Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best 4-5 Months of My Life! Past Review

By (French Language Teacher Education., Indiana University of Pennsylvania) - abroad from 01/21/2013 to 05/18/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am a competent adult. I really grew up and learned so much about myself. I gained an international understanding of the world. I gained a comprehension that taking the time to just enjoy nature and history is worth more than any type of monetary experience.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I did home stay so I spent about 25 euro a week on food.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food all at once and make a list. Spontaneous shopping will burn a hole in your pocket.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Do home stay this will be the one place where you have to use the language outside the classroom.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Culture/Enviroment
  • Staff/Professors
  • Friendly Astmosphere
* What could be improved?
  • Literally can't think of anything. You guys are so great.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I did not think I would meet so many cool people, create lifelong friendships, have an absolute blast. I wish I would have better prepared myself for leaving.

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!