language better. It wasn't too much to prevent me from having tons of fun or prevent me from traveling but enough to help me really learn French.

On-site administration of your program

Vivienne Hamill, the director of the Aix CEA program, is amazing. It is impossible not to have a fun time when she is organizing the events and coordinating the details of your semester. Vivienne obviously cares deeply about her students and goes out of her way to make sure that every student has a fantastic experience in Aix.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was home away from home. My host mother was not only an amazing cook but she was so sweet and fun. I loved getting to know her and her daughter. They made living in Aix brighter, happier, and more exciting. I miss living with them a lot!

Words cannot describe how amazing each meal was at my host mother's home. Such yummy French cuisine!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved visiting the Camargue. We rode white ponies through the marshes and spotted pink flamingos as we rode. We were in the Camargue for the celebration of Saintes Maires de la Mer which is a gypsy religious celebration. It was a really fun weekend trip. We did so many other amazing trips too but that was a favorite of mine!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was sick once while I was in Aix. It was really easy to get seen by a doctor. My program director set up the appointment with a doctor that spoke English (no one wants to struggle to explain themselves when they are ill). Also, Aix is incredibly safe! I never felt unsafe walking alone at night or during the day. No one I know had any problems with safety either!

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Friends and my host family!

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family

• The program director was EXCELLENT!
• Aix is amazing!

• Nothing