Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Open Your Mind and Heart in France Past Review

By (Studied drawing, painting, printmaking, The Art Students League of New York) - abroad from 06/02/2014 to 07/12/2014 with

Institute for American Universities (IAU): The Marchutz School of Fine Arts, Aix-en-Provence, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I participated in IAU's Marchutz School painting program, and found the experience extremely worthwhile. We painted in the landscape, participated in weekly seminars, and were taken on three field-study trips to better understand the surrounding artistic history and influence. We visited and painted in the same regions that Cezanne, Van Gogh and others found their inspiration.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I participated in IAU's Marchutz School painting program, and found the experience extremely worthwhile. We painted in the landscape, participated in weekly seminars, and were taken on three field-study trips to better understand the surrounding artistic history and influence. We visited and painted in the same regions that Cezanne, Van Gogh and others found their inspiration.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Approx 170 USD

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • IAU's ability to integrate our Aix-perience with our education
  • The varied student body--students came from all over the US and from a wide range of backgrounds
  • Supportive and friendly staff
* What could be improved?
  • I would have liked the option to live on my own, or at least a bit more independently
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Marseilles is an incredible city to visit, and Cassis is a very fun beach town. Also if you can, hike St Victoire!! Also if you are living with a host family, and something is not working for you, you can very politely change your situation with a simple conversation :). Have fun going on trips with your classmates on the weekends!! :)

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.