Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fall in Paris Past Review

By (Biology, General., Covenant College) - abroad from 08/26/2013 to 12/20/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned the pleasures of living in a European city and it was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

Our studio is very small and has had plumbing problems. Since we are paying the same for housing as everyone else it seems unfair that we get so much less space.

* Food:

Really good, but expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish there had been more ways through the program to meet French students or French families so that I could learn from them.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Between $100 and $150 per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a visa which allows you to get a part time job here.

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? Intermediate II
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Location
  • The Staff
  • The Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Interactions with locals
  • More clear information of libraries and other academic resources in the city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the normal apartments were a better value for the money overall.

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!