Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-changing !! Past Review

By (Int'l Studies; French; Marketing, Baldwin-Wallace College) - abroad from 06/25/2004 to 07/30/2004 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It determined the course of my life over the past 5 years. If I hadn't done the program, I wouldn't have lived in France the past 5 years, I wouldn't have had these amazing incredible adventures there, I wouldn't be the expert in olive oil and have the career that I have today. I feel very connected to CEA.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was the summer program, as such we were in class only during the mornings. It was perfect, we had an exceptional professor who really made the language class fun. We learned and improved our French considerably, but without feeling we had to spend the whole summer in school.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There is a reason we call her mama Viv...she adopts each student as her own...some she continues to take care of them 10 years later ;-) So much to say about Vivienne, the director, I wouldn't even know where to start. I will say this...if I had been in someone else's program, I wouldn't have lasted more than 2 days before getting right back on the plane home ! Worst case of home sickness ever !!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had the perfect little apartment...it was a quiet studio with a balcony. I loved it !

* Food:

I discovered so many foods the way they should be for the first time in Aix. Olives, goat cheese, rosé, and of course my passion olive oil which has become my profession now as well. The markets are unrivaled in Aix...I miss going to the one lady with the red hair who calls everyone ma chérie...oh and those frangipane cookies at the 24h bakery !!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The French friends I met there almost 10 years ago through CEA are still my friends today !

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very typically of me, I've find myself in the hospital and doctor's office several times. Cea has always been right at my side...so I never felt as if I was alone thousands of miles from home. The English speaking Doc, Dr. Armand is the most wonderful doctor I've ever had.

* Safety:

I've never felt uncomfortable walking any streets, no matter what the time of day or night.

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
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Vivienne the director
  • Aix is the most charming city in France
  • The Aixois
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to not stress so much and go at the pace of life in Provence. ;-)

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!