What inspired your family to consider an international program for your sons?
My twin sons had an interest in fashion and were applying to colleges. We felt that the API program would support and grow that interest. After researching and speaking with API representatives, we felt confident that this program would help our sons decide more about the fashion industry and art in general.
As it turned out, one son finished art school with a degree in Product Design and a minor in Fashion. The other son, while appreciating art and fashion, decided to attend a different college and majored in journalism.
Why did you choose the API: Experience Paris, France program for them?
After reviewing the API program and speaking with representatives, we felt that the Parsons in Paris program was a balanced mix of hands-on learning and cultural immersion, along with the right degree of supervision and freedom that young adults need.
Paris offered the art and history that we wanted our sons to experience. We felt that visiting a country where English is not the primary language would help them become more compassionate and appreciative of other cultures, even though they are already familiar with Asian and Latin American languages and cultures.
Sightseeing!
What did they enjoy most about being in Paris?
As with most older teens, our sons loved meeting new people and bonding with them as they explored what Paris had to offer. They were charmed by the Metro experience and exclaimed it was better than the New York City subways!
They loved the great restaurants and cultural sites. They felt comfortable exploring!
What aspects of the experience made it especially memorable for your sons?
When asking one son what made his experience so memorable, he said it was how the API counselors took good care of them and made sure the entire group was aware of what the day's schedule would be.
He liked that they knew what they were doing and felt confident talking to them. This confidence-building took place right after landing in Paris, where the API team met students and guided them to the Mercedes Sprinter, which took them to their hotel.
How did the local API staff support them throughout their time abroad?
As previously stated, the local staff knew the area and knew what teens were like. When teens who have not traveled by themselves before are abroad, they can get nervous and worried.
However, having counselors who spoke the language and knew the area provided the confidence that my sons needed to reach out and learn about Paris and the surrounding area.
Looking back, is there anything they would have done differently?
Each young man stated that he was glad he had seen all that he had—museums, chateaus, stores, and restaurants. They loved experiencing the nightlife as well.
Taking full advantage of all that the API program has to offer means some pretty full days, so getting more sleep would have been to their advantage.
Easy to use Metro app!
Describe what a typical day in their life abroad looked like.
A typical day started with wake-up and breakfast. Counselors checked on students and made sure they were headed in the right direction.
Then, students boarded the Metro in Bercy Village and took it into Paris to get to the Parsons school. Or if there was an excursion, they boarded buses and explored the destination for that day. There was time for lunch and dinner, and hanging out with new friends.
How did your sons spend their free time abroad?
Mostly, my sons explored with friends and went into different areas outside of central Paris. They became competent at navigating the Metro and local towns.
They felt comfortable meeting with local people in shops where quite a few people spoke English. They did a lot of walking but enjoyed all that they saw.
What type of accommodation did they have? What did they like best about it?
Our sons shared a room with twin beds and ample closet space. The hotel had a restaurant below with a breakfast buffet.
The maid tidied up the room each day, and laundry facilities were available. Bercy Village was right across the street with lots of restaurants and shops—and best of all, a Five Guys burger place, which made them feel right at home.
What’s one thing you think future participants—or their parents—should know before the program begins?
Future participants should know that there are rules, and my sons appreciated that the counselors kept to those guidelines. If some students could not follow the rules or had issues, they were asked to leave.
All allowances were made for homesickness. Participants should know that the rules of a new country must be respected as well.
Five Guys in Bercy Village! Such fun!
Would you recommend the program to others? Why?
Yes, this program was excellent! The length of time and money spent for the learning and travel experience were well worth it.
Meeting other teens and learning about people brought a new perspective, not just a new environment. Also, the Parsons school did a wonderful job of teaching about fashion—not just talking about it. Students were able to create, sew, stitch, and unveil their creations for other students and parents.
What do you believe was the biggest benefit your sons gained from traveling abroad?
I noticed that my sons were much more able to fit into new situations and could refer to the positive experiences of travel without family, thus able to mature.
They returned joyful and tired, but different due to the time they spent in Paris and at Parsons. They now have a solid reference to compare other experiences at home and abroad.
How has the experience impacted them since returning home?
Both sons wanted to take a rest after the long flight! However, since then, they have increased their travel experiences. They have enjoyed cruises with friends and flights to other destinations.
They have a more mature approach to travel and understand what needs to be done to have a successful trip—such as planning, the right clothes, passports, visas, money exchanges, correct scheduling, and rest and hydration.
As a parent, what does meaningful travel mean to you when it comes to your children?
For me, as a parent, meaningful travel for my children means absorbing as much as one can at the maturity level students are at.
They need to hear the different languages and customs, and yet see the similarities that all people have. It is important to try new foods and learn about local culture with respect—and share what you have to share.
