Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Arguably the best experience of my life so far! Past Review

By (Political Science And International Studies, Fairfield University) - abroad from 09/01/2012 to 12/19/2012 with

Fairfield University: Aix-en-Provence - Semester or Year Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be an expert traveler, got to live in the most gorgeous part of France with a relaxed life pace and great people, got to visit some of the most beautiful cities and places on Earth, became more culturally aware, learned a great deal more about the European mentality and politics, improved my French, made close friends - both American and International, made good connections in Europe, learned about life, and had an all-around wonderful time.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Knowledgeable professors who really care about students and are reasonable and sensitive to the needs of study-abroad students. However, they are sometimes easy graders, to the point that someone not studying much can still get the same high grade as someone working very hard - this is unfair.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff is very courteous and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The host family does the minimum required. A close family connection lacks, but they let me be very independent and do what I wanted whenever.

* Food:

Although expensive, food and cuisine in Aix tastes great, and is usually local-grown, and organic. Make sure to taste the Provençal specialties and visit the markets.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because we are in an American institute with mostly American students, it was harder to interact with locals and really feel integrated. Students have to make a lot of individual effort to meet and get to know French people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

- did not have experience with this

* Safety:

The city is very safe. But people and especially girls should utilize discretion at night. Other than that, regular things like watch your bags and don't walk alone at night are important in Aix like anywhere else.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

While it is not difficiult to be thrifty and save money, travelling expenses took a lot out of my wallet.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 40 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make your own lunches and meals rather than buying ready made sandwiches/ pastries becase they cost a lot of money. Plan any international or major trips months in advance to get the best deals on train and plane tickets. Explore all travel options, including RyanAir and Easyjet. Travel will be the most expensive part of your experience, although travel within EU countries is very easy and relatively inexpensive. However, also remember that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - to be in Europe, young, free, and independent, and be able to go anywhere you want. Don't be afraid to use money to experience what you want to - you only get to do this once so make the most of it even if it means spending a little more money. Being too cheap with yourself will take away from the experience.

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

However, because many American students were not proficient in French, they spoke English almost all the time. Even students who were good in French spoke English out of convenience. Studentents MUST make an honest effort to speak French otherwise you will see very little progress by the end of the semester and will not get the most out of your study abroad experience.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced - at least 4 semesters of French
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? Participate a lot in the Language Partner Programs that IAU hosts - it's a great way to meet other French and international students. Set up café meetings or other activities to hang out with French students. Take advantage of the language partner programs with the Science Po, IAE, and other French institutions in the city. Speak French with the locals when shopping, even if you feel embarrassed about an accent. They'll really appreciate it and it only helps. Speak French with your professors and staff at IAU. Give yourself more credit - don't give up. You know a lot more than you think you do, so put it into practice.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The location in the South of France - it is gorgeous, the life pace is slower, and people are so kind. Aix is a college town, which makes it even more fun.
  • IAU program and class trips. - A lot of classes include field trips
  • The awesome professors
* What could be improved?
  • Make it easier to take classes for credit at the local French universities. Include more opportunities for interaction with locals and French/ International Students. As an American Institute, integration with the local community was lacking.
  • Offer some of the English taught classes in French if possible.
  • Some Host Family situations - location sometimes very far from school, family not too welcoming, etc.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Plan your trips well in advance (months if possible). Be prepared to walk a lot. Master the art of packing light when you head off to Europe. **Be aware that you will be in an American Institute with American students so you may be constricted to Americans for the most part- this will limit your interaction with true locals and potential to improve your French. For anyone very serious about French, try to take courses at the local universities (although difficult, this can be arranged through IAU), or choose a program more integrated with the local community.