Aix-en-Provence Beautiful but isolated Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt the workload was just the right amount considering the travel opportunities that were available on the weekends. Teaching methods were much more personal and less strict compared to the University of Texas. A lot of time was spent with the same people in a very close setting.

On-site administration of your program

The administrators were accessible in that they were commonly found in their office if needed however I found that they were difficult to talk to and seemed to be very distant from the students and from our age group in general. Considering the group led field trips and activities they did have a good understanding of the host country however much of the time on the trips felt like a trip back to highschool. The program size was very small that seemed over the semester to turn into the 'american club' within the city- the peer environment within the city seemed to incite limited interaction with the natives. All of my expectations were not met but I do not regret my time there. Generally Aix was very expensive and as a student, we spent a large amount of time alone. The weather in the fall was also very rainy so nonexpense activites were impossible.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The first host family i was assigned to proved to be a very bad experience. I was not at all compatible with the two women who served at my host parents. They were not very accommodating and one of them in particular seemed to be constantly inflicting her frustration with job security on me. My second host family however was absolutely great. I loved spending time with them and was very sad to leave their house at the end of the semester. We have in fact remained in contact since my departure, and have continued to exchange gifts. The house was not as close as the first house to central AIx but the size of the house and general privacy of the second house was well worth the trade. I did not need to buy any items to settle in, anything that i had not brought with me, my host mom was able to provide. I felt that ultimately at the second house i was treated as a family member.

the food served was generally satisfactory.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

the trips along the cote d'azure were the most memorable and the most exciting. there were no special events arranged but the trips themselves were great.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

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

There were language partners that allowed you to learn from a native speaker as well as help them learn english. This mix of teaching and learning allowed better understanding of the vocabulary and grammar relationships between French and English. Host families were the best source of language practice. teachers were also a great source.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family