High School Experiential Learning Programs in Paris

No words can explain the impact that studying abroad has on our lives. The opportunities and challenges we encountered along the way helped us create better version of ourselves. Whether you go abroad a year, a month, or a few weeks its an experience that will stick with you for the rest of your life. For me France has a special place in my heart not only for welcoming me but because it became a home. Going abroad with AFS allowed me to have a community around me that has become family even now after my exchange I get to volunteer and continue to share my experience. My exchange helped open my eyes to a new world that you can't get from just traveling. It made me a better person in so many ways and I am forever grateful for the people I met along the way.

Going on this trip was something I wish everyone the experience of. Not only did I feel confident in my growth of French I made life long friends and got to experience the French way of living, a pain au chocolat every morning 😜. And see so much beautiful art in museums like the Musée d'Orsay and of course The Louvre. I also got to get some shopping in and as a teen girl that has passion for fashion you know I LOVE my shopping.

Going on this trip was something I wish everyone the experience of. Not only did I feel confident in my growth of French I made life long friends and got to experience the French way of living, a pain au chocolat every morning 😜. And see so much beautiful art in museums like the Musée d'Orsay and of course The Louvre. I also got to get some shopping in and as a teen girl that has passion for fashion you know I LOVE my shopping.

Going on this trip was something I wish everyone the experience of. Not only did I feel confident in my growth of French I made life long friends and got to experience the French way of living, a pain au chocolat every morning 😜. And see so much beautiful art in museums like the Musée d'Orsay and of course The Louvre. I also got to get some shopping in and as a teen girl that has passion for fashion you know I LOVE my shopping.

Going on this trip was something I wish everyone the experience of. Not only did I feel confident in my growth of French I made life long friends and got to experience the French way of living, a pain au chocolat every morning 😜. And see so much beautiful art in museums like the Musée d'Orsay and of course The Louvre. I also got to get some shopping in and as a teen girl that has passion for fashion you know I LOVE my shopping.

Going on this trip was something I wish everyone the experience of. Not only did I feel confident in my growth of French I made life long friends and got to experience the French way of living, a pain au chocolat every morning 😜. And see so much beautiful art in museums like the Musée d'Orsay and of course The Louvre. I also got to get some shopping in and as a teen girl that has passion for fashion you know I LOVE my shopping.

Going on this trip was something I wish everyone the experience of. Not only did I feel confident in my growth of French I made life long friends and got to experience the French way of living, a pain au chocolat every morning 😜. And see so much beautiful art in museums like the Musée d'Orsay and of course The Louvre. I also got to get some shopping in and as a teen girl that has passion for fashion you know I LOVE my shopping.

This trip changed my life and allowed me to grow in more ways than one. I met my best friends, learned independence, and became a more global citizen. This trip was the highlight of my high school experience, creating lasting friendships with people I still talk to today. Each day was filled with fun, new activities and gave me the chance to be independent with the support of my trip director and the other TFT staff. The program could not have been more memorable.

My trip with TFT was truly one of my best travel experiences I’ve ever had! I was so anxious before I went, but after meeting the staff at the airport and all the other kids, I knew I had nothing to worry about. I made friends very quickly and built great relationships with my counselors. We obviously had a bunch of planned activities, but we also got to have a lot of free time to shop, get food, and just explore the city with our friends. We saw all the sights in both cities while learning about the culture and trying traditional food. This trip is perfect for teens who aren’t super adventurous but still want to travel the world!!

My trip with TFT was truly one of my best travel experiences I’ve ever had! I was so anxious before I went, but after meeting the staff at the airport and all the other kids, I knew I had nothing to worry about. I made friends very quickly and built great relationships with my counselors. We obviously had a bunch of planned activities, but we also got to have a lot of free time to shop, get food, and just explore the city with our friends. We saw all the sights in both cities while learning about the culture and trying traditional food. This trip is perfect for teens who aren’t super adventurous but still want to travel the world!!

My trip with TFT was truly one of my best travel experiences I’ve ever had! I was so anxious before I went, but after meeting the staff at the airport and all the other kids, I knew I had nothing to worry about. I made friends very quickly and built great relationships with my counselors. We obviously had a bunch of planned activities, but we also got to have a lot of free time to shop, get food, and just explore the city with our friends. We saw all the sights in both cities while learning about the culture and trying traditional food. This trip is perfect for teens who aren’t super adventurous but still want to travel the world!!

My trip with TFT was truly one of my best travel experiences I’ve ever had! I was so anxious before I went, but after meeting the staff at the airport and all the other kids, I knew I had nothing to worry about. I made friends very quickly and built great relationships with my counselors. We obviously had a bunch of planned activities, but we also got to have a lot of free time to shop, get food, and just explore the city with our friends. We saw all the sights in both cities while learning about the culture and trying traditional food. This trip is perfect for teens who aren’t super adventurous but still want to travel the world!!

