Do it! Past Review
By Cameron Geer (Georgia State University) - abroad from 01/13/2020 to 05/17/2020 with
CEPA Foundation: Strasbourg - EU Studies Semester Abroad Program
Definitely worthwhile. It is important to learn the local language and step out of your comfort zone.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
French university classes are very lax compared to American classes. Only one presentation expected for the entire semester. This is for Political Science. However the professors do know their subject matter they are very well versed in European studies and International studies. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Organized. Very welcoming and friendly. Helpful in helping you navigate the city. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The Chateau was nice clean and welcoming. Breakfast is delicious. However, it is a little more removed from the city and night life. About a 20 minute bus ride from the downtown area (Petit France) and 10 min walk to bus stop. Personally I would prefer to be closer to the city, but the chateau area is very nice and quite. With a bike trail behind the chateau. |
| * Food: |
Love the breakfast |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
International students are seprated from regular french students. Which would be ok. However, the chateau is far away from the city and university campus. We have fewer opportunity to meet non-CEPA students outside of classes. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Haven't had any health issues while here. But my insurance covers me, and the staff are very helpful if i need anything. |
| * Safety: |
Very safe city and location. Both in the day and at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
Id choose a program that allows me to stay in student housing on University campus. A program that allows me to live closer to the city. |
Finances
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* 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) |
25 euro a week for groceries. The transportation cards makes it easy to get around without paying more. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 25 euro a week for groceries |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Use cash and not card. It helps you regulate what you spend. With debit/credit card it can be easy to spend more moneys than you need to |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The staff encourages you to use your French. Ofcourse it is up to the student to practice on their own |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 0 |
| 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? | Use facebook to find language learning meet up groups. They have plenty through out the city and they are very friendly. I recommend: BlaBla |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | About the student campus housing at Strasbourg University. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
