Navigating Parisian Life Past Review

By (Chemistry., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to see another way of life.

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.

The work load was good, along with the grading system, and teaching methods. All of our classes had American teachers and American students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

CEA was absolutly wonderful. They set us up with Navigo's and passes that allowed us into all of the musseums for a very discounted price. They also set up our trips to other places like when we went to Brugge and Versilla.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Food was excelent!!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We decided since we were already in Europe that we would take a trip to London. When we were there we had a very fun / interesting taxi ride.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Paris was safe. The suburbs are what are dangerous and we avoided them.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About a hundred Euros each week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I guess I just didn't realize what food would cost.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Learning about a new culture
  • Getting to know the CEA staff and other classmates and teachers
* What could be improved?
  • More tolerant teachers
  • Have someone who is fluent in the language of the country you are going to
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would make sure to read up throuly on the place that you are going. It is a great trip for Freshman, right after first semester.