|
Alumni comments concerning:
Overall AUCP Experience - Academic Program / Faculty - Community Service -
Individual Homestay - Language Partner - Personal Interest Activity - The Setting.
In an all-French language environment, the Aix Program combines rigorous classwork in French literature, social science, and the arts (taught by local French faculty) with integration strategies for the experience of living with and like the French.
I would strongly recommend the program to anyone looking to substantially improve their language skills and become integrated into the French Community.
Alyssa Desocio - AUCP Spring 08
Columbia University
AUCP-Aix is a well-structured program that provides countless opportunities for students. The staff is warm and helpful and the level of learning at the AUCP is unparalleled.
Shannon Higley AUCP Spring 08
Oberlin College
The staff at the AUCP is amazing. They went out of their way to help me in every aspect of life in France. They were a huge source of moral support and made my transition into life in France go more smoothly.
Katherine Wohlmut - AUCP Full Year 07-08
Mills College
My experience in France with the AUCP has had such a positive impact on me. I feel prepared for the future -whatever it may bring.
Sarah Derron - AUCP Fall 07
Simmons College
Make yourself do what you know you should and you will have a difficult but valuable experience.
Kathryn Harris - AUCP Fall 07
Grinnell College
I'm really glad I picked AUCP. This program offered me opportunities that other programs wouldn't have. I felt like I was getting an insiders' glimpse into French life. The experience is really what you make of it !
Olga Khaykin - AUCP Fall 07
Mills College
I learned to embrace the experience and challenge my limits. I feel this program gave me a unique integrated experience which maximized my time abroad.
Leah Landesberg - AUCP Fall 07
George Washington University
French has become more than just an exercise in grammar and vocabulary. It's become a facet of my personality
Catherine Mauck - AUCP Fall 07
Oberlin College
Great! What a wonderful way to spend a semester abroad!
Hannah Sayle - AUCP Fall 07
Grinnell College
Studying abroad is one of the best decisions I have ever made! Life in Aix is so relaxing even with all your classes. Experiencing this culture here in France has been so de-stressing and absolutely amazing.
Tamara Symonds - AUCP Fall 07
Muhlenberg College
You are provided with a lot of opportunities to create your own experience here.
Courtney Winn - AUCP Fall 07
Colorado College
Courses taught on-site according to US university academic credit standards French university faculty and local professionals.
Wonderful, patient, knowledgeable, kind - everything you need to help get acclimated to France.
Hannah Sayle - AUCP Fall 07
Grinnell College
Marvellous learning environment
Bowen Teusher - Fall 07
Colorado College
They are all fabulous. The teachers are incredible and make you want to learn. AUCP did a great job with their teachers.
Claire Twomey - AUCP Fall 07
George Washington University
Dedicated and knowlegeable. Wonderful and passionate.
Matthew Knouse - AUCP Full Year 07-08
George Washington University
AUCP professors are of the highest quality: intriguing, inspiring, and thought provoking.
Katherine Wohlmut - AUCP Full Year 07-08
Mills College
Giving of themselves, all AUCP students provide weekly community service in the interest of one of the many local non-profit organisations.
Do good, make a difference in the local community, which in turns gives you a greater ownership of France and your experience.
Christina Black - AUCP Fall 07
Barnard College
I love going to my "Petite Mémé's" house each week. We always have fun and laugh together. She is one of the nicest people I know.
Shannon Brown - AUCP Fall 07
Simmons College
The opportunity to give back to the community is a great way to feel like you are making a difference. It is also a great way to meet wonderful people and to give them a great impression of Americans.
Juliana Glassco - AUCP Fall 07
College of William and Mary
My community service was really challenging. I worked with handicapped children and kids with learning difficulties. I taught them English. It was a truly worthwhile experience.
Sarah Russell - Smith - AUCP Fall 07
Skidmore College
The ninety year-old man I visited weekly was one of the highlights of my time in Aix.
Elizabeth Kalescky - AUCP Spring 08
Rhodes College
The community service aspect of this program was by far one of the most rewarding experiences for me. Though I was at first a bit apprehensive, I soon found that the time I spent at my "travail bénévole" was more than just a requirement. It was something I looked forward to each week. It was a truly unforgettable experience.
