The time of your life: Aix en Provence Past Review

By (Journalism, University of Maryland - College Park) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Aix-en-Provence, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a stronger understanding of the world and of myself. I learned to view things from a wider perspective. The language and knowledge gained abroad landed me with my first job out of college with a French company and I still use the skills today in my current job.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The grading system was very different, but overall the workload and teaching methods were great. The diversity of the student body was fantasatic.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My expectations regarding this program were far exceeded. It was years ago and I still look at it as the best time of my life. The on-site directors were phenominally helpful and knowledgeable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I felt the city was 100% safe. I felt comfortable going out alone. I first went for the Spring semester and stayed with a roommate in the city center. It was amazing. Right outside of our apartment door was a daily open market. She was another American, so how much we practiced French was up to us. I decided to stay on for the Summer semester independently and lived with a French family I had gotten to know throughout the program. Living with a family was a much better way to learn the language and feel immersed in the French culture.

* Food:

You can't go wrong with any food in Aix...seriously. :) We had an opportunity to take weekly cooking classes which I did every week. The classes were hours long and some of the most memorable nights of my time in France.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were offered a variety of field trips and special events. The lavender harvest was my personal favorite. It was breathtaking! Monte Carlo was a blast too. We went to a cabaret show and casino. This program will honestly change your life.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The only doctor I needed was a dentist. It was very accessable and one of the directors went with me so there were no language problems.

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

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
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I knew no French when I arrived in Aix. I had to practice with the directors of the program, other students, teachers and host families. I used the language everyday in most situations. How much I learned and used the language was really up to me though.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The program itself, the directors, the traveling and the cooking.
* What could be improved?
  • Honestly, nothing. It was perfect.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you can do it for longer than 1 semester: do it.