CEA Paris: Life Changing Experience! Past Review
By Christina B (Business, University of Michigan - Dearborn) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Paris, France
Yes, it was definitely worthwhile. I gained independence, self-respect and confidence in doing things on my own. Because I switched my major, my credits did not transfer.. but to me, it was still worth it. Through my study abroad experience, I've learned what is really important in life and I grew up.. even in the short 5 months that I was there. I am a completely different person- for the better!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
CEA was great! The classes were very informative and many fun projects were assigned. Teachers were all very friendly and willing to help if you needed it. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The people working at CEA in Tempe, Arizona were really helpful in answering questions and fixing problems. They also sent out many update emails and worked to make sure you were satisfied with their service before starting the program. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment with other CEA students from America. I chose to live in an apartment with other Americans rather than live in a dorm with French students because I was a beginner French speaker. But CEA offered other housing options for people who wanted to live in an international dorm. |
| * Food: |
Living in an apartment, I purchased my own food. However, CEA would provide lunches and snacks whenever we had group meetings.. and they were great! Offered both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We went on so many excursions, with everyone in the program AND with just our classes! When we first arrived, we all got a tour of the entire city. The excursions I remember CEA offering were to Normandie and Chantilly, but there were several others! Day trips and overnight trips. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
We were provided health insurance, though I never needed to use it. I did get a few vaccinations before leaving but I cannot remember what they were, or if they were mandatory. |
| 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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
CEA Paris offers programs at the Sorbonne, which is where I took my French classes. I went from barely speaking the language to talking up a storm in French! |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I will never forget the experiences that CEA Paris has given me. Choosing CEA was probably the best decision I've made! I will never forget my time in Paris, or the people I've met. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. |
