Student Testimonials
The testimonials below are from past participants; they reflect various students’ experiences and are included to provide different perspectives. IAP does not endorse any specific view expressed in this section.
Preparations Before Leaving
Pre-departure orientations in Madison helped a lot when thinking about what to bring, securing a visa, and buying a plane ticket. I also did some research about Aix in guidebooks and online which helped me visualize where I would be spending the next 10 months.
In terms of packing, less the better. Practically everything we can buy in the US you can find here. In France, it is very appropriate to wear the same outfit multiple times a week—on a whole,
French people don’t have as many clothes as Americans—they prefer to buy fewer items that are of better quality. Nonetheless, the French women dress impeccably, and it is easy to feel that you lack their level of sophistication, class…But don’t let that get to you.
Mentally, the only thing you can do to prepare is just go with an open mind. No mind-prepping could have possibly prepared me for what was coming up in the next 10 months.
Travel and Arrival Information
If possible, fly into the Marseille airport and take a taxi to Aix. It will cost a little more, but it eliminates a lot of the hassle of dragging your bags around.
Make sure you buy the “Carte Avantage Jeune” at a train station soon after you arrive in the city. It gives you great deals on all train travel in France, which is great if you’re planning on doing a lot of traveling.
APA Resources in Aix
APA has some great resources that you would be silly not to use. For example, the onsite office and faculty whose job it is to be there for you. The office is a great place to study- they have extra computers, a nice open space, a library of books, and a printer- which I imagine you will use the most. (Oh, also WIFI! Pronounced “wee-fee” in French)
The faculty members there are also a wealth of knowledge…don’t be shy about reaching out to
them for advice on traveling in the region, where to get a haircut, or anything under the sun.
Academic Program
Academics in France are much different from the United States. Be prepared to sit in long lectures and do a lot of reading on your own. It may seem scary the first few weeks, but if you put in a little effort you’ll be surprised at how well you adapt.
Don’t be afraid to talk to your professors if you’re having problems. They’re usually pretty accommodating to foreign students.
Living Abroad
I would by far consider it the best thing I have done in my life thus far. Although sad and nostalgic for friends and family back home at times, I met a great base of friends that definitely filled the missing gaps. Every day I was faced with something I would not have experienced at home and there is no price in the world for that.
Studying abroad was by far the best thing I’ve done with my college experience. At first I had a hard time integrating into French culture, but at the end of my time in Aix I felt like I was a part of the community. Seize every opportunity you can to travel, meet people from other countries, and of course speak French!
The Language
How much you improve in your language is 110% up to you. You get to speak English for the rest of your life, so speak French with the locals as often as you can…even if they insist on replying in English when they hear your accent (which they will sometimes). Don’t get discouraged, (most of the time) they aren’t trying to be mean but just want to practice their English! There is no better way to learn French than hearing/conversing with natives I cannot stress it enough.