Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Heart of Provence. Couldn't dream of complaining. Past Review

By (French Language and Economics, Scripps College) - abroad from 01/09/2016 to 05/08/2016 with

France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So worthwhile. Gained a whole new perspective on the importance of being a global citizen, of languages, or traveling, and of being grateful.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Just the right amount of work! Plenty of useful readings and worksheets with enough time to see friends and travel around Provence

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Not too many resources offered in terms of sexual assault or alcohol problems but otherwise the Administration left little to complain about

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Host mom was a HUGE reason why I learned so much French!! She lived near a bus station, took me on hikes, and corrected my language skills at dinner every night.

* Food:

DELICIOUS. Never a bad meal. Usually not too expensive. SO MANY OPTIONS!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Language partners, volunteer work, and Zumba helped make me feel like a real member of Aix.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Aix is totally one of the safest cities. Locals never bat an eye when I said I walked home at 3 in the morning.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

AUCP improved my French more than any other program I can think of. The setting is TERRIFIC and the group is really well-knit and ambitious. My host mom helped so much and the weather was always wonderful.

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)

Aix had lots of options for students in terms of eating and activities. Not too hard to live on my budget at all.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Not sure exactly.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Never sit down at a restaurant during lunch. Just go buy things at Monoprix!

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 Contract, host parents, language partners, etc. There was no way NOT to speak French constantly.

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? Not sure.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Just go with the program! There's no way not to use French at practically all times.

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?
  • Language Partners
  • French Classes at AUCP
  • The City itself
* What could be improved?
  • Resources for Alcohol Health
  • Resources for Sexual Assault
  • Resources for Mental Health
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Spend as much time as possible out in the city and away from your computer!

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 Urbanite
A 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.