A Magnificent City that I wish I had more time to explore! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very high and intense academic rigor during the summer. This is a very intensive summer program. A lot of work was assigned on a daily basis including the weekend. We were told that AUCP took all the homework assignments and materials from the spring/fall semesters and included them in our 6 week summer program. Though the assignments were interesting and challenging, this made it so we had very little time to explore Aix/travel on weekends, and spend time with people outside of the program. I wished that AUCP adapted the curriculum to be more practical for a summer session, so that we had time to immerse ourselves into the culture, and not spend so much time in our bedrooms working alone. Secondly, our group consisted of various French levels. On one hand, this created a diverse group of people whom I had a great 6 weeks with, however on the other hand left some people feeling bored and others struggling to catch up.

On-site administration of your program

The administration was not very supportive, but the professors were very encouraging! I went in feeling quite self-concious of my french level, but Francesca was extremely supportive and always willing to help.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very grateful to be living on the Course Mirabeau, which is a lively main street located in the center of town and thus, is close to everything, including the school, restaurants, and shops. I didn't have to take a bus, and no matter how late I returned home, there were always people on the Cours Mirabeau, so it was very safe. The house was beautiful and I had my own bathroom, which was great. My homestay mother was kind, but we did not speak much until the end of the program, when she really started to feel more comfortable opening up. There was an issue with food, in which I needed to diplomatically communicate that I needed more substantial food, but once this hurdle was passed, everything improved!

The food in Aix is amazing! The markets sell very fresh, local and tasty foods, and the restaurants are very good as well. I enjoyed the cooking class with AUCP and I also did a good amount of cooking at home.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was hoping for more opportunities to integrate with the local culture. However, I loved all field trips we took, especially our visit to the lavender fields and an amazing cheese tasting lunch! Best discovery in Aix? Chèvre!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

The city felt extremely safe at all times of day/night.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• International Students

• small class size
• opportunity to live with host family (over dorms/apartments)
• the city- charming, stimulating, and easy to navigate by foot

• communication between administration and students
• host family selection
• academic curriculum (for the summer)