Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best experience of my life... by far Past Review

By (Pre-Law/Legal Studies, Quinnipiac University) - abroad from 01/06/2014 to 05/28/2014 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
An international education is the most valuable part of a college experience, in my opinion. I am humbled to have had such an incredible experience abroad. The knowledge of the world and its people, the ways in which my patterns of thinking have changed, and my outlook on culture and society outside of the United States are all things that I carry with me on a daily basis.

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

So helpful in every respect! Always available to offer suggestions and recommendations. I experienced medical issues while abroad, and the CEA Paris staff were there to assist me with all of my needs.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my apartment! CEA does a great job of assigning housing - there are several housing options, and they are there to assist any needs a student may have with appliances, facility issues, anything!

* 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

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? 100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I let myself visit the ATM once every three weeks, withdrawing the same amount in cash each time so that I knew how much I was spending and could keep track.

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

I chose the Foreign Language intensive program, so I was in class at the Sorbonne learning French five days a week. I loved it. The emphasis placed on the language at CEA was much stronger than I expected.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 301
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? Don't be afraid. You have to be willing to try your hardest and accept failure and use your mistakes as motivation to keep working towards a higher proficiency.

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?
  • Location
  • Housing
  • Language classes
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/a

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!