Université de la Méditerranée Aix-Marseille II

The best thing with an opportunity like this is that you really can get involved as much as you want to. For my part I decided that the more I put in the more I would get out. I joined the rugby side, played tennis and football and went out a lot. My improvement in French was marked and rapid but I really did make an effort of putting myself forward which is not always easy.

Get a student/young person travel card of some sort. Not only is it cheaper but it will encourage to go out and do more which is what's it's all about.

Just do it and put as much as you can into meeting people from that country/place.

Admittedly the halls were a bit old and the kitchens more basic than I was used to but I was there for a lot more than to spend time in my room. Luckily the south of France is warm and the whole of the experience more than made up for it. Also, as I mentionned in Q4, they were very cheap so it's difficult to complain.

Clubs are open late in France meaning you don't need to go out too early like you do in the UK. Meeting at around midnight before hitting the nightlife was common. This way it's possible to have a decent meal, relax (even have a little snooze in preparation!) and not be in a rush. There were also plenty of other events with a student cinema on campus and so many things to go and see in the region I really feel as if I made the most of it.