A Semester in Provence: An incredible, immersed experience Past Review

By (Economics-Mathematics, Colby College) - abroad from 09/05/2015 to 12/20/2014 with

France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The capacity to understand not only another language, but also the intricacies of a different culture. It was extremely worthwhile and I am positive many of the relationships I formed will last a lifetime.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Intense but very fulfilling.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family completely changed the experience for me.

* Food:

Homestay, restaurants, boulangeries, markets all great

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Easily accessible, affordable, and helpful.

* Safety:

Felt completely comfortable the whole semester, only downside is that my friend was indeed robbed

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 50-70 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend all your money at the very beginning but do spend it all on food, travel, etc.

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

Language pledge

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? 100-level college course
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? Avoid using English as much as possible

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host Family
  • Professors
  • Aix itself
* What could be improved?
  • Finals Week
  • Strictness
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There's a lot to be learned from being in a foreign setting and culture if you are willing to put yourself into a situation that you may not necessarily be comfortable with. Il faut profiter du temps qu'on a.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'