Art & Fine Arts Internships in Paris

My internship experience was super specific to me and my career goals. Prior to my internship, the AIFS team asked me questions and specifics about my educational and travel goals! The specificity in work and activities I wanted to do made this experience so special to me! Not only boosting my resume but making life-long friends and being able to travel back to Paris, knowing it like my hometown! I grew so much through this program- finding my independent and outgoing side. I tried so many new things, like escargot (which was delicious and is now a favorite of mine) and jazz clubs! What made the experience super unique compared to other programs, it had planned vacations and day trips, along with cultural activities. I was able to have a true vacation planned out for me and already paid for when I got there. I was able to see things like Monet's garden and chateaux without the stress of planning travel and budgeting. While there were many planned activities on weekends, during the week, I got to do whatever I wanted, like a true Parisian. My day would start with a slow morning, some coffee from my favorite local cafe, and a short walk to my internship. I would work until about 3-4 pm, and then choose what to explore that day- Notre Dame, the Louvre. I had lots of freedom in deciding to see and do what I wanted to, but also enjoyed the planned trips, going to places I had never heard of, like Saint-Malo! I would recommend this for anyone willing to try new things and who wants to really integrate into the culture and life of France!

Overall great experience studying abroad with IES (French Studies - Paris). The orientation prior to leaving for the semester was thorough and helpful; when I had questions I emailed and always got a helpful response. One thing that was stressful prior to leaving was my class schedule and housing situations not being released until very close to my departure date. I'm not sure if this is the case for all study abroad programs, but compared to my friends in other programs I felt like my classes and housing assignment were released quite late (within weeks of my departure date). It would have been nice to know my housing to make leaving for abroad more comfortable. During the program though, there were plenty of fun activities and opportunities to meet other students! I took a macaron making class and always took part in the bi-weekly snack break at the center (where my classes were). The staff was very helpful with figuring out classes and recommendations for things to do and places to see. I had a great time!