Decisions, Decisions Part 2: J'irai à Aix!

Bonjour tout le monde,

As I told you in Decisions, Decisions Part 1, I have been looking for the parfait study abroad program to fulfill my wish list for spring 2014.

Ideally, it should:

• be fairly affordable
• be in a culture-rich city 
• be safe 
• allow me the opportunity to travel, and/or provide excursion opportunities 
• immerse me in local culture 
• have a homestay or apartment option 
• offer phonetics classes, and/or classes that are pertinent to my minor in tourism 

To my delight, I think I've found everything I want and need in CEA's French Language and Culture Program in Aix-en-Provence!

Lavendre - Provence

4.9/5.0 student reviews on StudyAbroad101 earned it the titles 2012 #1 Study Abroad Rankings winner, #2 "Foodie City", and #3 "Top Academic Experience".

Let me show you how amazing it is!

Aix-Marseille Univesité

 Aix-en-Provence has a Mediterranean climate with 300 days of sunshine per year. It boasts historical charm, a large student population, adequate night life and a large farmer's market that happens each and every day.

Fruits de Mer - Aix-en-Provence Marché

Being as it is a direct program, as opposed to an exchange like some of the other programs I looked at, it has an all-inclusive program fee like AIFS Cannes or Paris. Below are the included amenities:

• Personalized Advising/planning assistance/on-site staff support 
• Discounts on travel through StudentUniverse Travel Partner Program & Ticket 13 Bus discount 
• Airport reception 
• Tuition at Aix-Marseille Université (up to 18 semester hours) 
• Two to three Excursions/overnight trips
• Culture Activities: Visits to farms, the lavender fields, gourmet tastings, language exchanges, etc. 
• Social activities: weekly happy hour, afternoon and evening activities for students
• Volunteer opportunities: tutoring French school-age kids, and more upon request
• Cell phone plan!!! 
• University Gym membership 
• Housing (Shared apartment)

The above package is $11,795. Much cheaper than Cannes or Paris. However, it does not include:

Even still, this extremely well-rounded semester totals around $21,295 at most: over $5,000 less than AIFS Cannes even before extra travel and spending money.

What a victory! 

I will keep you all updated as I learn more.

Thanks for reading!