Learning about cultures and myself Past Review
By Jessica B (Political Science and Government., Georgia State University) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/21/2014 with
CEPA Foundation: Strasbourg - EU Studies Semester Abroad Program
The abroad portion of my trip was the best. I got to do some soul searching and discover what it is I want from my life, friends, and what I need to change or accept about life. I would not have changed this program at all because it was my experience but I think if I were to do another study abroad I would not come to France. Been here, done that, pretty much over it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes tend to over lap on information. The entire study abroad department at EM is pretty unorganized. Most of the teachers realize that you are here for the abroad part more than the study part. Take advantage of it. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The required classes are fine. Kind of dry but you will get an understanding of the European Union and how it functions. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing is nice for the sole fact that you are staying in a Chateau. Besides that you are kind of far from the city center which makes it difficult to hang out at night and meet new people. I would recommend bringing a bike light so you can ride into town because they are not provided for you. |
| * Food: |
I mean it is food. Do not expect the grocery stores to be like the ones in the states. Buy your food in Kehl if you have the chance. I really liked the local markets in town that had produce. It was very fresh and pretty cheap. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I chose to utilize the abroad part of this program and traveled every weekend to a different country. I loved my experience. I did not spend much time in Strasbourg but when I was here I made friends and enjoyed what the french culture had to offer. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
You basically live in the suburbs so it is super safe. There are always people walking their dogs and the street lights are always lit. I would not be concerned about safety. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
If you do not leave the Chateau often you should be fine on 100 euro a week. The dollar means nothing here so that is a crappy comparison. Why compare in dollars if you use euros. This 100 euros would include grocery shopping for the week and going to lunch a few times and buying odd and end things. You can find plenty of places that have student specials and deals. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Only your 1st, last and I think 1 more random meal is covered by your program. the 100 euros that I stated earlier. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You can find plenty of places that have student specials and deals. Grocery shop and make food at home is the best bet for saving money. If you are traveling search all the websites. Some people wasted so much money on trips. The bus is not the best but it is cheap if you wanna travel. Also buy tickets in advance for anything. Ryan air, easy jet, eurolines, orangeways, meinfern bus (not 100% on spelling). Some people got the train pass, I think it is a waste you pay 1500$ and then you have to pay almost every time you use it for a reservation. That seems kinda dumb but hey whatever floats your boat. You will get there fast and comfortable. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
You will use french to order food and directions. That is about all i could do by the end which I would say is good since I only spent 3 days out of the week here. |
| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | french 1 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | have up to french 2 or 3 under your belt. I would not recommend taking french here. Most people will understand what you are saying or try to help you |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I am glad I knew nothing coming into the program. I was able to keep my eyes open and have just new experience after new experience. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
