Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Semester in the Alps Past Review

By (French Language and Literature., Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville) - abroad from 09/05/2012 to 12/22/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: French Alps, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My time abroad has taught me not only a lot about French and international cultures, but also about my own culture and myself. I know myself better now than I ever expected to.

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.

The courses I took for my language and culture program were challenging!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My CEA on-site instructor was amazing. He helped us plan trips, coordinate activities in town, and took us out to see sights. He hosted FACE meetings every Thursday during which we would all get together, eat, and talk about any kind of issues we were having.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved getting to live on my own, immersed in French life, in an apartment! But a lot of my friends loved their home-stays, and if I could do it again I might change my mind!

* Food:

Eating out was delicious, but often times pricey, and being on a budget I usually cooked meals for myself in my apartment. Grocery shopping is affordable and learning new recipes is fun.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Studying with an American group gave me a lot of shoulders to lean on when I felt homesick or just wanted to speak English, but it also caused me to be most comfortable with my American or international friends and less integrated into French culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues abroad, but my roommate did go to the doctor a few times and said they were great. She even got a prescription at the pharmacy and all her healthcare was free to her.

* Safety:

I always felt safe living in Grenoble, even at nighttime. Your instructor will tell you if there are any parts of town to avoid, during 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)

I had a very tight budget while abroad, but I found my living expenses to be exactly what I needed. Being smart with your money is important when you're studying abroad, because you parents can't always (or may not be able to) send you more money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60-70 US dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much as you can now, you'll want it later. But while you're there, think about ways to conserve. Grocery shop instead of eating out three times a day, walk places, get good deals, go halves with your friends, only get ONE pastry, and you'll have plenty of money to spare.

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

I used French every day, all day, in all of my classes, in town, with my friends. I spoke French pretty much everywhere except in my apartment, but with a home-stay, you'd probably use it at home as well.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 352
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? Reach out, be confident, and talk to as many French people as you can!

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The location
  • The courses/coursework
  • Travel opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • I can't think of anything.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that the most important thing is to make as many mistakes as possible. I was so afraid of making mistakes, that I didn't make any friendships with French people.

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!