French immersion at it's best! Past Review
By A student (Economics and French, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/22/2014 to 01/16/2015 with
Wellesley College: Aix-en-Provence - Wellesley-in-Aix
I gained more confidence in my language skills, was able to make friends in classes and a connection with my host family, and was able to travel around Europe. It was definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Given the option to take classes at both Aix Marseille Universite and Sciences Po, the classes at Sciences Po are more rigorous. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Wellesley administration, advisors, and support in general are excellent in Aix. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * 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
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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) |
Very easily, Wellesley is generous with the monthly stipend for lunch, transportation, and daily living expenses. We also had a 200 euro reimbursement fund for cultural activities. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50 to 60 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Bring your student ID card with you everywhere and inquire about student discounts, even at certain casual restaurants. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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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? | Advanced |
| 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? | 300 level French classes |
| 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? | Speak and engage with your host family as much as possible, and sit next to French students in class to chat with them during the breaks. |
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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| 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? | The academics in France take more independent work at home and initiative individually. Coming out of the experience, I would have worked more consistently throughout the semester instead of mainly around exams and deadlines. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
