Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fall Semester in the French Riviera Past Review

By (Washington State University) - abroad from 09/01/2018 to 12/22/2018 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: French Riviera, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really learned more independence and trust in myself that I knew what I want and what I am doing in my life. I also learned a lot more French than I expected to!

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? No

If I could do it all again, I would want to choose somwhere else to add to my ever growing list! However, if I did it all over again without this experience first, I would maybe choose somewhere that had colder weather, I like cold weather!

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook as many of your meals at home as possible!

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High School
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? If you have any previous knowledge, practice before you get here. You may think you are really skilled, however when you arrive it will surprise you how quickly French people speak, and how easy it is to get flustered.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Our program provider, Kristin Kerr, she is amazing and really a big help in everything, especially making us feel at home.
  • Friendships I made, and experiences we were given the chance to have together!
  • Learning about all of the beauty the South of France has to offer, as well as just Europe in general. it really is awe inspiring.
* What could be improved?
  • The choice of school, Skema is not the best school in the region in terms of what CEA could have chosen. They are unorganized and not helpful when problems arise. Although none of this is of CEA's doing nor under their control, it would be easier for everyone involved, especially future students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew more French, because communicating in a language you barely know is really difficult and overwhelming at times.

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.