When can I go back? Past Review
By Brooke M (West Chester University of Pennsylvania) - abroad from 09/03/2014 to 12/20/2014 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: French Alps, France
I made friends from all over the world and the U.S. I love gaining different perspectives and learning about people's experiences from other countries. Grenoble is also a really livable city and I enjoyed being there very much. I had so much fun everyday and I learned a lot of French in the process. I can't express enough how amazing Grenoble is and how easy and enjoyable CEA made my experience.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The language classes were great. I learned so much advanced French grammar I never would have learned otherwise as an undergrad. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Patrick is the best! He will become your French mother while you are there. He is so funny, kind and helpful and he will make your experience even better. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a residence hall in a studio apartment with one other student. I took a public bus to class, but I wasn't too far from campus. The apartment was very small and the beds were rocks, but overall, it was a good experience. If I went again though, I'd probably stay in the apartment. |
* Food: |
It's France so... |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It took some time to adjust, but after I had been there for about a month, I knew my way around the city, had adjusted to their eating times, and was able to blend in when I was in public |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any experiences with health care, but I couldn't leave this rating blank |
* Safety: |
I never had any real safety issues. There were several instances when men tried to hit on me and my friends, but we ignored them and never had any problems. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
It's a city and it's Europe, so some things are more expensive. Still, bread, cheese and fruit are cheap so it's not hard to live on a student budget. |
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 |
All my classes were in French and I spoke French with the foreign friends I made in my classes, but with the other Americans, I spoke English |
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? | 300 level French courses |
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? | Make friends with non-native English speakers and speak French with them. Even though the majority of them will know English as well, it's a lot less tempting to speak English when you are not with a native speaker. Speak up in class too and chat with your professors after class. I would also sit in cafés and listen to people's conversations in French to practice listening comprehension. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | The CEA apartment in Grenoble is big and really nice and has a washer and dryer in the apartment despite what it says online. I also wish I didn't pack so much. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |