CIS Abroad - Summer in Aix en Provence

My summer abroad experience was everything I had hoped for, plus more! The University I attended, IAU, was incredible. I was able to advance in my French language skills and studio art skills. All of the staff were welcoming, helpful, encouraging, educated and fun. Without them, none of this would have been possible and they really enriched the whole experience.
My host family was incredible as well. I was safe, comfortable and felt as if I was really apart of the French culture by living with them.
The town itself really made me fall in love with France and the French culture. Someone who hasn't traveled a lot and was a little nervous in the beginning, all of that went away by being in Aix. Being able to be apart of everything the town had to offer really made me feel at home.
Then lastly, the skills I learned on this trip will help me in all of my future endeavors. Not only did the trip advance me in my education, it helped me improve in my everyday life. It made me more passionate to travel, appreciate cultures other than my own, improve my communication and problem solving skills and push me out of my comfort zone. I will never forget this experience and will forever be grateful for the things I got to do and the people I got to meet. I am already counting down the days until I get to go back!