Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Bread, cheese, and the full French experience Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/18/2017 to 05/11/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to navigate a foreign country whilst speaking a foreign language. To add on to that, I learned how to express myself and find myself in a language that I was not comfortable in

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

Of course! I was spoiled with opportunities and while I always felt supported by the program I also felt free and independent.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? probably around 50€ - 75€
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? don't eat out every single meal

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

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 (200 level French course)
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? make the effort ! the more energy you put into finding local friends and trying as much as possible to speak the language, the more you're going to get out of your experience !

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Organization
  • Freedom
  • Encouraging
* What could be improved?
  • ?
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had known not to worry so much about how I might sound or seem while bumbling my way through sentences in French. Most French people are just impressed that you can speak with them and understand them!

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 Linguist
You 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!