High School Student Exchange Programs in France

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!!!

During grade 11, I decided to go to Asia for my spring semester with MEI and transitioned to Europe in the fall of grade 12. This ‘reverse’ big year approach set me apart from my peers, yet I found myself enjoying it just as much. I chose to apply for MEI because I was looking for deeper knowledge than what was available at my local public schools. I went into it pretty blindly, not knowing anyone, as most of the students do. My high school experience has been anything but ordinary, as I have attended four different high schools, including MEI Academy. It was during the two MEI programs, where I discovered an incomparable educational experience. The teacher’s high expectations fueled my growth as a student, thinker, and peer. Coming from an online school, I initially lacked certain public speaking skills and certain social abilities. However, the immersive and supportive environment at MEI sparked my personal transformation. I came out of my programs, not only as a more articulate individual but also as someone who can easily speak for myself and confidently form friendships with people who I might not have connected with otherwise. One aspect of the program that particularly resonates with me to this day was the structured routine of our days, which was nothing like my life at home. Waking up each day surrounded by individuals who were equally as eager to embrace the new experiences was a breath of fresh air. From daily morning workouts in constantly changing locations to reflective writing and collaborative projects, I truly would not have found this anywhere else. Unlike a conventional school setting where teacher interaction is limited to the class period, with MEI I had constant engagement with both educators and students, creating meaningful relationships that extended far beyond the classroom. Not only did my relationships extend beyond the classroom, but so did my education. MEI stands out as a transformative educational experience. Something I had never experienced in a traditional classroom, but had the opportunity to learn on my MEI program was the blend of courses with real-world application. The academic skills –from public speaking to essay writing– that were taught during my time with MEI, I continue to actively apply to all of my courses at home. These are valuable skills that will continue to allow me to prosper as I begin post-secondary education. For those who want to broaden their horizons and grow as an individual and as a student, MEI Academy is the perfect place to do that. I wholeheartedly recommend these programs for anyone who is considering it. I would not be the same without this experience.

I departed on MEI's big year in 2013/2014. Ten years later it is still a core memory and an essential aspect of my education. I continue to employ the values, experiences, and educational techniques gained during my experience in both day-to-day life, as well as professionally. I am forever grateful for my experience with MEI International Academy.

Our family sent two of our daughters with MEI Academy. One completed the International Business summer program and we were so impressed that our other daughter completed her entire Grade 12 year with MEI. The experience was outstanding! Their English and communication skills, understanding and interest of world issues, politics, human rights, history and geography all emerged from their lessons They were taught by extraordinary teachers with real passion for their subjects plus a nurturing personal style while the students were on the road. They were inspired and energized with daily exercise and learning in such unique and wonderful locations It was an exciting time for us as parents as well, as the school takes excellent care to publish photos and blogs along with carefully detailing the homework and projects the students were working on. We were able to follow along with every step of the journey. The girls have gone on to complete excellent University degrees and have found meaningful work in their lives I can't express how important this decision was for our family and how life-changing the programs were. I would highly recommend MEI Academy to anyone thinking about a travel abroad program for their students.

Studying Abroad was an absolute dream of mine and choosing AFS to accomplish this was the best choice I made. I always felt safe, seen and heard throughout my whole experience even months before and after finishing my experience. Once I let my Family and friends know I was studying abroad with AFS they all had known someone close or distant that had gone abroad with AFS. Now that my experience is over I see how I made the best choice in organization and would do it all over again with AFS. If you are still deciding what organization to go with, let this be your sign to go abroad with AFS no matter the program or duration it will be a family you will always be able to turn back too.

CIEE changed my life, it opened up so many new doorways and connections. I've met some of my closest friends on program and had the best time ever. I had a lot of memorable experiences, but I loved going on vacations with my host family and doing activities with my friends and club at school!

Our son participated in the reciprocal exchange over summer, meaning our family hosted a great French student Achille for 3 weeks in San Diego and then our son spent 3 weeks in France with Achille’s family. It was so awesome for our family learning so much about French culture and having fun showing off California. Then our son had the best summer he could have asked for - he saw so much of France, beach, lakes & Paris (even going to the Olympics!) with a fabulous French family. Charlie’s French was SO much better afterwards. It really was the experience of a lifetime and the friendship and connection with Achille’s family is something we will treasure.

Since I started studying French at school, I've always wanted to go to France and visit Paris. I remember that all France pics I saw on social media were beautiful. I used to watch a lot of French movies with English subtitles ( because I didn't understand much without subtitles ) at that time, I loved them all. I loved everything related to France. Then, I was obsessed with studying in France and was very happy to have found this exchange program in France at an affordable price. The team from the beginning has been very sweet to me and I am grateful to them for all the support they have given me. Really. Well. Since I studied French for almost two years and it was my first time out of the United States, I decided to just leave for the fall term. I will always remember the first day I arrived in France. I landed in Paris, Elodie, my nacel escort welcomed me and we went to the student residence near Nacel language center.There, I met other exchange students who came for the fall term or school year in France and all together we spent three unforgettable days in Paris with the Nacel team. This was supposed to be an 'orientation' for us to get to know Paris, meet the team and other exchange students in France, learn more about France and start speaking French from that moment on. I think this orientation was essential because it helped many of us to adapt to the country little by little and to realize that you are no longer in your home country, but in a new continent and in a new country! It took me a bit of time to realize that I was no longer in the United States, Don't Ask. But, I don't know why. Well, in any case, to study in France was always a dream for me and I was there. France is great. After orientation and a few beautiful days in Paris, everyone had to go to the city where they were going to attend high school. I went to Chambéry. Obviously you travel with someone from the nacel team. In Chambéry station, my host family was there. When we met it was a very emotional moment. We had already been in contact with them before my arrival. We had done skype before, I knew them, but because of that, I felt comfortable when I saw them and I was very happy to finally meet them in person. Monday arrived, the first day at school for everyone, not just me. Although I went to France with the basics, people understood me. That was cool. But, to be honest, during the first week I did not understand that much. But as the days go by, you only listen to French and speak French, My ear got used to it. so I think I learned the language fast. I am very talkative. Speaking to everyone in French helped me a lot!. And listening to the radio in French also helped me a lot. Everyone was very kind to me at school, the teachers and my classmates. The school system is different from that of my country. Well, I already knew that before I came because we were informed. When I have to go back home to the states, I think I will be very sad because France is an awesome country, the food, the weather, shops, the people! I am really enjoying my stay here.

