The greatest study abroad Aixperience! Past Review
By Brionne G (Multimedia Journalism, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/30/2012 to 05/18/2012 with
France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned how to be the same person in every situation. It can be hard adapting to life in a new place, and sometimes you feel really awkward,but it makes you stronger in the end and teaches you a lot about who you really are.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The professors gave us just the right amount of work. The load wasn't overwhelming, so we still had time to explore Aix. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very friendly and organized. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Stayed with a french host mom. She was the most wonderful woman. |
| * Food: |
It's France...they're known for delicious food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It's what you make it. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The doctors do not all speak English, so if you need to visit one, make sure you ask. |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Aix is very pricey. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Four 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? | Make friends with local students. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | You will spend more money than you think you will. |
