Université de Droit, d'Economie et des Sciences: Aix-Marseille III

I wouldn't have changed a thing about my housing arangement. I was basically with a familly but was housed in the guest house with two french students. The house was amazing and had a sizeable front and back yard with barbeque. Further, it was located near the centre ville... well about 10-15 minute by foot.

I was in a relatively structured program for language learners so my slelction was limited. If I were to do it again I would have taken more french courses so I could have taken courses with french students at the university. On that same note though I viewed studying abroad as more of a cultural life experience so wasn't as interested in the academic side as much as immersing and enjoying life.

The system is a bit different from the anglo system on several differnt levels. Grading, teacher student interaction, and general course structure. I for one enjoyed the academic structure. Teachers are more critical and openly corrective of students, there is generally less work, and in my case less tests than at my home university. Suggestions.. I really dont have any.

That it was only a year but would impact my life in such a profound way and to cherish every minute of every day like it was going to be my last.

Do it. Though realize happiness is an inside job and you make your experience what you want it to be.

After all the i's were dotted and the whatnot, I spent roughly 14,000-16000 for the ten month period which included everything from my flight etc. It was expensive not doubt, but in reality I could have avoided a few thousand. Myself, like many other students spent an exuberant amount of money the first two months going out and wasting money on needless activities because we were unfamiliar with the system in France. Had I known what I know now I am certian that I could have lived on substantially less. ALso realize that there are financial aid for students in France like the CAF that would have aided in the financial burden. In short Aix is expensive, but well worthwhile, and there are many students who live off of 600E a month and do fine. I just had an inclination to travel all over western europe and go out 3-4+ times a week...