Academic Programs Abroad (APA)

APA Paris is a wonderful program. I felt supported and challenged in all the right ways. From start to finish, I was surrounded by some of the kindest and most patient program coordinators who helped me seamlessly navigate life in a foreign country. The academics offered by the program are engaging and well-tailored to multiple levels in French, and the cultural events and excursions were some of my fondest memories here in Paris. The group of students the program attracted were some of the loveliest people to have spent a semester in Paris with, and the program did an excellent job facilitating a welcoming environment for us to bond. While I felt fully independent and immersed in French culture, the APA office was always there, offering support and a strong community. I could not have asked for a better study abroad experience. Merci APA!

I had such a blast and I was especially impressed with the extra curricular offerings of APA in comparison with other study abroad programs my friends were doing at the same time! 😁❤️🥳🥐🗼🏠😊🫂🍫🌿

I felt fully immersed in French culture from the moment I arrived. I believe that the combination of attending a Parisian university and living in an apartment building with other Francophone young adults really helped me feel like I was having a true Parisian experience. I felt supported by the program, but I also had a lot of freedom to live my life independently as much as I liked. I think that the best part for me was my living situation, just because it introduced me to all my closest friends and forced me to speak French frequently. I think I felt like I integrated well into French culture and life without staying within the confines of being an American on an exchange.

When I arrived to Paris, I had forgotten a lot of my french. Because I was forced to constantly hear and speak french, I really was able to improve my skill and now I am able to understand majority of what is said in french and be able to speak in a conversation.

APA gave me the cultural immersion I needed to really improve my French. I thoroughly enjoyed my classes and the APA administration was so helpful and supportive. The cultural program was great as well. You get to see all sorts of performances and engage in french culture

I had an amazing time with APA! The program is run by a kind, considerate and detail-oriented program that emphasizes cultural immersion. We had multiple cultural events that were included with the program including concerts, tastings, as well as overnight stays in French regions. I also opted to stay in a homestay which was a wonderful experience; I really clicked with my host mom and lived in a beautiful Parisian apartment. My French has improved greatly thanks to tutoring and language offerings and I fell in love with Paris. I highly recommend APA to anyone wanting to study abroad in Paris!

I loved my semester with APA. My French has improved tremendously! The teachers, advisor, and administrative support is amazing. I loved that we had the opportunity to take classes with multiple universities based on our interests and the courses at APA are also very well taught. The cultural program is unlike any other, and it gave me a great opportunity to have experiences I never would have had otherwise! I highly recommend this programme!

Academic Programs Abroad was definitely the way to go! The level of immersion and cultural offerings that you get are unlike any other, and everything is well organized—yet still personalized, to feel responsive. I highly recommend this program to someone that wants to immerse themselves in the city and have a good time with others.

The academics were a little difficult because everything was in French but that is to be expected. APA was amazing and provided such great support. My advisor was amazing and I met such good friends here.

