Amazing Summer Abroad Past Review
By Amelia Emery (Northwestern University) - abroad from 06/15/2017 to 07/28/2017 with
IES Abroad: Arles - IES Abroad in Arles
I gained the most from my experience through my host family. They were so welcoming, and supportive and I still keep in touch with them! This is an immersive program, so you are constantly pushed to speak in French. It was overwhelming and uncomfortable at times, but completely worthwhile. I was surprised by how easy it was to form connections with people, especially my host family, even when I sometimes had trouble communicating verbally.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I am a vegetarian and my host family was so accommodating of my dietary preferences! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Arles itself is a great place to spend the summer. It's a quiet little town, but there is a lot going on! There was plenty to do, and it was much less intimidating than a large city would have been. There are also a lot of ways to visit nearby towns, both with the program, and individually. I would definitely recommend this program if you are looking for an immersive experience! |
Finances
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* 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 didn't spend much money because I bought most of my food at the Arles market (which is amazing!) and cooked it at home. I also traveled after the program instead of during, which saved money. I did miss out on some experiences with my friends during the program, but I made stronger connections with my host family. You have to consider what your goals for the program are when planning your budget. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take small day trips during the program, but if you want to go somewhere farther away, going after the program is something to consider. You'll be able to stay longer, and because traveling to and from a city are the most expensive parts of a trip, you'll be able to get more out of it! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 203- 2nd year of college level French |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A lot of people travel during the program. I had already made plans to travel afterwards, and because of finances, I wasn't able to travel during weekends with my friends. It was disappointing at first, but it actually allowed me to explore Arles and the surrounding areas, and it made me feel more connected to the region! |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
