Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Amazing Adventure in Aix Past Review

By (Northeastern University) - abroad from 09/05/2015 to 12/19/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got the opportunity to meet students from all over the world. I learned how to get by in a country where I only minimally spoke the language. I learned how to problem solve and be independent. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

SUFLE has an amazing language program.I learned a lot of culture and langauge and really enjoyed my classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our program advisors were amazing. They were always available to help us and were happy to assist us with anything we needed. I felt completely safe and taken care of the entire time I was in France. They went above and beyond my expectations and made my experience incredible.

* 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:

I felt completely safe in this city. There were always people who could help me if I needed it and overall its a very safe city.

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)

depending on what you buy, food and housing expenses like laundry and supplies can be a little expensive

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100 if I did not travel on the weekend, $300 if I did travel

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate 2
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? attend French activities, movies, shows, etc

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • meeting students from around the world
  • cultural excursions and activities
  • ability to travel to other countries and cities easily
* What could be improved?
  • more resources in the apartment (oven, utensils)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? book trips in advance-a lot of times its cheaper farther ahead of time

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!