Past Review
By Tiffany P (International Relations, French, Wellesley College) for
Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Wellesley-in-Aix
It was life-changing and completely worthwhile. I gained confidence in my French speaking abilities, I learned about French history, culture and society through my friendships and classes. I greatly appreciated the architecture and exploring my new surroundings. I became more alert about travel precautions (when someone attempted to mug me in Barcelona and my flight was cancelled due to volcanic ashes). I was able to better appreciate the standards of excellence and academic challenges at my home college.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universite de Provence |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The main difference was that French teachers did not assign and grade work as often as they do in America. For example, my final grade for one class was solely based on my oral exam and my final exam. For another class, I was graded on 3 short written assignments and my final exam. Class participation does not weigh into grading. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My program has become very well-established and excellent over the years. The program staff was largely made of English-speaking French people. Our director and the French site administrator were in contact with students at all times. If there was ever a problem (e.g., a broken appliance, broken heating, etc), it was fixed immediately. The staff were kind, nurturing, and very well organized. Our program director was highly aware of our classes and professors, having introduced herself and our program students to our professors at the start of the semester. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My roommates and I lived in the "Maisonette", a little guest house on the same property as a family's house. <br /><br /> Everything was provided for us at the house in terms of furniture, appliances, and cookware. Sheets and towels were provided to us by our program as well. The housing was comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. We had occasional issues, such as an ants problem, and broken appliances. It was also quite dusty and we decided to buy new cleaning supplies. Also, it was slightly inconvenient having to walk at least fifteen minutes from our house to get to a grocery store or to class. |
| * Food: |
The cafeterias are not that great--the food does not taste good and does not always seem fresh. The food stands nearby are a better option if you need to eat in between classes. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Paris: Tours of the Louvre Museum, Victor Hugo's home, Musee d'Orsay, dinner at a higher-scale restaurant near Aix: Day trip to Nice/Grasse, day trip to Porquerolles (bike-riding on the island), overnight trip to avignon/Nimes and kayaking under Le Pont du Gard bridge, and goodbye dinner at Madeleine de relais. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Aix, even in the evenings. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save money to bring extra when traveling! Because you might need to stay longer in a given city due to weather/flight cancellations. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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? | Pack lighter, but make sure to bring an electric adaptor. My french-english electronic dictionary was very handy because it was small. I would recommend spending time with other students in the program who are intentional/serious about speaking in French most of the time. I would say to sit with and talk to French students in class and at school. |
