Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Hospitality Administration/Management., University of South Carolina - Columbia) - abroad from 01/02/2012 to 05/12/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: French Riviera, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was 100% worth it and I would do it all again the exact if I could.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our program directors in the French Riviera were absolutely amazing. They helped us with anything and everything from the language, to finding grovery stores, to shopping, to transportation, to places to eat and places to travel, school issues, etc. They were always there for us and it was extremely comforting being that we were in a country we weren't fimiliar with.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was perfect! The view from the back balcony over looked the Antibes Fort, Harbour, the Mediterranean, Nice, and the French Alps. It also had everything an American apartment would have, from a microwave, oven, stove, full fridge, dishwasher, etc.

* 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 never felt unsafe in the city of Antibes, during the day or at night, walking alone or in a group, etc. The town was perfect.

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)

There were certain foods that were extremely cheap and certain foods that were expressive but that's the same here. Living on a budget was very doable and the traveling was extremely cost efficient as well.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You only study abroad once in your lifetime, have fun, and don't let a few dollars and here there keep you from having the time of your life.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The location
  • The friends I made
  • The directors
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How easy it would be to get around not speaking the language.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'