
Princeton in Aix-en-Provence, 2024
“An unforgettable experience.”
—Jane Buckhurst ’27
“The perfect opportunity to immerse myself.”
—Catherine He ’27
“Even the strangers I never saw again had awesome stories!” —Eddie Kong ’27
“An unparalleled opportunity to grow both academically and personally.”
—Angel Ndubisi ’26
“It will be life-changing.” —Ariana Di Landro ’25
Over the summer, the Department of French and Italian sent scores of Princetonians overseas for our annual study abroad programs in Pisa and Aix-en-Provence. Led by Anna Cellinese in Pisa and Murielle Perrier and Vincent Chanethom in Provence, students spent weeks immersed in the local language, culture, cities and cuisine. Here, students participating in both programs reflect on their experience, what they learned—and why you should, too!
Why did you decide to enroll in the program?
CH: I have always been passionate about learning French, and I knew I wanted to spend my summer travelling and stepping outside my comfort zone. Aix-en-Provence seemed like the perfect opportunity to immerse myself in French culture while significantly improving my language skills!
AD: I fell in love with the Italian language, learning it throughout the school year, and was craving the opportunity to experience the culture. Through a language, you learn to understand so much about people, their culture, and their desires.
AN: I decided to enroll in Princeton's study abroad program in Aix-en-Provence because of its unique combination of cultural immersion and academic opportunity, particularly in a region known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene. I was particularly drawn by the opportunity to enhance my language skills while exploring the intersection of art, history, science, and more in a European context.
What about the program did you find unexpected?
AD: I didn't think that I would be able to master the Italian language the way I did. That I would feel like it’s a language I have always needed to speak. I also didn't think that I would fall in love with Italy. I really hope to go back sometime in the future.
EK: Everyone was incredibly open and kind. Very early on, I had found a hip-hop/breakdancing community, and they let me join in on their training and tried teaching me new moves. My friend Finn in the program is Catholic, and literally, on day one, he found the Communauté Catholique Étudiante (CCE), and they also accepted us immediately. We did a lot with the students from the CCE—from playing soccer to making dinner to watching movies. Once, they even invited us to a picnic they were having. My host moms also had great stories and were incredibly welcoming. Even the strangers I never saw again had awesome stories—once I sat at a lunch counter next to an 80 year old man who had worked as a scénariste his whole life and worked with Alain Delon!
JB: One part of the program that I found unexpected was the friendliness of the local Italian students. Every student we met was nice and interested in getting to know us, despite our (initially) poor Italian and the fact that they were studying for exams. Because we ate most of our meals in the Scuola Normale’s dining hall, we were able to forge close friendships with the local students, which both made the trip more fun and helped develop our language skills.
Was there a trip, moment, or experience you found particularly meaningful?
CH: I found my dinners with my host mother, who happens to be an amazing cook, particularly meaningful. Every night, we would share a traditional French meal and discuss anything on our minds, ranging from French politics to travel destinations. She was incredibly hospitable and such a huge reason why I enjoyed the program so much.
EK: My favorite activity, without a doubt, was the weekly Loups-garous—every Tuesday, we would head to a board game bar and play the classic French game “Loups-garous” with about eighteen people in total, most in their 20s or 30s. Aix is an incredibly small town, and once, we ran into someone we had met during Loups-garous and went to a festival together. By the end, I knew all the other regulars, and our goodbye was very bittersweet.
AD: So many. I think what really made the experience extremely meaningful for me was the people I met. It's kind of like when you are in a car driving, and you look into the cars next to you, and there are so many other lives happening as yours is unfolding, and you wonder what is going on in their lives. But in this case, our lives intertwined for a short amount of time, and although a majority of it has been and may continue to be oceans apart, I am hopeful that is a bond that lasts a lifetime. They helped me see the world and appreciate it in a different way. For that and for Princeton in Pisa, I will forever be grateful.
What would you say to a student considering an FIT study abroad program for next year?
JB: I would highly recommend the Princeton in Pisa program to any student who is interested. It was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to deepen my understanding of the Italian language and culture and also make amazing friends. Pisa was perfectly situated—we were able to take day trips to beach towns up and down the coast, as well as to cultural sites around Tuscany — and a great city in which to be a student.
AN: To any student considering Princeton in Provence for next year, I would say that this program offers an incredible chance to deepen your understanding of French culture, enhance your language skills, and engage with the arts in a way that is both intellectually and personally fulfilling. It truly offers an unparalleled opportunity to grow both academically and personally, with experiences that will leave a lasting impact on your perspective and career aspirations.
AD: Be courageous and curious. Be brave enough to explore the Italian city you've always dreamed of, bold enough to make mistakes when speaking and writing so that you can learn from them, to be the first one to introduce yourself and form new friendships, and to let yourself be transformed by the experience. Be curious to explore the culture, the people, the food, and never stop asking questions. Pay attention to the details and soak it all in. The time you will be there will fly, but it will be life-changing.
Students interested in studying French and Italian abroad can find more information on our Princeton in Pisa and Aix-en-Provence resource pages.