South of France: get ready to practice french Past Review
By katherine N (international studies/ French lit & lang, Fordham University) for
France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
For me, i made so many good memories that i wouldn't change that for the world. I made great friends, took amazing pictures, and i have memories to look back on and laugh. However, had someone told me more specifically how strict the program is, i most likely would have chosen a different program for the mere fact that it was so intensive, with a lack of emphasis on travel.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This program is a very intense french program. It was pretty much class from 10-5 monday through Friday. Because we are only close to the Marseille airport, it is pretty small and makes it difficult to travel. The teachers were excellent but the director had strict regulations. The grading system was similar to my university, on the stricter side. The course load is heavy, expect french homework every night. The town is beautiful, and a good place to study abroad if your main goal is to learn french. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was small, so the education was focused on our specific group of people, which is similar to my university. However, it was much more intense than i expected. I was kept at the school from 10-5 most days, which i did not like. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I am a picky person, and i had no problem. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
it is a very small town; too small at times. However 7-8 times, the school plans these AMAZING field trips on saturdays. They were completely optional, but i went on every single one and saw all of the south of france! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
It was a safe town, however i did not feel very comfortable walking home by myself late at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100-150 euro |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | In general, Aix is a very expensive town. Especially the food and monoprix (walgreens). |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
i only spoke french with my host family, which was very helpful. We also only spoke french in school, in all of our classes, and with most of the people we came across in the town of Aix-en-Provence |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A studious person would prosper from this program. |
