Aix-en-Provence: A Life Changing Experience Past Review
By Michelle P (Anthropology/Behavioral Science, San Jose State University) for
ISEP Exchange: Aix-Marseille - Exchange Program at Aix-Marseille Université
This experience has changed me in many ways. The largest point I think I would like to make would be that it has challenged me in ways I never thought I would be challenged but in the end I have come out of it being a stronger person.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teaching methods were different at the IEFEE because it was a smaller class and the professors expect you to participate much more than they do at SJSU. The grading system is out of 20 and sometimes you will have the professor give you a letter grade to give you an idea how you are doing. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
To complete this program you must be prepared to complete things on your own. The program coordinator is there to help you but overall it is important to be independent and find the answers on your own. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
There is a dining hall but I rarely went there. For the most part students buy their groceries once a week and there was collective kitchens in the dorms so it is easier to cook for yourself in the dorm. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were a few organized trips that the dorms promote and they were fun to attend. Many other students attended as well and it was a great way to meet other people. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I thought the safety in Aix was really good. I did not feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any moment. The healthcare is much more easily accessible in France compared to home. When going to see the doctor, you will be attended quickly and within a timely manner. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I used the host language everyday. I lived in the university dorms and there were a lot of French students with whom I could practice on a daily basis. At the institute, all the students are foreign therefore we did sometimes speak in English because it was a common language if we did not understand each other in French. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you are interested in this program, you really need to analyze how well you do with change. To do this program, you must really have the desire to meet other people, make an effort to try new things and above all be willing to make mistakes because everyone does. |
