Studying in the French Alps is the closest thing to heaven! Past Review

By (International development, University of North Texas - Health Science Center at Fort Worth) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: French Alps, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
After studying abroad, I realized how important it is for students to experience another culture. It truly broadens your horizons beyond the classroom. Taking public transportation, shopping, enjoying the nightlife, and hiking through the mountains were all things that contributed to this awareness for me. My adventure in France has encouraged me to seek a career helping students recognize the importance of this international exploration.

Review Photos

CEA Global Education: French Alps, France Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enjoyed my learning experience at Grenoble Ecole de Management above and beyond the learning experiences I had in all of my US college years combined. This was the most unique, and hands on classroom experience I have ever had, and it would be a privilege to study there again. The grading scale was a little difficult to match up with our US grading style, but it translated pretty well in the end.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I really enjoyed the services provided by CEA. If I decided to study abroad again, I wouldn't think twice about choosing CEA again. I have several friends who are applying for study abroad programs right now, and have encouraged all of them to strongly consider CEA as an option. I really enjoyed the phone calls and interaction with an advisor before departure, not to mention my wonderful in-country director. I cannot say enough positive things about this program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment is something that I miss to this day. It was a quaint and fully furnished apartment with a breath-taking view of the French Alps. It was a quick bus ride to my school, and just as accessible to downtown.

* Food:

I did a lot of my own cooking, and saved dining out for meeting up with friends or others in my program.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My favorite excursion was to Avignon through CEA, and to Oktoberfest in Germany through my school.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe in Grenoble. It is a very friendly city.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Most people could speak English, but it was always easier to practice using French while ordering food.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I really enjoyed the comfort of a study abroad office that was always available for students, and the camaraderie of automatically having a new set of friends through the program.
* What could be improved?
  • I would have liked the opportunity to email or get in touch with a few students in my program before departure.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? An independent and self-sufficient person would benefit the most from this program. It is imperative that you exert yourself and stay active. If you are comfortable with these things then you will have an excellent experience, no doubt.