Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great experience with CEA in Paris! Past Review

By (Belmont University) - abroad from 08/29/2016 to 12/17/2016 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became more independent individually, and I made a lot of great friends that I know I'll stay in touch with. I will definitely visit the staff when I return to Paris!

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.

I loved my professors and courses, but I felt as though the courses were a lot more difficult than other study abroad courses. I felt stressed a lot and that didn't necessarily encourage exploring Paris or traveling

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved the on-site staff. They were all helpful, easy to talk to, and super nice.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved the options for housing and was really happy with what I chose - a studio apartment.

* Food:

Since I was living in a studio apartment, there was no dining meal or anything along those lines. I loved all the food Paris had to offer.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't think there were tons of promoted resources to mingle with locals, but the staff did help in finding resources when you asked and they definitely helped with assimilating in a new culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I ended up seeing a counsellor in Paris, and a staff member helped me find and get set up with him. He was very nice and helped a lot

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Paris. A lot of things, like pick pocketing, that people think of are easily avoided with using common sense.

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)

I definitely save a lot of money before studying abroad, and my parents put money in my bank account every couple of weeks, which helped a lot. It's very important to remember that even though you want to travel a lot, you also have to buy food and basic necessities.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan and save!!

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

We were required to take language courses and speak French whenever possible

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? Advanced French
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? Even if you mess up, keep going. Locals are you going to be more than happy to help you if you keep making an effort.

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
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?
  • Great professors and staff
  • Fun excursions and easy to meet friends
  • Great location and staff were always ready to help find stuff to do in the city
* What could be improved?
  • Courses could be a little easier
  • Could have a less severe attendance policy
  • Could be more resources to meet locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would've been more prepared for classes because I was told study abroad courses would be on the easier side.

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!