Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best decision of my life! Past Review

By (History and French, Colorado State University) - abroad from 09/22/2012 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?
I have learned so much about so many things, its impossible to put it into words!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The CEA administration in Aix-en-Provence is fabulous. Vivienne, Vainess and Sandra couldn't have been more helpful, kind, and informative. They are wonderful, and get things done in a timely manner.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

My host mother made the best food!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Its sort of difficult to get involved with French students...you really have to make an effort! However, I had no trouble making international friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I feel very safe in Aix!

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 can be very expensive.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Prioritize what is important to you, and then work it out from there. If enjoying the food is important, budget for that. If traveling is important, then really research your options and budget accordingly. If going out is important..do the same.

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? 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? I only studies 2 semesters prior to arrival.
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? Home stays are the best way to utilize your language and learn new phrases. My home stay helped me a lot!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The administration
  • The location
* What could be improved?
  • The organization of the school that I attended.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think its difficult to put that into words. I know that different things were harder for different people....I suppose I wish I knew more what the actual school was going to be like.

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.