A Life-changing Semester in Aix Past Review
By aucpstudent (English and Media Studies, Scripps College) - abroad from 09/06/2014 to 12/20/2014 with
France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
Going abroad completely changes your outlook on life. You become aware and sensitive to cultural difference, begin to value new things, and develop a whole new set of friends from around the globe.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program is strict about their language pledge, but it really does help improve your level. There were a broad range of classes to take although a few are required. Take the business and culture of french wine with Joël! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host mom was absolutely amazing and really made my experience incredible. She lived close to centre ville, had a fun group of friends, and was a great cook! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Through my host mom, my language partners and my friends' partners, and the great groups of students we met in town, I was able to have an active social life in Aix. The program also teaches you the ways of French culture that you slowly begin to adopt to further integrate yourself. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * 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) |
I was given money from my school which definitely helped. However travel and eating out can get very expensive very quickly. |
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 |
You are required to speak French the whole time. |
| 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? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 44, AP French Language in high school |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
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? | 10+ |
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? | Not to be scared and throw yourself at every opportunity given to you in Aix. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
