Au Bord du Rhone

Arles is made amazing by the clash of ancient ruins with modern transportation, ancient architecture and modern interiors, museums and art galleries, traditional Provencal and modern cuisine. And the best part? It’s not in an overwhelmingly large city. Everything is within walking distance, events are accessible to almost anyone, and the locals are incredibly kind and helpful.

A typical day started bright and early with class. before lunch it was nice to visit a local café, enjoy a coffee and read for class or for pleasure. Lunch was always enjoyable because we split up into groups with the staff and the instructors and ate at different restaurants around town. After lunch was another study break and then class again. The evenings varied the most. Sometimes there would be tours around town with the program, then students would eat dinner out in town or with their host families. At night there were always things to do like concerts, art showings, festivals, movies, or just having a drink at the local pub. Things were slower some days, but everyone needs a few of those. If nothing else, it's a slower pace of life in the summer there.

I must say though that high above all else, what created the most memories, were the people. The staff in the US and France, the instructors, all of the host families, the locals, and the other students in the program all created an amazing trip. They are the ones that create each summer’s unique feel and experience.