Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I loved my time in Aix! Past Review

By (French Language, Literature, Montclair State University) - abroad from 09/05/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and my peers from being abroad. As well as improving a lot in my French skills. My semester in France was definitely worthwhile!

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program administration on site was amazing! They were always there any time I needed or something no matter how small it was. I always felt like I had someone to turn to.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My homestay family was incredibly nice and supplied everything I needed. I was able to practice French a lot and have wonderful home cooked meals.

* Food:

French cuisine is amazing! And Aix is home to some fantastic restaurants!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did really well with adapting and integrating into the local culture. Aix is a very international town so you get plenty of French cultures as well as other cultures from all over the world so the locals and foreigners are very welcoming.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to a doctor twice and I got the help I needed straight away. I was refunded with the insurance that CEA provides.

* Safety:

Aix is such a safe town. Myself and the other students just kept certain things in mind like having a buddy when we were out very late but not once did I ever feel like I was too scared to go out or anything.

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)

I saved a lot before leaving but naturally sticking to a budget is pretty difficult. I never actually ran out of money during my time abroad but there were definitely times where I had to be more stingy.

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? Intermediate French
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? Really try to immerse yourself in the local culture. It's up to you how much you get out of improving your language speaking abilities! Aix provides plenty of opportunities to improve especially if you're in a homestay.

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 city itself
  • The trips I took with the program
  • The friends I made
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe an intensive French course for before the semester starts.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that I didn't need so many material items to go abroad even if it was four months. I also wish I had a better sense of the temperature so I could pack a little better before leaving.

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.