I gained a knowledge of a new culture and way of life when I was abroad. AFS helped me to explore my region and to adapt easily to my new community. AFS introduced me to many lifelong friends from all over the world.

I chose AFS because I had heard good things about the program from friends who studied abroad with the program and enjoyed their experiences. I found AFS to be really helpful and resourceful. Somebody was always available to help or talk to me when I needed it. Even when I didn't personally reach out to AFS, they had volunteers in my host country and back home who reached out to me and asked how I was doing.

When abroad with AFS I learned respect for other cultures and my own and that life is going to have its ups and downs and the only thing you can do is accept it, deal with it and try to make it better.

I changed so much from my AFS experience; in the best way possible. I met my best friends. I learned a language, and most importantly I learned how to be self-reliant and more independent. AFS worked well with my school because it was difficult for me to be away for an entire school year, or else I had the chance of being held back. AFS was perfect because it was the perfect destination and had a semester option.

Our daughter had a wonderful experience being part of a French family for almost 6 months. The program staff was great and attentive through the application process, answering all of our questions. The local coordinator not only checked on our daughter periodically, but also gave us a sense of how her stay was going. I have only praise for the program - it is will well organized with the student's best interest in mind. I would highly recommend this program to anyone considering a study abroad.

After 2 years of studying french I asked my parents if I could join a High School program in France. After a long search I came across with the Boarding school program that Nacel offers and after comparing with other programs I decided to go for it. My boarding school in Rodez was great and I made good friends. This experience surely changed my life forever!

I had an amazing time in France through Greenheart's 10-month high school abroad program. I was in the "deep south" of France, and by the time I left people told me I'd picked up on their southern accent! The year was in no way an easy one: it took a lot of work to successfully integrate into my host family, find friends (the language barrier is SO real) and master the language. But every moment was worth it! I have an amazing relationship with my host family and lots of friends from my French high school, plus other exchange students I met on the trips. The coordinator for our region was very helpful and kind, and she helped me with anything I asked of her. All in all, it was an awesome experience and I'm sure I'll be heading back to France soon enough to see my new friends again!

-Incredible welcoming family -High School program was great -Nacel organization was a unique support throughout the process -I got to know the culture first-hand thanks to my host family -Everything within the budget Putting my experience in words is simply impossible. You have to live it!

This program was all that I expected and more. As an overall experience, this has been great. I can notice my french level has increased, I have gained more confidence in every single interaction with my friends and my host family.

When I started the application process I really didn't have any idea of the incredible experience I was about to live. My main goal at the beginning was to improve my french level within a short period of time, but since the very first moment I started this adventure I understood there was a lot behind my premise. You have to adapt to a new weather, new language, new delicious food, new beautiful and friendly people, new lovely host family. I lot of things changed in my surrounding but at the end I noticed the real change was within me. This experience was a great gift from my old and afraid me to my new and fearless me. Don't be afraid and make this happen!!

I was scared to go on exchange, because little did I know that I would have the time of my life. I never expected to have seen so much of France, my host family were amazing and comprehensive. My friends were the best. I can proudly say that nowhere in the world will anyone find friends better than the ones I found in France. I have only one more thing to say, and that his a big huge thankyou! to the whole exchange team.

It was a transformative ten months for me. I learned to speak French fluently, I made good friends, and I understood a different way of looking at life through my immersion in French culture. Even though I gained so many beautiful memories from living in France, I think that it's important to say that it was a roller coaster of joy and unhappiness. When every day presents new experiences, you're going to feel a little lost, a little unstable. At the end, you come out knowing yourself and your world better. AFS is a supportive program that puts an emphasis on safety. I appreciate that I felt well-cared-for throughout my time in France. They have a network of volunteers, and they make sure that there are plenty of people you can talk to. AFS also hosts little get-togethers with the regional AFS students and volunteers. They try to make it fun, but they also check up on how you're doing. At the get-togethers, I could talk with the other AFS students and compare notes about French people, French food, things we loved, and things we didn't like. If you're the only foreign student at a high school, it's good to know that you aren't the only one who finds certain aspects of French culture strange. I made friends with AFS-ers from different states of the U.S., Thailand, Colombia, and Japan, as well as many other countries! I should mention that my experience with AFS France was a little bit different from the "normal" experience; instead of being matched with a host family, I stayed with a family that my mother knew already. Even with a family connection like I had, it was difficult to adapt to living with different people in a different culture than I was used to. A lot of people I know didn't get along perfectly with their host families. Some people got very young host parents with no children, some people got a bunch of younger siblings, some people ended up in tiny villages with more cows than people, and some people lived in hopping cities. There's really no knowing what kind of experience you'll have because each family is different, and each region has certain things you'll like and some that you won't. If you're interested in studying in France, I think AFS is a good program to go with. You should know from the beginning that it's going to be a tough, wonderful experience. On the other hand, don't be scared to go for it!