CEA Study Away Grenoble Past Review

By (University of Alabama - Birmingham) - abroad from 01/24/2012 to 06/02/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: French Alps, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
a different perspective on the world, greater appreciation of all different kinds of people -- it was definitely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My program director, Patrick Foley, was very helpful with whatever I needed. He found a place for my boyfriend to stay when he came and he was always there to make sure we were all comfortable and taken care of!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was amazing. I couldn't have asked for a more welcoming and friendly family!

* Food:

My host family was very accepting when they found out I was vegetarian. They always made sure I had plenty of vegetarian options. On the weekends it was a little more difficult to find vegetarian options, but that's just Europe.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was great being immersed, but a lot of times when you would try and speak french to locals they would respond back in english which made learning and practicing a little difficult.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you save money before you go unless you have a steady allowance from parents or another source.

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? 400 level French Civilization
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? talk to locals, stay with a family, read french news

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
  • the people
  • my program
* What could be improved?
  • longer excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? save more money!