What inspired you to go abroad?
I was always determined to study abroad because of the stories my dad told me about his own time living overseas. He once spoke French fluently, and I was determined to do the same.
I also had a deep obsession with Paris, so all of these things naturally led me there. I originally planned to go for a whole year, but ended up choosing a semester abroad for a few practical reasons.
Cheering in a stadium in France with friends
Why did you choose Academic Programs Abroad (APA)?
Truthfully, my school only offered two options for studying abroad, and APA was the only one based in Paris.
But even beyond that, I was really drawn to the program's vibe from the website; it felt special. The small group sizes, unique class offerings, host family setup, and travel opportunities all stood out.
APA had so much to offer in terms of true cultural immersion, and I was ecstatic to experience Parisian life fully.
What was your favorite part about France?
I absolutely loved living in Paris—and France in general. Just being surrounded by a different culture, language, and way of life every single day felt like a dream.
There were so many places within reach thanks to public transportation, and I was able to travel nearly every weekend. The location was incredible, and I truly made the most of it.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
So many things, but truly the ability to travel alone and conquer every day alone.
I lived with a host family and spent the majority of my time exploring the city, surrounding towns, and countries. I was constantly discovering new things about myself and pushing outside of my comfort zone.
It felt amazing to trust myself, learn every day, and soak in all the extraordinary moments. I also loved practicing my French and walked away with a lot of confidence and real-world experience.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
Exploring the historic Château de Blois in France
The APA staff was so supportive throughout my journey, from helping me manage anxious feelings to walking me through assignments and helping me practice my grammar skills. They made the trips and events genuinely fun and created a welcoming environment.
Jalyn was definitely a highlight and a huge impact on my experience from the very first dinner, but Lola, Astrid, and the rest of the team were also incredible. I really enjoyed and appreciated everyone at APA.
What's one thing you wish you had done differently during your time abroad?
I would’ve loved more clarity about the class selection process. Maybe it was easier for other majors, but I found it super confusing.
I also wish I had been more familiar with the universities I might want to take classes at, like Cité Université or the Sorbonne, so that I could have prioritized those options.
I also wish I had come in with some clearer ideas or goals for my time there. Even if they changed, having a sense of direction early on might have helped me feel less lost in the first few weeks.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Sharing a meal together with friends
A typical day started with a pain au chocolat from Boulangerie Léa et Gilles or a fresh orange juice from Monoprix. I'd head to class off rue d’Alésia, then hop on the 13 at Gaîté and switch to the 8 to Villiers for my art studio time at Atelier Terre et Feu.
Afterward, I might grab an apéro at a local café, do homework, or sketch from a park bench somewhere in the city.
I often ended the day with a two-mile walk home through the heart of Paris with my headphones in, soaking in the beauty around me.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
I traveled almost every weekend while I was abroad. Whether it was a day trip to Auvers-sur-Oise or horseback riding in Chantilly with APA friends, I took full advantage of every opportunity.
I visited the Netherlands to see family, explored Germany with friends, and traveled to the south of France with APA a couple of times, just for a few examples. I explored so much, it was amazing.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I lived with two host families during my time in Paris. My first situation was a bit unique, but I don’t regret the host family experience at all.
My second host mom was absolutely lovely. She always invited me to meals, offered tea when I came home from class, shared stories of her travels, and even helped me with French and homework. Her home was beautiful, and I felt really lucky to be there.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Enjoying a horseback ride alongside a quiet canal path.
Give yourself a rough “bucket list” before you arrive—not just places to go, but things you want to experience. Whether it’s seeing a Monet in person, ordering confidently in French, or just wandering through a new arrondissement every week, having a few personal goals can help guide you when the initial excitement wears off or things feel overwhelming.
Also, don’t be afraid to talk to people—your host family, café servers, students in your classes. The more you speak, the more you’ll learn. And explore as much as you can, even alone. Paris is meant to be walked, noticed, and felt.
Oh—and when it comes to classes, ask a lot of questions early and advocate for what interests you!
Would you recommend Academic Programs Abroad? Why?
Absolutely—I loved APA. The small group size, the courses, and the trips made it an unforgettable experience.
With about 30 students, it was easy to connect with people, collaborate on classwork, practice French, and travel together. Some of my most impactful moments came from the classes themselves, as well as the tutoring and support APA offered throughout.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The exposure and experience I gained as a small-town Midwestern girl was beyond measure. I got to see things I’d only dreamed of, speak another language, interact with people from all over, and travel constantly.
Coming from the U.S., where public transportation is limited and everything is so spread out, it was life-changing to have access to so many different cultures and places so easily.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Striking a pose with a David Hockney painting
This experience changed me in such a lasting way. I came home more confident, more prepared for challenges, and more capable of navigating the world.
I learned to be on my own, to cook, to handle pressure, and to grow in my relationships. I’ve become much more comfortable stepping into new or unfamiliar situations, and I truly believe I can handle anything now.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is walking every side street and trying every unique food. It’s talking to strangers in the street who tell you learning Russian is better than French (hello, old woman in Auvers on my first day trip out of the city).
It’s hopping on one more train just because you can’t bring yourself to end the trip. It’s carrying a sketchbook to capture your thoughts and feelings as you go.
It’s about diving into every experience with open eyes and an open heart.
