Keep in mind that it should take about a month for you to adjust to living in France, and do not expect too much too soon.  If you feel frustrated or discouraged, remember that everyone goes through several stages of adjustment before he or she feels really settled.

As every student who studies abroad quickly learns, your own attitude will have a huge impact on your experience in Provence.  Since your stay in France will be relatively short, the time and effort you put into speaking, reading, and writing French and into your course work will determine how much progress you make.  This also applies to getting to know French people and to feeling at ease in Aix; if you work at it, you will find that you will have a life on your own in France.  We hope you will cultivate a positive and enthusiastic approach to your new cultural experiences.