Mastering the French language in the heart of the Alps Past Review

By Adrienne F (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 01/08/2014 to 05/17/2014 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: French Alps, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned a lot about myself and my eyes were opened wide by friends from all over the world. I advanced in my knowledge and skills of the French language and made memories that I will be reliving for the rest of my life.

Review Photos

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.
* 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?	around 40-50 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Take advantage of the meals that your host family prepares for you and save your money for traveling, every little bit helps!

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?	Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	300 level
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?	Practice speaking with your friends, immerse yourself as much as possible through movies and music and take advantage of speaking with locals.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	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?	Location Living Arrangement University
* 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 know now that it's important to see the things you want to see and experience the things you want to experience without waiting around for others.

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 Avid Adventurer The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	French Culture and Society
Course Department:
Instructor:	Jacques Redoux
Instruction Language:	French
Comments:	Yes, we had language classes each morning with the same professor and a small group of international students. I liked being with other international students because we were forced to speak French in order to communicate with one another. I participated more than at my home institution because the class was smaller and I knew it would help me learn. We were assessed by papers, homework and a final exam at the end.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I haven't done it yet.