 My name is Trish Doheny and I'm a communication major with a minor in French. I studied abroad in Exxon-Provence, France through Fairfield University's Study Abroad program. I chose Exxon-Provence as my study abroad location because the small community feel of the program allowed me to build wonderful relationships with fellow students as well as European friends and even store owners I met in the town. Located in the south of France, Provence is known for its picturesque fiestas, Mediterranean climate, and sense of history. While having a timeless charm, Provence remains modern with its many university attending students who populate the city and add to the rich variety of peoples, cultures, and traditions. Studying abroad in Provence gave me the opportunity to fully immerse myself into the culture and be a part of the community. More than 70,000 students live and study in this university town. The Institute for American Universities, or IAU College, is located in the heart of this academic community in the oldest part of the town. Walking around made me feel as though I was living in a storybook or a painting. The renovated and beautiful 18th century Chapelle des Pente-en-Pleu is the headquarters of the Exxon-Provence Center and houses classrooms, a library, a student lounge, and administrative offices. Students are also held in the Presbyterie next to the Cartes Gras Sans Seveur and in a nearby townhouse directly facing the breathtaking 13th century façade of the cathedral. Students take five to six courses while abroad in Provence, one of which is taught in French. Students who are at the intermediate level of French have the opportunity to strengthen their language skills by taking selected courses such as philosophy, theater, history, and politics taught in French for American students. Students who qualify with a high degree of proficiency in French may take one course with French students at one of France's leading universities founded by the Jesuits in the 16th century, Université d'Ex-Merci, allowing them to experience a typical French classroom. The architecture, the fountains, the cobblestone sidewalks, and the ancient caves were unlike anything I have ever seen before. We were also given the opportunity to experience culture outside the classroom, depending on our interests, for example, teaching English to French students in local elementary schools. Students can live with roommates in apartments or with a host family in a homestay. While 15 to 30 minute walk to school, homestays gave us the opportunity to experience first hand life in a French home. Departments were given breakfast every morning and dinner six nights a week. The food was delicious and authentic French. Apartments were also possible for students who wanted a more independent living experience. Studying abroad in X gave me the opportunity to experience first hand, a town noted for its landscapes and climate, its cuisine, its wines, and its perfumes. After the first week, I felt like I could call X my second home. I absolutely loved living there for three months and I feel incredibly privileged to have had such an unbelievable experience. I will definitely be going back and I strongly recommend that you try a semester, summer, or even a full year abroad in Exxon Provence through Fairfield University.