Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Once In a Lifetime Leadership Experience July 27, 2021

By (Georgia College & State University) - abroad from 07/02/2021 to 08/01/2021 with

CEPA Foundation: Strasbourg - Summer Intercultural Leadership Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
In addition to learning about how to interact with people of various cultures and backgrounds, I learned about the features of my own culture that cause me to react and respond to the world. Being immersed in the French culture was very beneficial to our studies because we were seeing firsthand the differences in cultures and the methods and strategies we should use to approach these differences.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I have enjoyed learning many different aspects on being a global citizen and leader but I found particular interest in the Intercultural Communication course. The course was taught by Dr. Kevin Mac Gabhann and it was very informative. Not only did I learn a lot of how to interact with other cultures, but I was able to expose features of my own culture that I was not privy to before taking the course.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our coordinator was better than I could have imagined. She became our best friend. She made sure we got everywhere we needed to get on time and did her best to help us understand French culture as much as possible. She went out her her way a lot to include us and spent time with us outside of her work hours. She definitely made this program great!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved that we were able to have our own rooms due to us being a small group. The chateau staff has been very nice with accommodating for us.

* Food:

We received free breakfast every morning which was always fresh and yunmy!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was definitely tough in the beginning since it was such a stretch from what I am used to. However, the trip was more enjoyable when we were immersed in the culture. We were able to rent bikes and we had free transportation within the city of Strasbourg which made me feel as if I was truly French.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Never had an encounter with healthcare, but I did have a few personal things going on that Chateau staff was very nice in helping me out with.

* Safety:

We did not encounter any incidents with safety. We also never traveled alone so this was not an issue.

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)

Pretty easily. It helped to plan to cook meals as a group to split food costs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 25 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save a lot!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* 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?
  • The visit with the U.S. Consulate General
  • The visit with the CEO of Huber AG
* What could be improved?
  • Visits at government institutions that repeat information
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The outlets are different than the ones in America, you need an adapter!

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 Urbanite
A 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.