The Experience of a Lifetime! Past Review
By Ofir M (Government, University of Redlands) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Aix-en-Provence, France
I became very close to my classmates who later on became my best friends. We keep in touch often now even though we live in different parts of the U.S. and the world. Traveling together was amazing and made every trip and every experience that much more memorable. Aix-en-Provence is a beautiful city. I will be coming back here for years to come.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Aix-Marseille Paul Cezanne Universite |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Teachers were always willing to help. They were very friendly and keep the classes fun. However, there is alot of homework and attendance is very important. This can somtimes interfere with other traveling plans. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our CEA Program Coordinator Vivian Hamill is great! the activities plabbed were all very educative, fun and definately focused on the culture of the different regions in France. My experience in Aix-en-Provence was unique and created lifetime memories. I would do this program over, and over again. I have no complaints! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I am very independent and do not like to live with restrictions of any sort. My living arrangement in an apartment with another Ameticam girl was a great experience. she is now one of my best friends and we got along very well. the apartment situation definately worked for me. |
| * Food: |
Pizza Capri is a must try! great pizza! also try Donner Kabobs and all of the restaurants off of Course Mirabeau were simply great. I ate out alot because I lived in my own apartment. the apartments usually have kitchens so you can cook as often as you would like. Monoprix is a good market to find any store bought item. However, you don't want to miss out on shopping for fresh fruits and veggies througout the different farmers markets that happen so ofter in different streets of Aix. Definately take advantage of fresh artisian products. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The trip to Niece/Monaco was amazing. we started with the Mardi Grass celebration parade at the Promenade D'Anglais in Niece.... it was simply awesome!! also Monaco was a real treat for us... Casino, high end nightclubs and a very neat private Hors d'ouvre reception hosted by our site cordinators..... amazing little excursion out of Aix. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Aix is safe overall. However, don't forget to use your common sense at all times. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Interaction with peers, Teachers, locals. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Independent, open minded, organized, common sense student who is seeking to expand network of friends while appreciating a different culture and lifestyle. |
