Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Aix-en-Provence Past Review

By (Economics., University of California - Berkeley) - abroad from 01/29/2013 to 05/17/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
yes, very valuable to see other cultures and get outside bubble

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.

Great teachers, small class sizes, not stressful

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

CEA allowed me to be in an apartment that they found, furnished and set up for me before I got there

* Food:

I cooked my own

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Hung out mainly with Americans, have to make a real effort on your own to find international friends

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

went to the dentist, very easy

* Safety:

Aix is very safe, can walk around alone at night with no problem

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)

Aix is an expensive city

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? get Bank of America card for free withdrawl

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

must take at least one class in foreign language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? french 4 at university
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? live in a home stay

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

  • 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?
  • trips on weekend set up by CEA
* What could be improved?
  • More French Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? live in host family

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.