We want to share with you what our students are saying about our programs, along with some photos of their experiences. Throughout August we will be posting entries about our diffe
rent programs. Today we're starting with Aix-en-Provence!
What did you like about your program city?
I love that Aix is a decent-sized town, but feels very small and cozy and is so walk-able. It's not as overwhelming as I feel Paris could've been. It's easy to run into people you know or even get to know some of the people who work in town. And France, well, I like that they speak French and have all of these little cultural differences that one discovers throughout their time there. Also, Aix/France are good locations for getting to see more of Europe rather easily. – Valerie
How would you rate experiences abroad overall?
Everything just sort of came together for me. Of course, it's tough at the beginning getting adjusted and bombarded with French everywhere when you're not used to it, but as long as you know that upon arrival and trust that you'll get settled... it's great! -Valerie
I branched out a lot - met many new people and saw basically all of Europe. –George
I felt though I had an absolutely fantastic time abroad due to the extraordinary good luck I had in roommates, and the flexibility that I learned. I enjoyed being in Abroadco quite a bit because the program was very small, making it easy to make pretty lasting and deep relationships with the other people in the program. – Kelsey
It was challenging moving to France and having no choice but to adapt and learn the language and culture, but it was extremely rewarding. I left France with a passion for travel, an appreciation for French culture and way of life, and a deeper knowledge of the French language. – Lindsay
I had the time of my life! Part of it was luck, I loved the people on the program, but largely it was a well-organized, fulfilling program. –Joanna
What was your favorite part of the program?
I loved the complete immersion (French language in school), and the opportunities for travel during breaks. –Lindsay
What was your favorite class?
My core language class. Had the best professor ever and learned SO much, whether it was grammar, idiomatic phrases, vocab, history/evolution of French, or just general culture. – Valerie
What I know now but wish I had known before I left
I wish I hadn't been as hesitant to speak French as soon as I arrived in France. The people of Aix on a whole are extremely patient and appreciate students who make the effort to speak French. – Lindsey
How delicious quiches can be! – Martine
Housing
Our host mother was amazing, cooked GREAT food, and was really, really fun! We lived with a cat, and an older lady, and I think that my French got much better just thanks to her speaking to us all the time. She also took us to awesome places with her on the weekends some times (ie. Marseille, Sauccet des Pins, and Puyricard). –Kelsey
Homestays are the only way to go. My French is way better almost entirely due to staying with a family. – Avery
My host mom and her sister are extremely nice people who appreciate the company of the young students they host. It is nice to feel like you are making these women happy by bringing some diversions to their lives. They are retired and do little during the day but love to chat with us about our days and like most of all to see our outfits when we get all dolled up for a night out dancing. – Joanna
Why would you recommend this program to a friend?
Because studying abroad enables you to become a more well-rounded person and having a small group like Abroadco, you get a little more special attention. The decision to study abroad was one of the best decisions I have made and I am so thankful I decided to go. Abroadco was great. - Lacy