J'adore Paris! Past Review

By (Marine Science, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience opened my mind to a whole new way of thinking and opportunities. I am planning on returning to Paris and Europe in the near future.

Review Photos

CEA Global Education: Paris, France Photo CEA Global Education: Paris, France Photo CEA Global Education: Paris, France Photo

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Sorbonne
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.

Class was 5 days a week for 2 hours and it was taught in the same manner as language classes are taught in the US. The workload was average, still had plenty of time to enjoy Paris.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was great! The staff were unbelievably caring and friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment that was about 15 mins away from my university and about a 5 minute walk to the nearest metro station. Everything was close and in walking distance, and my metro card came in handy. The apartment was in a residental area that was safe and our neighbors were locals. Everything in the apartment was provided for us, except food.

* Food:

The bakery had great cheap lunch specials for students and everything was delicious, there was also a lot of cafes that were very affordable for a good meal. The local grocery store was very inexpensive if we felt like cooking our own meal.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had an excursion to Beaune and Dijon which was very fun. Also I went to Versaille and Nice with some of my friends. The program usually had something we could do every week to get together with everyone and experience Paris.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

As long as you are aware of your surroundings and be smart, you will be fine. I did not have any problems with theft, but if you had a problem the staff were on call 24hrs a day and would help you. They were very understanding and caring.

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?

I would try to speak French as much as I could everywhere I went.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Staff
  • Location
  • Excursion
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This was one of the greatest experiences of my life. You really need to be open to the culture and be willing to try new things and live a different way of life. Really immerse yourself in the culture to get the best out of your time.