The best month of my life Past Review
By Trish A (International Business, Indiana University of Pennsylvania / IUP) - abroad from 05/19/2015 to 06/19/2015 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Aix-en-Provence, France
I learned how to be more independent while learning the French culture. It was worth my while.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes were intense, but very helpful & the professors were great |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very helpful with good direction |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Nice apartment with good space |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Great city with lots of history & entertainment |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No experiences with health issues |
| * Safety: |
Very safe city, had no problems |
| 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) |
The restaurants and markets are very affordable |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About €100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do not buy too many souvenirs to avoid excess weight in your suitcase |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We spoke French to the workers in restaurants, shops & markets |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 281 |
| 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? | Talk to natives as much as possible; don't get discouraged |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | I wish I was more informed on French fashion in order to blend in more with the locals |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
