I did the French language program at Aix Marseille University and loved it. I got to meet so many people from around the world and practice my French every day to be able to converse with them. Doing it through CEA CAPA made the experience so much better and easier. They really helped us learn to navigate the city and the culture and taught us so much that we wouldn’t have known without them. Also going through CEA CAPA gave me a group of students from the get go who I could talk to (in English) when I got stressed or just needed to give my brain a break.

Aix-en-Provence was a great city to study abroad in. While it was 30 minutes away from Marseille, a major city in the south of France, Aix still felt quaint and personal. I always ran into people that I knew from my classes in the town or on the way to the airport. I had my own little restaurants/cafes that I liked to frequent for lunch or coffee. It was also a great home base as I travelled to other cities in France, with the Marseille Airport being close by and having lots of access to different cities.

I loved my time abroad in Aix-en-Provence with CEA CAPA. The staff were incredibly welcoming and supportive, guiding us through every step of settling into a new country and making sure we had an enjoyable experience. They organized trips, cultural excursions, and fun events that helped us engage deeply with French culture and connect with other students. My professors were knowledgeable, approachable, and encouraging, making classes challenging yet engaging, and fostering creativity through projects like podcasts, street interviews, and newspaper design. Living in Aix, a vibrant city full of history and culture, allowed me to practice my language skills daily and fully immerse myself in local life. Throughout the semester, I gained valuable language skills, cultural understanding, professional growth, and lifelong friendships and memories that I will always treasure. This was a truly transformative program.

I arrived in Aix knowing almost nothing. No familiarity with the city, no grasp of the language, and no idea what to expect. Even so, it didn’t take long for Aix to make an impression. It’s a place where the past is present in everyday life, from the architecture to the food to the quiet details you notice just walking through the streets.

What stood out most was how much there is to learn simply by being there. For five weeks, I explored the city daily, and every day brought something new. Aix has a way of steadily revealing itself without trying too hard. The people were a big part of what made the experience meaningful. Locals were friendly and often happy to share recommendations or small things to try from around the region. The farmers’ markets were always lively, full of fresh produce, handmade goods and eager vendors that would encourage us to taste different items. I still remember trying what felt like ten varieties of olives in one afternoon. The markets became a regular stop, not just for food, but because they gave such a clear feel for the rhythm of daily life in the city.

Even simple routines felt enjoyable. Most of my evenings ended with walks through the center of town. The atmosphere was relaxed but full enough that you always felt like something was happening, even if it was just people enjoying the night.

When it came to food, my class had a clear favorite, IT Italian. It happened to be the first restaurant we tried when we arrived and the last place we went before leaving. There’s a lot to do if you want to stay busy, but there’s also plenty to enjoy even if you’re just wandering without a plan. I can’t cover everything the city offers in one review, but the city has a lot to offer, and much of what makes it special is discovered simply by being there.

My experience was one that was both my first time alone abroad and in Europe so everything was entirely new to me. I was able to form friendships with my cohort, traveling and experiencing things together for the first time with people who were essentially strangers until eventually they became friends. We got to have excursions scheduled for us and most logistics readily planned and scheduled for us which made the experience a lot easier as well as allowing us to map the area and its history by taking us to its more historical sites.

Growing up in a small city, I was always curious about what existed beyond the familiar. That curiosity, paired with my love for art and history, eventually led me to study abroad in France through CEA CAPA. From the start, I was drawn to the architecture, museums, and everyday artistic traditions that make France such a rich place to learn and live.

Academically, I studied Travel Narratives & Culture and French Cinema, courses that opened my eyes to new ways of thinking. Outside the classroom, my days were filled with coffee at local cafés, wandering through vibrant markets, townlife, French opera and symphony performances, and simply soaking in the charm of the city’s winding streets. These moments whether alone or with friends taught me to slow down and fully appreciate the present.

The benefits of studying abroad have been countless: greater courage, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for art, culture, and life itself. Most importantly, I returned with a clearer sense of who I am and the kind of future I want to create.

Of course, it wasn’t always easy. This was my first time traveling outside the U.S., and only my second time ever on a plane. The unfamiliar language, cultural differences, and initial feelings of loneliness were challenges that pushed me out of my comfort zone. Yet, those same challenges became the foundation of my growth. I learned adaptability, resilience, and a deeper trust in myself, discovering that true independence isn’t about being alone, but about embracing uncertainty with confidence. Additionally, the CEA CAPA team made the transition seamless, with staff who were always available to provide support and guidance with warmth.

Choosing to study in Aix-en-Provence through CEA CAPA's study abroad program was one of the best decisions I made during my academic career. As a French major, I was looking for somewhere to learn French, connect with others, and experience France in a slower way than Paris. The advisors, other students, and host parents in Aix were some of the kindest, most helpful people I have ever met. I came away from the experience with much-improved French skills, incredible travel stories, and amazing memories. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to experience France and/or learn French!

My time in Aix-en-Provence was a dream. The program is super immersive. The CEA CAPA team took us on regional excursions and trips. Each IAU course takes you on a field trip and relates the information to the regional context. I made lifelong friends, ate AMAZING local foods, and spent some time traveling around the Mediterranean. 10/10 would do it again. If you want to go to France but don't want your home base to be in a city as big as Paris or Marseille, Aix-en-Provence is the perfect place for you.