The South of France: Bien Sur! Past Review

By Cassidy W (French/International Studies, Iowa State University) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Aix-en-Provence, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

This experience changed my life and opened my eyes to not only French & European culture but also to who I am as an independent and capable person. I know, after all the traveling & backpacking I did during that year, after navigating my way across numerous countries in which I didn't speak the language, and after having lived in a foreign country for almost a year, I am capable of doing anything.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Class time in France is very much lecture from the teacher only style. If you don't know how to take notes from listening to your professor lecture -without power points- you will learn how to while studying in this lovely land. The teachers talk at you and tell you how it is and they expect you to repeat that information back in the final exam.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	I felt very informed about what to expect and how to deal with many situations during my study abroad experience. I was very happy with the extra help I received from choosing to go with CEA-especially when going through the process of obtaining my visa & later carte de sejour.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I really enjoyed the freedom of apartment living, as I live this way back back home in America. Perhaps the only change I would have made to my living situation was choosing to living with French roommates rather than Americans. I was able to practice my French daily at school, with friends, and with my French boyfriend. However it was clear that the kids who had French roommates or stayed with host families had a much better grasp on the language as they were forced to speak it every day. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for more people and you want to get the most out of it!
* Food:	You can buy Heinz ketchup shipped straight from the States at Monoprix! However, it is a tad on the pricey side, so bring your own big plastic squeeze bottle in your suitcase if your a big ketchup lover. Also you can find peanut-butter in France but it can be challenging depending on which town you're in. I would suggest you bring a jar of that as well.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	There are so many things to do and see all over France it is RIDICULOUS! The Carnaval de Nice, touring wineries & olive groves & museums & perfumeries & chateaux (castles) & caves. The lavender fields & the harbors & beaches lining the coast!
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Very well lit, safe town. As a female I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe walking, even alone in town.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget? (1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?
Language acquisition improvement?	My speaking fluency and speed improved so quickly because I was living and interacting with people who only spoke French every day of my stay. I made friends with dozens of French & also international students which was a great opportunity not only to practice the language but also to learn slang words & more about the popular culture of people my own age in France today. Neighbors, stores people, my teachers, everyone was a perfect candidate for which to practice my skills on.