I loved my experience with CEA Paris and I wish I could go back! Past Review
By Beth R (Interior Design., Washington State University - Pullman campus) - abroad from 01/23/2011 to 05/21/2011 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Paris, France
It was amazing! I think I've become more confident and open to new experiences. I've learned how important it is to communicate clearly and be organized. I want to continue improving with French and I'm saving all my money to make a trip back!
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. |
My classes were interesting and it was wonderful not having class on Friday to go travel on the weekends. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The onsite staff were amazing and helpful! I miss seeing Hélène and Elisabeth's smiling faces everyday! I felt like I could go to them for any questions or concerns I had. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Devon was very helpful! I lived in a single room at Cité internationale universitaire de Paris. The room was very spacious and comfortable but it felt a bit isolated away for the city. |
* Food: |
Almost all food in Paris is delicious but expensive! I wish we could've had a small food stipend. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved having classes with local French students and having fun activities to do with them. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any health issues but I bet if I did they would've been very helpful! |
* Safety: |
I felt safer in Paris than at home. I think they gave us good tips to blend in and I never felt threatened walking home or to school. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Everything in Paris is very expensive but I chose to eat a bit more extravagantly than I would at school. |
* Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
* Was food included in your program cost? | No |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $75 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I think be mindful of what you're money is going towards but don't miss out on opportunities because you're worried about the cost. You can live like a poor college student when you return home. :) |
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 |
They were very encouraging but it's difficult when you're around almost all Americans and everyone speaks English to each other. |
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 |
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? | Speak it whenever you can! Talk to locals and don't be embarrassed if you mess up. Everyone appreciates your effort! |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Pack light and figure out some places you'd like to go before you arrive. It's challenging to work on schoolwork while planning a trip. |