Aix-En-Provence
Quick Facts
Average Rent : 300€ -200€ after CAF
Monthly transport pass : 28€ per month
100€ per year
Last passage of public transport : 1.04 a.m.
Number of Malaysian student : 15
Interviewee : Anis Zafirah binti Mohd Zali and Abdul Hakim bin Ezam
Q : Why did you choose to do your study in this city and how did it differ from your expectations?
Both : A very calm city and I recommend it for those who don’t really like winter. I think it didn’t differ much from my expectations as I was prepared for this when I was in MFI. I did think that the French were very serious but nope, they are actually quite funny and cool to work with.
Q : What do you like and dislike about this city?
Both : I like the weather, the view of Saint Victoire and the fact that I can still get a lot Asian stuff despite living in a small city. I don’t like it when most shops are closed and transportation is reduced on Sunday.
Q : What were the difficulties that you faced here? How did you overcome them?
Both : Their accent is different from what I expected. I had to listen hard to understand what the French were saying. Also navigating through the city, it cannot be overcomed.
Q : What did you like to do in the city for leisure purposes?
Both : Get lost in the city! Check out the cat cafe or go jogging.
Q : How did you find the locals in the city?
Both : Some of them are friendly and helpful!
Q : Share your favourite memory in this city/your department.
Both : I would say hiking and picnic with my friends at Calanques is one of the best memories.
Q : Where can you get halal food?
Both : Super U or the halal butcheries. There are a lot of options.
IUT Aix Marseille
Interviewee : Anis Zafirah binti Mohd Zali and Abdul Hakim bin Ezam (DUT Génie Mécanique et Productique 2ème année)
Q : How do you find the teachers and the environment in your department
Both : Teachers are very kind! They help us Malaysians a lot. The environment in GMP is nice. Students are friendly and help us especially when we don’t understand certain French words.
Q : How do you find the international student support in your department/école?
Both : Malaysians are no longer considered ‘international’ students so all the support that you need is from your French peers
Q : Describe the student life (Sports, night life, cultural events)
Both : Stressful but manageable. You still have time for sports, to go out on Friday nights for dinner/movie night out. You can sign up for sports for one session per week but most activities are during school hours.
Q : How do you go to class?
Both : 5 min walks from current residence.