Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A wonderful and beautiful exposure to a completely different culture! Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/07/2012 to 12/19/2012 with

Institute for American Universities (IAU): The School of Humanities & Social Sciences, Aix-en-Provence, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile, I was able to learn about myself as well as others who were very different from me. Trying new cuisines that I may not have tried back in the states, and experiencing situations I would not have been able to back home. This experience has allowed me to continue to keep an open mind, and forever planted a seed in me that has a very strong desire to travel around the world!!!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Class field trips to different villages and cities that help to better understand and get a first hand experience of what we learn in class

* 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? No

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? $100+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out as much and pack little lunch picnics you can eat at parks between classes.

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

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3 semesters of french
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make French friends!!!!!!!

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?
  • the town it is in (Aix-en-Provence)
  • students in the program
  • lovely staff
* What could be improved?
  • resources in the library
  • more availability of classes
  • more class choices
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be scared to venture out and make French friends, french college students are just as eager as you to meet new people!

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.