Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Unexpected Life Change Past Review

By (Journalism Advertising/Public Relations, University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) - abroad from 01/03/2013 to 05/01/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: French Riviera, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that there is an adventure in every opportunity. No matter the situation, there is always good things waiting for you. It was amazing to be in another country, experience a completely different culture and living like a local. It changed my life in so many unexpected ways.

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:

There was no food provided- it would've been nice to have some sort of stipend or meal plan.

* 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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget, budget, budget. You spend money so much faster than you think you are.

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? Beginner
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? Intermediate 2 French
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? Take a class! I didn't get to, and I wish I had signed up for one in order to practice it more.

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 People
  • The School
  • The Town
* What could be improved?
  • The food situation
  • Paying for transportation
  • Nothing else!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The weather isn't all that great until the last month or so of the program.

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.