Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Not my best, but not my worst! February 18, 2025

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/25/2024 to 12/23/2024 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be more confident in myself and my skills. This was the first time I lived by myself (mostly) internationally, and I learned how to become more independent. Most importantly my French improved greatly. Enough so that the next semester I am taking a break from French (because it doesn't fit in my schedule) but I feel confident enough in my new skills that I know I can pick it back up easily.

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

Both Stéphanie and Célia were incredible program administrators. I felt comfortable with them and they are one of the reasons why my time abroad went as smoothly as it did.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I chose to live in a homestay during my time in Aix, and I was so so nervous but was incredibly lucky with my placement. I felt so comfortable with them.

* Food:

There were many options for food within Aix, and definitely more affordable than I thought.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got very sick in November, and my host family took great care of me while I was ill. The program was very accommodating, and the program director made sure I always had tea and cough drops for weeks afterward.

* Safety:

Aix was very safe! I walked home very late at night and felt completely safe.

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

Most of my misgivings with my time abroad comes from a feeling that I did not take as much advantage of the opportunities offered to me as I should have. I had great time, but I should have made more of an effort to come out of my shell.

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)

Aix can be expensive if you're not careful, but the Wellesley stipend was very helpful.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 euros

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

We were encouraged to use the language everywhere. The program center had a French-only rule.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? FREN 220
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? Try to do more of the cultural activites offered in Aix. I wish I had done so more.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I met
  • The city
  • Flexibility to travel
* What could be improved?
  • A couple of the professors
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? DO NOT BE SCARED!!!! French people can be stand-offish but most others (especially all the other international students around) are open to talk to you.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'