Author: Bethany Mueller | Major: History & International Studies| Semester: Summer 2025

The Coast of Cassis, France

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France, thanks to the generous support of the Honors College. The nine weeks I spent there were filled with unforgettable experiences, engaging courses, delicious food, and even better friendships. During my time in Aix, I took two French courses and one History course, which not only helped me strengthen my French speaking skills but also deepened my understanding of mid-20th-century French history. As a History major in Fulbright College, fascinated by modern French history and World War II, studying in France felt especially meaningful. Living in a region so connected to the events I’ve studied brought history to life in a new way. France is a country deeply rooted in values, tradition, and culture, and it was such a joy to experience it firsthand this summer. From Fête de la Musique to le 14 Juillet, I was able to immerse myself in the music, celebrations, and vibrant culture of France in just a few short months.

I began taking French language courses during the second semester of my freshman year and knew from the start that I wanted to study abroad in France to put my language skills to the test. I chose the summer term because it allowed me to earn nine hours of credit during a time when I wouldn’t normally be taking classes, and of course, there’s no better time to enjoy the French coast than in the summer. With six weeks of courses followed by three weeks of travel after my finals, I was able to fully immerse myself in French culture and experience day-to-day life alongside local French speakers.

I studied at the Institute for American Universities in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, France, where I took three courses: Intermediate French II, Advanced French, and France Under the Occupation, 1939-1945. Each morning, I attended my history class, where we explored the early years of World War II and its effects on France’s economy, society, and citizens. Because French history is the focus of my academic interests and honors research, taking a French history course in France was especially exciting and relevant. Our class excursions brought the material to life. We visited sites such as the Musée National de la Marine in Toulon and took a walking tour of Aix-en-Provence to study how the city experienced the occupation. I loved learning about this period of history and then seeing it firsthand.

My French language courses were challenging but rewarding, and they pushed me to make tremendous progress in my speaking and comprehension skills. We met for three and a half hours every day and participated in class discussions, assignments, and frequent tests. We were only allowed to speak French during class, which forced us to expand our vocabulary and become comfortable speaking in front of one another. Returning to the United States and doing well in my French classes at the University of Arkansas has proven just how much my language skills improved while in France

Outside of class, I had the opportunity to travel to several cities across Europe, including destinations in Spain, Ireland, and throughout France. I often spent weekends along the coast, soaking up the sun and trying local cuisine. From Nice, France, to Alicante, Spain, my friends and I made the most of our time by exploring seaside towns and relaxing on the beach. One of my favorite memories was from an excursion to Cassis, France, during my first weekend abroad. Although the other students and I had only just met, we were already excited to grow closer through shared experiences. We arrived in Cassis and took a boat ride through the cool waters of the Mediterranean – the views were breathtaking. Afterward, we wandered through the Saturday market, bought fresh strawberries, cherries, and sandwiches, and enjoyed them together on the rocky shore. The sun was warm, the water was cool, and the laughter came easily. We ended the day at a local vineyard, sampling wine produced in the region. It was an unforgettable day filled with friendship, sunshine, and the simple joys of French life.

I also had the joy of visiting several fellow Arkansas students who were studying abroad on the Honors Study Abroad Grant in Dublin, Ireland. John Canaan, Dhruva Rangarathna, and I became close last year through the Associated Student Government Senate, and when we realized we would all be in Europe over the summer, we knew we had to plan a trip to see each other. Having recently taken an Irish history class, I was especially excited to visit Dublin, a city so rich in history, and to reconnect with some of my closest friends. My roommate and I flew from Aix to Dublin, where we visited all the major landmarks, from the General Post Office to Trinity College. Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying fish and chips and stopping by one of the local pubs. Since returning home, John, Dhruva, and I have loved reminiscing about those sweet memories and the time we shared abroad.

While my summer included far more experiences than I can capture in this blog, I hope I’ve been able to share some of the highlights. Spending the summer in France would not have been possible without the support of the Honors College Study Abroad Grant, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity it provided. From the friendships I formed to the cities I explored, I will never forget mon meilleur été à Aix-en-Provence.