Parents

When was the best time to have your parents come visit you during the year?

No Regrets...

What do you think was the best thing that you did, or the most socially productive thing that you did in your first few weeks in France?

Packing!

a) What did you bring over that you ended up not needing at all?
b) What do you wish you had brought that you didn't?
c) What are you really glad you brought?

Any additional tips in terms of packing and getting all our stuff through the airports/train stations/etc?

Language

In terms of the language aspect, hat was the hardest part about moving to a foreign-language-speaking country? What would you recommend to us, knowing what you do now?

What did you do over the summer to prepare and retain your language skills? Is there anything you wish you had done prior to leaving?

Did you ever feel like you could speak not a word more of French? What did you do?

How do you recommend tackling the coursework in French—any tips, shortcuts, etc.?

What are a few (5-10) French words or phrases that you did not know upon arrival, or that you had to learn the hard way, that you recommend we be familiar with?

Travel Leisure

1) What are the best airlines to use in France?

2) How many breaks are there in the school year that would allow students to have travel time?

3) How many group trips  does the Aix program provide?  Where? 

4) Is the TGV always the cheapest way to travel in France?

5) Is the Euro rail pass worth the money or is the TGV pass sufficient?

6) Are leisure travel trips cheaper when booked as a group?

7) What are some tips for car rentals in France for short trips?

8) Ho much is a bus ride to Marseille?

9) What are you recommendations for places to travel to in Europe.

10) Do you guys have any good travel tips/tricks for students on a budget?

Activities

1. What are some of the student organization offered? Are they cultural, political, community service, or just fun oriented?

2. What kind of sports teams can you join, and is there anything like the Intramural program at UM?

3. Are there any student dance groups? Do people just go to clubs to dance?

4. Are there any festivals of music and art?

5. What do you have to say about performances like music or plays?

6. Can one see any museums or art galleries in Aix?

Questions about meeting French people

1. Realistically how easy is it to make friends in class?
2. What are the best school activities for meeting people?
3. What are some cultural things to be aware of before talking to a French person, like little things that might really throw them off even though I might not be at all aware that I am doing them?
4. Are there certain places in town that are good for meeting people? Where do most students hang out?
5. In general, how have you found the French students to be in Aix? Are they friendly, more distant, etc?