Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Month in French Paradise! Past Review

By (Covenant College) - abroad from 06/03/2017 to 07/01/2017 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: French Riviera, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about being independent as I lived more or less on my own and didn't study abroad with anyone that I knew. I also learned a lot more about French culture and way of life. It was extremely worthwhile and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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

* 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

Not only was the location just to die for, but the academic program pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me a lot. My program director was just amazing and always encouraged me in my pursuit of the French language. The CEA program also schedules excursions to neighboring cities which was really great.

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? 200-300 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Actually create a budget before the program, but also leave wiggle room for spending since it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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? 200 level 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? Keep on speaking to natives in their language even if they speak to you in English.

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

  • 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
  • My program director
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To create a budget for my time abroad.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.