Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An aixperience to remember August 12, 2025

By (English/education, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/20/2025 to 05/14/2025 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile. My French skills improved a lot and more importantly my confidence in using them improved. I feel hopeful that I will be able to keep these skills and continue to travel or even live abroad in the future. I spent more time alone and figuring out what I like to do, while at the same time I formed wonderful friendships with my program mates. Furthermore, my host family was beyond incredible and I know I will keep in touch with them for years to come.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I especially enjoyed the translation and literature/cinema courses at the WIA center. My French university class had a fabulous subject matter and it felt more like a typical French university class. I did not find the classes to be super difficult which I appreciated because operating completely in French is very difficult. I appreciated having Célia, the WIA tutor to give me guidance on presentations and answer my big questions.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I generally felt supported and there were lots of events for us to interact with each other and get out of Aix which was nice.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my living arrangements. My host family was the most unforgettable part of this experience as they were super supportive, kind, and welcoming.

* Food:

I loved all the food especially the coffee and pastry culture. My host family was also great cooks. Finally, as a huge cheese lover, there were so many good options both at the gorgeous outdoor markets and fromageries.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

While it felt difficult to make French friends, I felt close to my host family and engaged in activities like volunteering and dance classes that forced me to get out there and speak French.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick multiple times (food poisoning and some colds) and felt supported particularly by my host family who brought me tea and then eventually accompanied to the doctor. The doctor there was very nice (though I think she was my host family’s typical practitioner which makes a difference) and it was so much more affordable than here in the US. Also, I had to ask the pharmacist once or twice about a possible eye infection and they were super helpful.

* Safety:

I felt very safe generally even at night. I walked home late both with friends and by myself (though not incredibly far). It felt like typical city rules applied (i.e. being aware of your surroundings and not talking to strangers). I would say to make sure you have everyone’s number in your cohort so if you have to go home too late or feel unsafe you can crash with them. All typical safety rules are in play, so just act how you would in Boston.

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

I started learning French in the hopes of participating in this program and I’m glad I did it. My French certainly improved and despite the hard parts it was really important for my growth and I had fun.

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 is pretty expensive though you can find pockets of affordability. Also if you want to travel you can but it does have a cost.

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

They told us we should be using French inside the center, all of our classes were in French, and my host family always spoke in French.

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 205
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? This is a very much what you make of it program. I exclusively spoke in French with my host family which made a huge difference. I also went out of my way to consume French media (like going to French movies using the cultural immersion budget we were given). I tried to use French when I could but I think I could’ve gone even further if I spoke French more. If possible, I would try to speak to your fellow program members in French even when you’re not at the center. It really helps.

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
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?
  • My host family
  • The language immersion experience
  • The people in my program
* What could be improved?
  • The History of Immigration class
  • More food related events like a wine or cheese tasting would be fun
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that it’s better to speak poorly than be quiet. I wish I had gone out of my way to ask more questions also I wished I asked for the person’s name/introduced myself more at local places I went to so that I could have become a regular. Finally,I wish I had pushed more into the friend groups at the French university. I lacked the confidence in my speaking skills at the beginning but in reality there were many students who were nice and just wouldn’t make the first social move.

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!