Marchutz: A Home Away From Home Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My only complaint is for my French course - the students were not properly evaluated in skill/knowledge so the class was too difficult for some and too easy for others. The syllabus did not match the actual course material.

On-site administration of your program

Very professional and sufficient for such a small administration.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Adjusting to a host family is difficult no matter how wonderful they might be. I wish I could have been provided with more information about what to expect from my host family - which turned out to be one 79 year old woman. It was wonderful, but I was not prepared for the adjustments/culture shock I would have. The room and food were very satisfactory. My apartment/neighborhood was very safe, but was a bit of a walk from school and nightlife. I bought a bike which made things much easier.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Aix is probably the safest city I have ever been to. You should still practice precaution as you would anywhere else. Do not trust strangers, do not get really drunk and be alone at night.

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

Everyone at school speaks English, which makes it difficult to improve your French without some effort. You can speak French with your host families - that's where I got the most/best practice. There is also a Francophone club with weekly activities that you can join to meet and talk with French students. You will also be speaking French in daily interactions with people in the city.

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• Host Family
• Apartment

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• Host Family

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• Americans