France: Felix Shouse Tourino (Final Reflections)
Program: Academic Program in Aix-en-Provence, Academic Year
My time in Aix is coming to an end. I arrived in August 2025 and will be leaving July 2nd, 2026. Even now, two months away from departure, I’m already overwhelmed with emotion at the idea of leaving. I can’t imagine how I’ll be feeling on the day that I leave.
During my stay here, I’ve fallen completely and hopelessly in love with France.
The study abroad program in Aix-en-Provence has been the best experience of my life. I’ve met amazing people from all over the world, learned so much about France and Europe in general, traveled to so many new places, and considerably improved my French. I feel so lucky to have had this experience and I feel immense gratitude towards everyone at UW-Madison and here in Aix-en-Provence who helped make it happen.
In addition to the cultural immersion, the academics were also incredible. My courses at Sciences Po-Aix were fascinating, the professors were engaging and lively, and my peers were incredibly talented, hardworking, and motivated. It was a one-of-a-kind classroom environment and kept me motivated throughout the year.
This study abroad experience has brought me so many wonderful memories that I’ll cherish for all my life; one standout is my experience during the 2025 AISMUN model UN at Sciences Po-Aix (pictured left).
This study abroad experience has brought me so many wonderful memories that I’ll cherish for all my life; one standout is my experience during the 2025 AISMUN model UN at Sciences Po-Aix. It was one of the most exciting, fun, and intellectually satisfying opportunities I’ve ever had at a university. It made me want to participate in as many model UNs as I can, and I plan on continuing during my final year in Madison.
Felix Shouse Tourino
Program Name: Academic Program in Aix-en-Provence
Major: History and French
Hometown: Saint Joseph, Minnesota
One of my academic goals is to conduct research on my senior thesis while in Aix-en-Provence. I want to write about the French colonization of Algeria, and the Colonial Archives are located in Aix-en-Provence. This will allow me to research my senior thesis subject on-site while simultaneously studying abroad!
I chose my program because I wanted to experience a full year of language immersion. I want to improve my French skills as much as possible, and a year in France at a French university will give me the best opportunity to do so!