Learning abroad in Aix Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The class I took as part of the program was academically rigorous and taught by an excellent professor. The classes I took at the university were different than what I was used to in terms of homework and responsibilities, but the program helped me understand expectations and norms in a French university, and helped me adapt to a different system.

On-site administration of your program

Monique and Magali were very involved and supportive, and I think the work they put in made my experience a lot better. They helped me deal with issues with my host family and participate in volunteering in France.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a good experience with my host family. I could tell they put thought into my placement and though things weren't always perfect, I think it was a very good fit for me.

I think that the program provided an adequate stipend for food, and I was able to eat out and also make my own lunches, in addition to eating delicious meals with my host family.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to meet French friends at the university, but I didn't hang out with them as much as my American friends. I think this was mostly due to the fact that it was hard to put myself out there at times. I think the program does a good job of introducing us to French students, however.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was pretty easily accessible, although there was one weekend where I got very sick and my host family was out of town. I felt weak and nauseous, and what I really needed was a ride to a walk-in care clinic. I should've just asked our study abroad director if she could take me there, but I naively expected she would offer to do that, since my host family was gone and couldn't bring me. I think that this was mostly my fault, because I didn't advocate for my needs in the ways I should have. I should've just been honest and said "I really want to go to a clinic but I can't get myself there because I don't feel good," but I didn't want to trouble her, and it also didn't feel like her job. Ultimately, I ended up asking a friend to join me and we took the bus together. It was really hard to be home alone in another country while being sick, and I felt pretty lonely and upset, but I don't know what the program could've done differently to help me.

I felt very safe in Aix, and don't really have any advice for other students. If they're traveling elsewhere in Europe and they're alone, I would recommend that they don't walk around late at night, but that feels pretty logical.

I think it was the best fit for me to improve my French, stay with a host family, and have a lot of institutional support from Wellesley.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Aix is an expensive city/France is an expensive country. I had taken a second job the summer before so I wouldn't have to worry about money during my semester abroad, so I had an easier time affording things than some of my peers. At times, I was lending money to friends to pay for their meals or taxis. I think that the program could do a better job of giving more money to students with higher financial need, because my low income friends who participated were definitely restricted in activities at times, and financial stress affected/limited their experience.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Meeting new people, including other students in the program
• Exploring Aix and the surrounding areas
• Spending time with my host family and building trust and friendship with them

• Better financial assistance for low income students