Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An incredible and informative experience that is unforgettable Past Review

By (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 08/31/2018 to 12/15/2018 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester at Aix-en-Provence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think the most important things I gained from my study abroad experience was my improved language proficiency, my wine knowledge and background from wine marketing course, and the people and connections I have made at IAU and in Aix-en-Provence.

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.

My overall educational experience was more difficult than I expected but challenged me in many positive ways. The classes were intriguing and informative and applied heavy to my majors and the European culture as a whole

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely adored my housing and host mother situation. My host mom, Joelle only spoke french but that made it even more so an encouraging challenge for me throughout the semester.

* Food:

The food in Aix-en-Provence was spectacular. I got to try many different foods that I would have never expected to try in my life!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The integration process took a little bit of time but after the first month I felt more at home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The healthcare was definitely accessible and less expensive in France. My program was of great assistance to me when I was in need. It was a bit more difficult when explaining your problem, as you had to be very detailed and convincing.

* Safety:

I felt plenty safe in Aix-en-Provence as long as I was with people. I would recommend to any future study abroad students to never walk alone and to never show fear.

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

The program location was absolutely incredible and the people I met through the program are now lifelong friends.

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)

I would rank my budgeting at a 2.5. In the beginning it was a little bit difficult for me but after I got used to things, I transitioned into a better budget system.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? As said all too often, spend money on experiences and not products. Most things in that foreign country can be bought in the U.S.

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? Beginner
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? Beginner 1 and 2
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? Watch films and tv shows in language, go out of the house/apt and interact with other citizens, and listen to music or read/watch news in language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The courses
  • The excursions
  • The group activities
* What could be improved?
  • The campus space
  • More experienced professors
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It would have been nice to know at least one person going into the study abroad program. It was very difficult to meet people at first but after a while I did make some great friends.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.