Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

WIA: The best program ever! Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, Tufts University) - abroad from 08/19/2011 to 01/14/2013 with

Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Wellesley-in-Aix

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am now fluent in French, and even better, I know how to communicate with young people- not just talk like a grammatically correct grandmother!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Université de Provence Aix-Marseille I
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My classes at the university and with Wellesley were all challenging but engaging. I learned a lot.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything was very organized and everyone was so helpful. They had the answers to everything.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment right in the center of town. It was beautiful and had lots of space. We were close to everything and Wellesley was there if anything broke or needed attention.

* Food:

Wellesley gives a generous stipend (tuition dollars), which allows for grocery shopping and eating out. The program also hosts events and dinners to make sure that students get to experience all kinds of French food!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived right in town. I knew vendors at the market, I had a regular cafe, there were always people on my street... The people of Aix are so friendly and very patient with French learners. I also joined clubs and took a dance class to make friends more easily. I left Aix with French friends that I still have today.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had an issue, but I know that Wellesley was helpful to anyone who did. They make sure that we know all of the options and resources available.

* Safety:

Aix is a very safe and friendly city. I never felt unsafe.

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

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)

I actually had money left over from the stipend that I put towards travel. Living in Aix is so much cheaper than living in Paris.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I really only spent program money.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to eat at home when you can- go to the market and get fresh ingredients!

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 always told to speak French. English is not allowed in the presence of the director, and I liked it that way.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? FR 125 Culture
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Before you go, listen to French radio stations online and watch French movies. Once you're there, its important to talk to French people as much as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • I loved the other students- I'm still friends with all of them!
  • I loved living in an apartment. I got to cook and have people over whenever I wanted.
  • I love Aix itself. Its such a charming, beautiful town.
* What could be improved?
  • My only complaint was fixed- We arrived in Aix after the start of classes! Made it hard to catch up.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Talking to French people in French is not as intimidating as it seems. Especially in Aix.