Sarah Pociask - AUCP Fall 07
Skidmore College
Living with a carefully selected French family (one student per family), provides all AUCP students with unparalleled opportunities for lasting personal and cultural connection.
If I hadn't been living in a homestay I would have left France without really having a true understanding of the French and their way of life.
Juliana Glassco - AUCP Fall 07
College of William and Mary
The homestay experience forms the core of the cultural integration and immersion that the AUCP offers. After talking to other friends studying around Europe who live in dorms or apartments I've realized that my experience here was culturally much richer.
Marta Grabowski - AUCP Fall 07
Grinnell College
The homestay was a challenging experience, but I feel very triumphant coming to the end of it. I learned some interesting things about myself, French and world culture, history, cinema and life.
Olga Khaykin - AUCP Fall 07
Mills College
The most important part of the experience, hands down.
David Montgomery - AUCP Fall 07
Grinnell College
This is an integral part of the program. Living with a French family is your ticket to being immersed in the French culture. Take advantage of it and try to include yourself in their lives.
Claire Twomey - AUCP Fall 07
George Washington University
You get the opportunity to really experience French culture and home life, to practice your language in a practical setting, and to cultivate meaningful familial relationships in your home-away-from-home. It can be really hard at times, but that makes the experience all the more profound and worthwhile.
Courtney Winn - AUCP Fall 07
Colorado College
After being in a homestay, all I can say is I became an adult.
Elizabeth Kalescky - AUCP Spring 08
Rhodes College
All AUCP students are paired with a local French student for a weekly two-hour conversation exchange - a chance to share favourite expressions, cultural insights, and networks of friends.
My language partner was incredibly generous and, thanks to her, I went somewhere new every weekend! Marseille, the beach, outside of Aix, she enabled me to experience French housewarming parties and nights on the town. It became a true exchange for us.
Amanda Cooke - AUCP Fall 07
George Washington University
He and I had so many great conversations about our cultures, about current events and about our life as students. He made my time here so much richer.
Juliana Glassco - AUCP Fall 07
College of William and Mary
Having a language partner was invaluable in terms of achieving my cross-cultural goals.
Marta Grabowski - AUCP Fall 07
Grinnell College
Your best resource into real French social life.
Kathryn Harris - AUCP Fall 07
Grinnell College
The language partner system opens a network of French youth to the American students. It is an invaluable resource.
Shannon Higley - AUCP Spring 08
Oberlin College
Engaging in a personal interest activity (dancing, sailing, rock climbing, playing in an orchestra or joining a soccer team) is one of the quickest, surest ways to get to know French people naturally.
This is a good opportunity not only to further integrate into the Aix community but also a great way to find a new hobby!
Claire Twomey - AUCP Fall 07
George Washington University
This was a great part of the experience. It pushes you to go out and search for something you want to do independently. Once you find it and become a part of a group, it really feels like you are living in France and taking part in French life on your own.
Sarah Derron - AUCP Fall 07
Simmons College
I think this is very unique to the AUCP, and I would suggest that everyone take full advantage of Aix and the activities - dance, yoga, hiking, eating that are offered.
Emily Kaiser - AUCP Fall 07
George Washington University
I am really glad the AUCP encouraged me because I've found two activities that I really love. Joining a hiking club gave me more of an opportunity to see the Provence area. I feel like my activities nicely rounded out my life.
Olga Khaykin - AUCP Fall 07
Mills College
La danse orientale- I loved it! It was an independence and self -esteem booster. I did it on my own and had my own French friends.
Leah Landesberg - AUCP Fall 07
George Washington University
Aix is in the heart of one of the most charmed regions in all of France... Provence. With a highly educated population and over 30,000 French university students, the city offers countless opportunities for rich cultural contacts and lasting friendships.
Go to the buzzing, colourful, and fragrant marché on Saturdays. You will fall in love. Go to the beach - Cassis, Carry-le-Rouet. Go to St. Victoire to smell the wild rosemary! And last but not least, EAT!
Jennifer Lee - AUCP Fall 07
Scripps College
Aix is such a beautiful city, and just the right size for me to feel truly at home here.
Alexandra Hoff - AUCP spring 08
Williams College
|
