An Adventure in Arles Past Review

By A student (Cognitive Science., Northwestern University) - abroad from 06/19/2014 to 07/30/2014 with

IES Abroad: Arles Summer – Study in Provence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Studying abroad was an absolutely incredible experience! Every moment was worthwhile! I learned so much about what I am capable of, about the world, about being open-minded, about talking and learning from every person you meet, and about living life as an adventure! I saw every day abroad as a new adventure, with new things to learn (whether vocab, a custom, history, or someone's story) and am trying to apply that to my life here!

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Arles - IES Abroad in Arles, Summer Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The professors were great! The classes were interesting and connected well to what we were experiencing in the French culture and in the town of Arles. I learned so much from the classes, but never felt overwhelmed. A huge component of the educational experience is immersing oneself in the culture and this program allows and helps you to do that!
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The program runs so smoothly and the directors are always available to help! I appreciated the attention I received and the organization of the program.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I loved living with a host family! I was nervous at first, but it really helped me immerse myself in the culture! My family was so sweet and my living arrangements were comfortable! I heard of very few problems with living arrangments.
* Food:	Excellent!! Food in France is delicious! We had language lunches with the professors and directors Mon-Wed which helped introduce us to various elements of the cuisine and practice our French at the same time!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I felt immersed in the local culture, but still not completely integrated. This may have simply been me. I did have great conversations, attended many of the communities festivals, and even attended a folk dance class and a church service. Living with a host family helps you to meet people and experience the culture first-hand with them.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I did not have any healthcare problems, but I heard other students say problems were handled well. There are no prevalent health issues in Arles and I did not need any specific vaccines.
* Safety:	I felt very safe, but students should remember to be cautious and mindful of their surroundings. Occasional thefts (of purses, etc) have occurred on the program and pickpockets are common in larger cities. As in any city, students should try to walk with others if it's late, but overall Arles is safe!
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)	I lived on a student's budget fairly well. The program ensures 3 dinners a week and breakfast every day with your host family. I ate with my host family more than that, so didn't need to spend very much on food. And you can vary your budget easily depending on what souvenirs and shopping you'd like to do.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Probably about $150 a week, but it varied a lot with whether I was paying for entrance fees for sites and souvenirs.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Definitely plan a budget before going abroad! I thought about it but would have benefited more if I had planned out exactly how much I wanted to spend a week!

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	The program encourages you to use French all the time, even when just talking with other students on the program. This was very challenging but definitely helps you improve your language skills!
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	I had taken 5 quarters (almost 2 years) of French at the college level.
How many hours per day did you use the language?	10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Don't be too nervous! People really appreciate when you try to speak French and will help you out! If you try to speak it all the time, you will improve. Don't give up on it, keep practicing! Read French when you can, watch French movies--every little bit can help!

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?	Living with a host family really opened my eyes to the French culture, helped me improve my French, and gave me a special connection to people in France. But I also loved Arles! The town is small, but lively. Full of history, new traditions, and wonderfully kind people--Arles became my home in a short amount of time.
* What could be improved?	I can't think of anything big. The experience is really what people make of it. The program is set up well for people to make the most out of it, and if you do, it will be a great experience!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish someone had told me told me to just talk to as many people as I could. I had so many wonderful conversations, but wish I had taken more opportunities to learn from the people of the community.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	History of French Immigration
Course Department:
Instructor:	Martial Gerez
Instruction Language:	French
Comments:	The course gives great information about immigration, but also aspects of French culture. The professor generates good discussion in the class and motivates students to think about what creates a culture, a national identity, challenging students to think further.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	History of Photography
Course Department:
Instructor:	Sylvain Prudhomme
Instruction Language:	French
Comments:	The professor is great! The class incorporates the photography festival in Arles which makes it really interesting. Reading assignments, work on a specific photography exhibit, and a final exam.
Credit Transfer Issues: