Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I heard from some American students that they were able to find good classes, but mine were fairly useless for the most part. The grading system seems to be almost arbitrary. Some professors are interested in what they're teaching, but many are monotone and very unenthusiastic. The French students were also very uninterested for the most part in the classes. Most classes I had were 3-4 hour lecture classes, so there was little to no discussion, even in literature and anthro classes. For example, we were told what the correct analysis is of a book rather than discussing the many possibilities and interpretations.

On-site administration of your program

The program was really wonderful. We could go to the director with any questions or concerns, and there were several people at the Wellesley Center we could talk to. They also took care of most problems. We found we were better off than most other foreign students (ie, other American programs and ERASMUS). The only fault really was an occasional lack of organization and communication.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had an apartment to myself in the very center of the city in Place des Cardeurs. <br /><br /> housing arranged by the program, safe area, excellent location, stocked with most necessities

I cooked for myself and my friends most of the time. It was wonderful! And the apartment was very close to the markets, so fresh produce was very easy to come by.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since I found the academic aspect to be somewhat lacking, I made sure to find other ways to augment my learning of French and the culture. I had conversation partners, went out to French movies, took a hiking trip to Mt Saint Victoire, went to local museums, learned how to cook and hosted many dinner parties. The program arranged about six trips throughout the year to places of interest in Provence (ie, Avignon, Les Baux, Porquerolles, Nimes, Nice, Pont du Gard, etc.). These were great programs!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any health problems, but from my friends who did, it seems they were able to get advice easily from the program. As for safety, I felt safe in general in Aix. The only time I had a problem, it was something that happened outside France. The director was very supportive and concerned and was ready to go to the police with me if the need arose.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I practiced French with "language exchange partners" (people looking to "trade" French for English), friends I met in my apartment building, and my famille d'accueil. I spoke French with everyone except for my German, Austrian, and American friends.

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• Apartment

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• N/A

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• Local Students