Summer in Provence Past Review
By Caroline H (Communication and Media Studies, Temple University) - abroad from 06/06/2015 to 07/18/2015 with
France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
Not only did I improve my understanding of the French language and culture, but I also learned a lot about myself. My experience here definitely changed my view on the world and what I want out of life.
Review Photos
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. |
Classes are intense, but pay off! My French has improved tremendously. |
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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? |
Though I was not happy with my initial homestay arrangement, since addressing the issue and being placed in another home, I have been extremely happy! |
| * Food: |
It's France! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was very sick my second week into the program, but thankfully the AUCP directed me to a doctor that could see me the same day and I was reimbursed for all medical charges (the visit, testing, medication) |
| * Safety: |
Aix is a very, very safe city. |
| 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) |
With homestay, you are provided with breakfast and dinner throughout the week. Though the hosts are not obligated to provide you with meals on the weekend, many offer to if you do not feel like eating out or spending money. Though going out can get pricey, you can definitely have fun within a budget in Aix. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 |
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? | Advanced College Level (3000 level) |
| 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? | Do not be scared to try. The French love when anglophones show a desire to learn their language and want to help. The stereotypes are not true! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | I wish I had known what to expect from a host family, so that I could have realized sooner that I was not fit for my initial one. |
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. |
