Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living a dream Past Review

By (Northwestern University) - abroad from 06/19/2014 to 07/30/2014 with

IES Abroad: Arles - IES Abroad in Arles

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Six weeks in Arles went by so quickly. Somehow from the first time my host Mom kissed my cheek to the last morning I left, when everyone cried, it felt like a night’s dream. Arles was full of wonder – from the historic townscape strewn with Roman monuments to the friendly, welcoming local community to the traditional cultural celebrations that go on every summer. Living there is like a constant festival, with so much to observe and learn and open my eyes to every day. This small town tucked away in the South of France immersed me in the French ways of life and in doing so, improved my French so much. I picked up myriad words and phrases that I would have never touched upon in a regular classroom setting. Moreover, I got beyond the mode of mere learning and made many cultural observations as well, comparing American ways to the French ones, which taught me to always consider more than one perspective.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The entire staff team is so accommodating, lovely, and understanding.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was so welcoming and always so patient. They really loved me and took me as a member of the family.

* Food:

French food at its best - need I say more?

* 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? 100

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 all-French environment was really well-reinforced.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 210
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 scared! Sometimes you might say silly things, but it's better to say them and then be corrected than always saying things wrong.

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?
  • host family
  • the town itself
  • the local food
* What could be improved?
  • the no AC situation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that Northwestern had warned me about the no AC situation... I'm not saying it's horrible, but I just wish I'd known in advance.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'