Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

WONDERFUL Past Review

By (Food Science and Nutrition, Clemson University) - abroad from 05/28/2012 to 06/30/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Aix-en-Provence, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained more proficiency in the language of French and wonderful friends. Yes I would recommend it to anyone I know.

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 enjoyed the class and learned a lot. I went for the intensive French language program, which consisted of class M-F from 9h-13h. The class was enjoyable and challenging, without being so hard you couldn't do well. The only reason I am not giving 5 stars is that it might have been nice to have class only 4 days a week so that there was more time to travel on the weekends.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

LOVE Vivienne and everyone that was involved at CEA over there! It was great, I could not say enough good things about them. So helpful and friendly and very good at showing you around the city and informing you about free events going on. Also, they have so many free activities planned for you. Sounds overwhelming at first, but every activity they had planned was SO much fun and a very typical French activity. It was great that the activities were not super touristy.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment and it was so much fun! It was right in the middle of the city, only 10 minute walk from school and seconds from great restaurants.

* Food:

The FOOD in Aix is the best I have ever had. So good, I don't think I can ever eat another pain au chocolat unless I go back. They just wont be the same.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think if I was there for a longer time, I would have felt more integrated. I was just there for too short of a time I think.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was sick when I arrived and it got so bad that I had to go to the doctor. The doctor was easy to talk to, they will recommend to you a doctor that can speak english. It was relatively cheap, and simple.

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? 201 French Language
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

  • International Students
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?
  • The people I met
  • Beautiful surroundings
  • The food!!!
* What could be improved?
  • It would always be nice for it to be cheaper
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save up some more money, so that I could have eaten out some more! All of the restaurants are delicious!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.