Aix-en-Provence: plein soleil and pains au chocolat Past Review
By A student (Literature, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/19/2013 to 01/11/2013 with
Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Wellesley-in-Aix
I gained a great deal of confidence and undeniably improved my command of French. I'm very glad I went to Aix for the semester--the pace of life is relaxed and slow, and I really felt that I enjoyed life. Lovely food and the beautiful weather.
Personal Information
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. |
I think that the academic experience was as rigorous as one made it. I took second-year French literature and poetry courses, and I worked pretty hard because I wanted to, as I was invested in the subject. My professors were actually fabulous—the fac de lettres may be unattractive and falling apart, but the professors, especially the literature professors, are super. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Extremely well-run. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed with a host family, which I wholeheartedly recommend. |
* Food: |
French cuisine is great—no further remark required! |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Because I lived with a host family, it was easier for me to feel integrated in the culture. However, a lot of my friends on the program felt isolated from French students and mostly hung out with their American friends. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any issues on the program. |
* Safety: |
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If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
The program provided 300 euros a month for students living in a host family. I was actually able to put some of this money towards traveling. |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep a budget, don't buy too many pains au chocolat (it adds up!). |
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 |
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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? | Advanced |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 211 |
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? | Stop speaking English, already. |
Other Program Information
* 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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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? |
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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? | I wish I had known that city life suits me better, and that sometimes I did feel isolated in Aix—even a little bored with the pace of life. However, I'm glad I spent the semester here, as it was a great way to acquaint myself with France and the culture. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |