Paris holds the key to my heart Past Review

By (Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Paris, France

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile. This program helped me grow and learn in a foreign environment. Everyone should study abroad, the experience opens your eyes and helps you learn how much you can actually do.

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.

There was more school work than I anticipated, but i still was able to get out and enjoy Paris. I had a 10 page paper and a 7 page paper and a few other less than 5 page papers. Research papers were a little difficult in Paris because the Libraries were not very stocked with English books.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff was fantastic overall. Involved, friendly, helpful and amazing. The staff made the program so great.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My neighborhood (13th Arrondisement in Paris) felt very safe. There were two keypads to gain access to the main lobby. I lived with other americans and neighbors didn't really interact.

* Food:

French food is phenomenal!!! Loved it! But there was no meal plan when i lived off campus. Sufficient appliances and utinsils to make my own food, though.

* 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? 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

I had french class every other day. I practiced with other students and with people i met on the streets. Most Parisians could speak a rudimentary English some were mostly fluent. But it was more respectful and better to speak French whenever possible.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans