Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

When can I go back? Past Review

By (West Chester University of Pennsylvania) - abroad from 09/03/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: French Alps, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I made friends from all over the world and the U.S. I love gaining different perspectives and learning about people's experiences from other countries. Grenoble is also a really livable city and I enjoyed being there very much. I had so much fun everyday and I learned a lot of French in the process. I can't express enough how amazing Grenoble is and how easy and enjoyable CEA made my experience.

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.

The language classes were great. I learned so much advanced French grammar I never would have learned otherwise as an undergrad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Patrick is the best! He will become your French mother while you are there. He is so funny, kind and helpful and he will make your experience even better.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a residence hall in a studio apartment with one other student. I took a public bus to class, but I wasn't too far from campus. The apartment was very small and the beds were rocks, but overall, it was a good experience. If I went again though, I'd probably stay in the apartment.

* Food:

It's France so...

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It took some time to adjust, but after I had been there for about a month, I knew my way around the city, had adjusted to their eating times, and was able to blend in when I was in public

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any experiences with health care, but I couldn't leave this rating blank

* Safety:

I never had any real safety issues. There were several instances when men tried to hit on me and my friends, but we ignored them and never had any problems.

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)

It's a city and it's Europe, so some things are more expensive. Still, bread, cheese and fruit are cheap so it's not hard to live on a student budget.

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

All my classes were in French and I spoke French with the foreign friends I made in my classes, but with the other Americans, I spoke English

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? 300 level French courses
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? Make friends with non-native English speakers and speak French with them. Even though the majority of them will know English as well, it's a lot less tempting to speak English when you are not with a native speaker. Speak up in class too and chat with your professors after class. I would also sit in cafés and listen to people's conversations in French to practice listening comprehension.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • FACE meetings at Parick's office
  • Meeting students from all over the world
  • Getting to explore Grenoble
* What could be improved?
  • The CUEF program where I took classes had some administration/organization issues
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The CEA apartment in Grenoble is big and really nice and has a washer and dryer in the apartment despite what it says online. I also wish I didn't pack so much.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!