My trip with TFT was truly one of my best travel experiences I’ve ever had! I was so anxious before I went, but after meeting the staff at the airport and all the other kids, I knew I had nothing to worry about. I made friends very quickly and built great relationships with my counselors. We obviously had a bunch of planned activities, but we also got to have a lot of free time to shop, get food, and just explore the city with our friends. We saw all the sights in both cities while learning about the culture and trying traditional food. This trip is perfect for teens who aren’t super adventurous but still want to travel the world!!

My trip with TFT was truly one of my best travel experiences I’ve ever had! I was so anxious before I went, but after meeting the staff at the airport and all the other kids, I knew I had nothing to worry about. I made friends very quickly and built great relationships with my counselors. We obviously had a bunch of planned activities, but we also got to have a lot of free time to shop, get food, and just explore the city with our friends. We saw all the sights in both cities while learning about the culture and trying traditional food. This trip is perfect for teens who aren’t super adventurous but still want to travel the world!!

My trip with TFT was truly one of my best travel experiences I’ve ever had! I was so anxious before I went, but after meeting the staff at the airport and all the other kids, I knew I had nothing to worry about. I made friends very quickly and built great relationships with my counselors. We obviously had a bunch of planned activities, but we also got to have a lot of free time to shop, get food, and just explore the city with our friends. We saw all the sights in both cities while learning about the culture and trying traditional food. This trip is perfect for teens who aren’t super adventurous but still want to travel the world!!

Great experience but not because of AFS. Communication was terrible throughout the entire process. Completely disorganized- I arrived a week AFTER school had started. Significant program fee for zero support from the company. I would strongly recommend the experience, but don't use AFS.

AFS-USA responded to this reviewNovember 02, 2026

Thank you for sharing your feedback. While we’re glad to hear you had a positive overall experience, we’re truly sorry that the communication and support you received from AFS did not meet your expectations. Arriving a week after school had started is understandably frustrating, and we recognize how important timely communication and reliable support are throughout the exchange experience. We take your concerns seriously and would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about what happened and how we can improve. If you’re willing, please contact our team at [email protected] so we can better understand your experience. Thank you again for your feedback and for recommending the exchange experience itself. We’re sorry that our support fell short of the experience you deserved.

My time in France was absolutely beautiful, I loved it and I would do it again 100 times, just with a different organization. While I was in France, there was no support for harsh times and host family abuse/toxicity, Many other AFSers who came to france this year have said the same—changing families is insanely difficult because AFS takes the side of the family, leaving a lack of support for the student. On the other hand, I learned so much about myself on this program. I fell in love, I became fluent in French, I have a university program chosen already, this program has really made me fall in love with the world around me, and I will forever be grateful. I just wish AFS was there for me more (Sorry if the wording of this is confusing, i’m still getting used to speaking english) I will forever cherish this time I spent abroad!!!

AFS-USA responded to this reviewNovember 02, 2026

Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re so glad your time in France was transformative and that you’ll carry those memories and connections with you for years to come. At the same time, we’re deeply sorry you felt unsupported during difficult experiences with your host family. Every student deserves to feel heard and supported, and we take these concerns seriously. We appreciate your honesty and would welcome the opportunity to learn more about your experience. Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you’re comfortable sharing more. We wish you all the best in your next chapter!

My experience with MEI was life changing. I cannot recommend them enough. The teachers are some of the best I have encountered throughout high school and university. Every destination and experience enhances the curriculum, creating an education experience like no other.

When I heard about this academy from a friend, I was excited for the opportunity to send our Son on an experiential learning journey. Little did I know that it was going to be one of the greatest opportunities and gift we could give him. Our son went on Trek 3 Through Europe. The enrolment process was smooth, and Pam was always happy to answer any questions and direct to resources. As for the whole trip, it was a great investment of time and money. This opportunity resulted in our son completing his High School as early as February 2024 and gaining admission into the prestigious UBC Sauder School of Business for the 2024/25 academic year. MEI Academy not only teaches courses, it fosters character building while also providing a glimpse into our world. ‘The world is indeed our classroom.’ After hearing about the experience our daughter is looking forward to go on a journey with MEI as well.

Making the decision to attend MEI Academy is hands down one of the best decisions I have made. I attended the 2018 Adventure Down Under summer session and I loved it so much I signed up for the 2019 Kingdoms and Empires group for my second semester of grade 12. During these trips I learned a lot about myself and became more independent. The other students I met on these trips are still some of my best friends and I will always cherish the times we spent together. On top of this, the teachers educate you on much more than just academics. They help you reach outside of your comfort zone and support you as you learn more about yourself and the world around you. MEI Academy immensely helped me grow as an individual and prepared me to live away from home for University. I would take this opportunity again in a heartbeat!