Le Cote D'Azur - The Experience No One Wanted to End Past Review
By Kelly N (History and Pre-Med, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: French Riviera, France
The cost was definitely an issue (and will be when I go to pay it back) but it was worth every single penny. I gained a knowledge of French culture that simply cannot be acquired any other way than living in the country. I made some best friends for life (from America) and have such good French friends that I am visiting them in London this winter. It cemented my love for the country and has influenced my specialty in French history in my graduate studies. Studying abroad, overall, really is an indescribable life changing experience that simply shifts your view on life and leaves you with stories that you cannot stop telling - I keep recommending it to everyone
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. |
Completely different than America. The classes were once a week for three hours with very minimal amounts of homework and more interactive classes. There were roughly the same amount of tests but the workload overall was very light (granted I took classes in English - except my French class) |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There was really only one administrator once overseas which was not a problem unless you needed to get ahold of someone at an odd hour. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The Resideal was definitely over represented on the CEA website and I was disappointed upon arrival. The major redeeming features of this place were the roof pool (once it got nice out) and the proximity to several other rooms containing Americans. The neighbors could be awfully noisy, the laundry was almost $20 a load, and we literally lived in a hotel - WITH TERRIBLE INTERNET. We were the farthest away from downtown Antibes which got really difficult sometimes, especially with groceries but we were relatively close to the train station and major bus stop. |
| * Food: |
I made most of my own food - once you being to understand French ingredients and the lack of salt and sugar compared to American foods, you'll get the hang of things. EAT LOTS OF FRESH BAKED GOODS AND DRINK A LOT OF ROSE WHILE IN THE COTE! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Go to any and all SKEMA planned events. This includes the trips and the parties - honestly the best experiences of my life and I have made PERMANENT friends from other cultures; they are the best way to jump in head first. Make sure to travel to other countries but also explore Nice, Monaco, etc. on your own time, not just with CEA. French people are friendly and like to have as much fun as you! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Safety was pretty good - a little uneasy being in a foreign country and not as many street lights but I never felt like my life or well-being was actually in danger |
| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I really did not NEED to speak French to attend this program because my classes were in English and most people in Antibes speak English as it is a major tourist destination. I found myself reverting to English quite often and not pushing my French skills. My use of conversational French and knowledge of the ways in which people use the language did improve mainly through my French friends and day to day interactions such as grocery shopping. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live 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? | Introverted students need not apply - SKEMA is not for the faint of heart, wallet, or social skills. Jumping in head first is the only real way to be successful in this program. Make friends with the Americans and then branch out and BE SURE TO make French friends by talking in class and going to the Thursday parties. You are in control of your experience here so put yourself out there, travel, party and interact. If done properly, you will cry upon departure and be planning your trip back ASAP. Go in the fall if at possible because the weather is better! |
