This program is an amazing way to get a taste of European life. Past Review
By A student (West Virginia University) - abroad from 01/05/2020 to 05/02/2020 with
CEPA Foundation: Strasbourg - EU Studies Semester Abroad Program
I learned a lot about the cultures of many European countries. It was very much worthwhile to me.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses are a bit different from American University ones. They are very group oriented and the standard of performance is higher. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The chateau is nice but is somewhat due for an upgrade. The mattresses can be a bit uncomfortable. |
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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? |
No
I loved traveling over the weekend and making American friends, but if I had the option to do it over again, I would chose a more language focused program so that my French skills could advance. |
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) |
We are only provided breakfast so the price of groceries and meals can accumulate each week. Without personal travel, it is possible to live off of about $150 a week. The cost of personal travel varies depending on the type of transportation chosen and accommodations while traveling. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you are really worried about money, there are ways to save. However, it is very hard to travel on the weekends, as most of us do, and get the full European experience without spending more than the bare minimum. |
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 |
They somewhat encouraged it, but it is easy to only speak english 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | High School |
| 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? | Practice with the other American students and use it in public. |
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? | 0 |
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? | It is important to practice the language a lot by yourself and don't be afraid to use it. You will not become competent in a foreign language without trying hard. |
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. |
