Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Amazing Summer! September 15, 2022

By (Sociology, Northwestern University) - abroad from 06/16/2022 to 07/30/2022 with

IES Abroad: Arles - IES Abroad in Arles

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely have a better understanding of the French language now coming out of my study abroad experience, and I also feel more confident exploring new cities and countries. So, yes, it was a worthwhile experience.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Admin was so nice and accessible whenever we had any questions both before the program and during.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved staying with my host family! The family was so sweet, and I truly felt like I was a part of it during my 6 week stay.

* Food:

Soooo delicious and fresh!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel like I was often surrounded most by the other students in my study abroad program, but that we did many activities to learn about the culture and history of Arles.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

When I visited the hospital, the medical staff were helpful but spoke very little to no English and a translator was not available.

* Safety:

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

I truly loved my experience in Arles. IES Abroad made the application and paper work required for studying abroad seamless, and also provided resources for what to expect over the summer. I loved my time in Arles!

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)

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 spoke French with our host families, professors both during and outside of class, and with the staff during our official lunches.

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? 203
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • its excursions
  • planned lunches
  • classroom location
* What could be improved?
  • the heat in arles!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Studying abroad is not nearly as stressful as I thought it would be.

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!