Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Summer in Provence Past Review

By (Linguistics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/16/2016 to 07/28/2016 with

IES Abroad: Arles - IES Abroad in Arles

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My French improved greatly over the course of six weeks. Th lifestyle in Arles is very relaxed, so it was nice to break out of the quick paced American lifestyle. The program was extremely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were engaging without being overwhelming.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff was always there and extremely helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was very nice and made sure I was comfortable. The program also ensures that each student has a good experience with their host family.

* Food:

The food is a blend of French and Mediterranean styles. It is always delicious and was never too expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

With such a short program, it was difficult to integrate completely. But at the end of the program, I did feel that I had adjusted to life in southern France.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues, and any students with health issues seem to have been taken care of well enough.

* Safety:

Overall the city is safe. At night it can feel a little dangerous because the majority of students live in the Centre Ville which can feel like a labyrinth.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The program was exactly what i wanted from a summer abroad. The city is smaller so I was able to adapt to the way of life pretty quickly. The locals are extremely friendly. And I was able to explore a region of France that I didn't know too much about prior to my trip.

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)

It definitely varies from person to person. I lived very comfortably without spending as much as I thought I would. If you want to spend very little money, it's very doable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150 per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I worked the summer before I went abroad to save money. I would recommend having a little over 1000 dollars to live comfortably for the six weeks. If you're trying to live more minimally, that will mean eating ham sandwiches when not dining with your family.

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

We were not allowed to speak English with the program staff or our host families. During free time, we were encouraged to speak to other students in French.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? An upper level French course
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? If you haven't reviewed the basics in a while, do that.

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 other students.
  • Using French all the time.
  • The food.
* What could be improved?
  • The level of students admitted should be a little higher.
  • Not all host families give the same experience which can be bad for some students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There are so many guided tours by the program of the area that you don't need to know that much about Provence. I felt very well prepared by the program for things I should know.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!