Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Worthwhile Adventure Past Review

By (Economics, University of Virginia) - abroad from 01/03/2016 to 04/30/2016 with

CEPA Foundation: Strasbourg - EU Studies Semester Abroad Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an incredible global perspective, and it really has changed my life for the better

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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:

Alsace has really wonderful and unique food

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We're a little isolated in terms of where we live and all of our classes are with other exchange students so it's hard to meet actual local French people and students. That being said, I still feel like I got to experience Alsace in a relatively integrated way.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

During my stay, France was under a state of emergency and so we did have to be a little extra cautious. That being said, I always felt very safe, and our program director always requested travel forms before we left on independent travel in case of emergencies.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I might have chosen something a bit more integrated, BUT I had an absolutely fantastic experience abroad. It was not at all what I was expecting, but it was still amazing.

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)

Grocery shopping was very inexpensive, no text books required in French universities. My biggest expense was my own travel.

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

I pursued French on my own by classes at the University, but using French was not at all required for the program.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? FRENCH 2320
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? attend local and student events

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?
  • New Friends
  • The City of Strasbourg
  • The Ability to Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Integration
  • Planning of Events
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I should always be flexible, and to go with the flow. Just because your plans to work out as you envisioned them, doesn't mean you won't walk away with amazing experiences and memories.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Career Seminar
Course Department:
Instructor: Dr. Glebe
Instruction Language:
Comments: The teacher was extremely knowledgeable and we were able to hold interesting discussions in class. It was a lot of practical information that could be applied to every day life, which I found very useful and rewarding.
Credit Transfer Issues: