South of France: live today as it is, and take pleasure from it. AUCP Marseille, Bridge to the Middle East Past Review

By (Political Science; French, Trinity University) for

France Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became more courageous and I learned to observe and tolerate. Also I met amazing people and learned to truly enjoy life. This program really forced me to integrate into the French culture and learn the language we.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Workload wasn't very challenging, yet teaching methods between Trinity and AUCP are very different. Plus, we had to learn everything in French, and that was pretty tough in the beginning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Food in France is awesome, but expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

City is safe as long as you learn to avoid walking alone very late at night in certain districts. Also, modest clothing and behavior is advisable in Marseilles.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Food and clothing in France is more expensive than in US. But airplane tickets, buses and trains are less expensive.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

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  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans