Studying in Paris with CEA: The Best Summer of College! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt that the courses had just the right amount of workload so that I learned a lot without feeling like I didn't have time to explore the city. The classes integrated much of the city's resources into the curriculum (eg. going to a museum, going to a historical site, etc.) which made it a unique and enriching experience. Teachers were knowledgeable and friendly.

On-site administration of your program

CEA provided an excellent orientation session and transitioned me to the city smoothly (eg. bought the metro passes, provided maps, set up apartments, etc.). The staff in the CEA office were very helpful for all issues and were responsive to problems (eg. flooding toilet). CEA also set up many cultural activities and an excursion which were not extra charge. The cultural activities were well organized, interesting, and taught me much about French culture. Furthermore, there is a $20 stipend for a French culture related activity (I used mine to buy a pass to the Orsay museum, others saw french movies or went to the theater). The excursion was fantastic (to the Loire valley) with an excellent itinerary, delicious food, and a nice hotel picked out. Lastly, I was very pleased with the apartment CEA set me up in: it was clean, quiet, and in a great neighborhood of the city.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved the neighborhood I was set up in. I felt safe, the area was beautiful, and there were many convenient shops nearby (grocery stores, pharmacy, coffee, restaurants). The apartment was furnished nicely when I got there and included a fold out bed with linens, a desk, a stereo, and a reading lamp. In the kitchen, a microwave and cookware were provided, although the cookware was somewhat minimal. Minor appliances were also included such as an iron. The only thing I had to buy was a fan, which was provided at an affordable price by CEA. The apartment also provided pretty quick internet service which was an additional 10 euros for the month.

I cooked for myself frequently and dined out occasionally. The grocery stores near my apartment were well stocked and I was easily able to make myself delicious balanced meals. Eating out was also enjoyable and was consistently of good quality.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Cheese tasting, various tours of certain parts of the city (Ile de Cite, Montmartre, etc.), open roof bus tour, boat tour, dinner at a Moroccan restaurant, trip to Versailles, excursion to the Loire Valley, trip to Giverny

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I am unable to comment on the student health issues since I didn't have any need to use these services. CEA did arrange an international health insurance plan for me though.

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

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