Please take me back Past Review
By Tanya B (Economics And French, Western Washington University) - abroad from 01/18/2012 to 05/16/2012 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Aix-en-Provence, France
I gained language skills, self reliance, and a whole different view on the world and life in general. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Vivienne is awesome. She will do anything to make you feel comfortable and is very fun! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lucked out and got an amazing parents. I couldn't have been happier |
| * Food: |
South of France has amazing cuisine. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
If you try hard then you can completely immerse yourself. The school is with other foreigners so it is hard to make French friends through class, but you do get to meet people from all over the world. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had to go to the doctor, but buying medication was super easy. The pharmacists would help you figure out what was wrong with you bases on your symptoms |
| * Safety: |
Aix is really safe. Only a couple of times did I hear of unsafe situations. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
With a host family it was easy because you didn't have to buy your own food |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 3,000 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Use cheap airlines, hostels, and don't eat out too much. When travelling try and eat at grocery stores. Try and budget yourself |
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 |
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| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 301 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Just speak. Watch movies, listen to music, READ BOOKS. I recommend to read the Harry Potter series if you have already read them in English. Have conversations to yourself in your head, and try and find a speaking buddy. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | Don't pack so much. And go for a year rather than one semester. I cannot stress how fast time will fly |
