A Challenging, but Rewarding Experience Past Review
By A student (Birmingham-Southern College) - abroad from 09/05/2017 to 12/22/2017 with
CEPA Foundation: Strasbourg - EU Studies Semester Abroad Program
I became more independent than I thought possible and I pushed myself out of my comfort zone every day. It was worthwhile. I am a happier and more confident individual now.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics were interesting, but not engaging. I wish there had been more critical thinking involved in assignments. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I really enjoyed the programming through CEPA. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Chateau de Portales is a dream. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Living in France was difficult for many reasons, but CEPA was a fantastic program. While I was frustrated at times, I am glad that I pushed myself to study outside of an English-speaking country. CEPA allowed me to have this experience despite having low levels of French language skills. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Approximately 30 euros on foods and other expenses per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be mindful of what you spend your money on while abroad. The tour is always worth the money. |
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 |
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| 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 beginners |
| 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? | Immerse yourself as much as you can in the language. It is easy to seek comfort in English-speakers. |
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? | Studying abroad is not a prolonged vacation. Not everyday will be perfect and wonderful, but there will be many perfect and wonderful days. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
