Paris: Pasteries, Excursions, and Too much fun Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

While the workload is a bit more than I originally expected from a study abroad program, it is about equal to that of my home university. A major difference is that at CEA they are very personable and WANT to help you succeed. You get one-on-one time with the professors and they are all available by email. Many of the classes take excursions out into the city so you get to actually see what you are learning about first hand. The teaching method is amazing and I've fallen in love with the campus and entire staff.

On-site administration of your program

My host country's administration was AMAZING!!! They helped me with everything I needed and were friendly the entire time. Everyone feels like we are friends with the staff, and they are always joking and asking us how we are doing. Half of the staff is from Paris, and are all extremely knowledgeable about things to do and places to go. When I was feeling home sick one of the staff members talked it through with me and then gave me a list of hidden gems in Paris to visit that were quiet and secluded. The program size was around 60 people and we all became close. Many traveled and went out together on a weekly basis. All of my expectations were far exceeded and I was so sad to leave this amazing staff.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment with 3 other girls, 2 of us in each room. We loved our apartment, and were able to feel like true Parisians! Our neighbors were nice, and to save money we cooked dinner together each night. Our apartment came fully furnished, the only thing we had to bring was sheets, a pillow case, and I ended up buying an additional blanket.

Paris is pretty expensive and while it's fun to go out to various cafes and experience the true Parisian life-style, I opted to cook food at home. I had to get creative because a lot of ingredients are different here than in the states. My roommates and I even made some French inspired dinners! It was a lot of fun, and we saved a ton of money.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

CEA organizes multiple excursions that are included in the program cost. We did a mystery excursion to Normandy, and we went to Fontainebleu, Versailles, Strasbourg, and Germany. Each one was so much fun and allowed us to see various parts of the country that many of us would have never seen.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

During orientation my program went over all the possibilities of what could happen. While at first intimidating they explained the worst of it all up front. It allowed me to know what to look for and know what to do in certain situations. I never felt unsafe or out of control and overall had a great time.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Before starting this program I had never taken a French class in my life. In this city there are people who can speak/understand English; however, they very much want you to speak their language. The staff members at CEA helped me so much! They would make calls to doctors, or other specialists, and if I needed something translated they were able to adequately express what I wanted to say. They helped me learn and perfect common phrases that I otherwise would've been lost trying to say.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

• Staff
• Courses

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