It was an amazing experience to see a lot of other cultures first hand Past Review
By Andrea Crooks (University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee) - abroad from 08/30/2019 to 12/21/2019 with
CEPA Foundation: Strasbourg - EU Studies Semester Abroad Program
I learned so many things about other cultures through the other international students I met in classes. It was fascinating to see the similarities and differences between education, and the way everybody lives in Europe.
Personal Information
| 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. |
Classes are very different than anything I've experienced, but it was pretty easy to adjust to the difference. They are usually mandatory and each class is usually once a week for 3 hours. If teachers have to cancel classes, the administration might reschedule it for the same week. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everybody I came into contact with was very supportive and would answer any questions or concerns I had. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The chateau is outside of the city in a small town called Robertsau. It is very easy to take transportation or a bike into town. Everybody in the chateau did a good job listening to all the students I talked to when they needed anything. |
| * Food: |
They have so many opportunities in Strasbourg for French food, but there is also an opportunity to make your own food. The food is very good and there is the ability to eat croissants every day if that is what you like to eat. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
They have a lot of events in the city of Strasbourg that are easy to find in Facebook events section, or online. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Health care was easy to find and everybody in the program will be very supportive and make it feel comfortable. |
| * Safety: |
I never had an experience that I didn't feel safe in Strasbourg. The only advice I could have is be smart and aware of your surroundings like you would anywhere. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I love the size of Strasbourg because, you have a lovely mix of nature restaurants, and shops to choose from. It is located in a nice place in Europe for independent travels as well. The mix of French and German was so cool and the fact you can travel with the local trams and go to Germany was so amazing. |
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) |
It is a little difficult on a budget because, I was surrounded by many countries and you will want to travel. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100- $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would make sure you have the trips financial planned out so you don't spend too much money while traveling. If you are on a small budget try to limit your money at restaurants because the food is not that cheap if you don't buy it at the grocery store. Food is also generally cheaper in Germany so you can always take the tram if you want to shop for food or anything in Germany. |
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 |
You do not need to know a lot of French through the program. It is probably a good thing to have a small knowledge of certain words in case you need a restroom or something. Overall, you have the choice if you want to speak French or English. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Second semester 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? | Duolingo will give you key words that will help you when people are saying things. Many people have some knowledge of english and will help you. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I kept to a better budget by mapping out travels and how much I would spend on each independent travel. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