I was part of the Fall 2024 APA:FMS program and my experience served as a pivotal point in my academic and personal life. So much so that I joined my colleges's study abroad advising team to urge students to not only go abroad but to go abroad with APA. My review will be divided into multiple parts, ranging from the program's structure to its impact, as I look back a year later. When I approached planing to study abroad my focus was on the country(ies) that I wanted to live and study in, I did not realize how much the program I selected would influence my experience. I was lucky to be recommended APA by a friend, but I think it should be public knowledge how much of a gem APA's structure is for anyone looking to study in a francophone country. The program's mission is immersion, so there is a great emphasis and effort put towards ensuring that students experience the country as a local would. This means the team of the program is greatly involved in helping the students navigate and integrate into local life. for example, I remember the program arranged for all students to arrive at the same time so that the director of the program could pick us up and welcome us to France. Another example of how APA go about immersion is excursions. APA value academic exposure as much as cultural exposure. Meaning, while in another program I would have to plan weekend-trip, and research on my own activities to do, APA already arranged. At the beginning of the program students receive both an academic and excursion calendar. Meaning Upon arrival I had a calendar packed with plays, concerts, wine tasting, cheese tasting. museums visit, and weekend getaway to different parts of the countries already planned and organized for me to attend. to go back to the involvement of the team, I remember how the founder of the program would sometimes join the cohort to attend concerts, we had mental-health workshops, and students were invited to have coffee chats with the founded of the program. Going abroad can seem daunting, but APA has such a diverse team and they are so involved, I not only felt supported but I felt like I joined a family. APA-FMS: APA-FMS is the acronym for the multi-country study abroad program I did with APA where during one semester I lived in studied in 3 countries! whenever it is proposed to students to go abroad it's often a semester in 1 country, so I was totally captivated by the idea that within one semester I could study in three countries across two continents with very different culture(France;Morocco;Senegal). It was the best decision I could have made. Aside from immigrating to the united states as a child I had never travelled, so the program was appealing for me in the sense that it would afford me the chance to travel and get to know the countries from a local perspective. AS part of the program students will stay in each country for 5-8 weeks, and take classes that will be taught across the historical context of three countries. YES, your institution will accept the credit for the FMS classes, I go to harvard and they counted the APA:FMS classes as elective credit, but I know other institutions will count the classes towards your major requirements. The FMS program requires that all students live in homestays, meaning with host family. I was little apprehensive about the concept but it turned out to be one of the best parts of the program. first the "host family" structure looks difference for everyone, while I stayed with a family of 6 with children, someone in the program lived with an elderly grandmother living alone, another a young filmmaker. The families we lived in depended on our preferences and requests. Staying with host families helped with my homesickness as I had a support system to whom I went home to every day abroad. In France, as a Christian, I was placed with a Christian family who took me to church on Sundays and nurtured my love for yogurt by teaching me how to make it fresh. In Morocco, my host mom taught me how to bargain and my host sisters helped me discover the beaches. In senegal my host mom taught me how to cook local cuisine, she took me to her favorite hairtylist, and took me to her friend's wedding. However, the beauty of FMS is that it ensured that my experience is one and my own. My friend in the program, who is a film major, was matched with host who is a young filmmaker so while I was making yogurt thursday nights, she was out at different bars in Paris brainstorming ideas for future projects. Additionally APA's mission of immersion carries on across all three countries, meaning in every countries we are taken to art exhibition, concerts, plays, movies, restaurants.APA also organized various week-end getways to different parts of each country. Meaning, while in lived in the capital of all three countries during the program, I am well acquainted to the country side of each country and various cities in each country. Ultimately studying in 3 countries was an amazing experience. APA-FMS taught me how to trust myself as I had to navigate three countries. The multi-country program APA offers is unique as it not only provides provides substantial support and resources for students to live and study in three countries but it helps students built a network of connection that will facilitate returning to these countries. Having done the program I now have the connection 12 professors spanning from France to senegal. One of the professors from the program even wrote my recommendation letter for an internship in Europe. Having done the program I have a network of loved ones across the world as a year later I am still in contact with my host families. Academic: the program has an academic structure where professors are solicited from different universities across the the country and come to the students to teach classes. This means that as part of the FMS program you are not going to be enrolling in a university in each country but rather APA will have professors come teach your cohort at their office space. The great plus of this structure is that the cohorts are not big so you will have the opportunity to get to know your professors who are often renowned for their work in the country. Another benefit of this structure is it facilitates participation, as you are not intimidated by local students but are learning with your friends in the program. My review is overwhelmingly positive, because my experience was overwhelmingly positive. But, while the reality of this program was fun, adventurous, exciting, and beautiful, it was also difficult in some ways. As a french program, immersing yourself in french in the classroom and home can be a challenge and at times tiring when you are not used to speaking french all the time. Therefore I would recommend watching french tiktoks, reading french book, and listening to french music before and throughout the program! I would also recommend doing APA’s pre-program where you go ahead of the program and APA’s teaching staff will help you become acquainted with academic writing in a francophone context. Travelling, living and studying broad in three countries within 4 months can also be mentally and physically taxing(fatigue and mental health). So keeping up with hobbies, families and friends back home, and resting is indispensable.

I decided to study abroad in Paris with APA due to it offering the rare chance to immerse oneself in the French language through the day-to-day operations of the program alongside the option to stay with a host family. I opted to stay with a host family for the entire academic year and it was the best choice I could have made. Aside from greatly improving my French, I also developed deep relationships with my host family that will last forever. At APA, I similarly developed these connections. With it being a small team, you have the unique opportunity to develop personal relationships with the staff who truly know and understand you. Additionally, the program offered endless outings and events to attend, livening up every week with incredible opportunities.

Embarking on an adventure abroad is always a transformative experience, but my time in Paris with the Academic Programs Abroad (APA) was nothing short of extraordinary. From the unique course offerings to the comprehensive cultural immersions, APA provided an unparalleled journey into the heart of French culture, its beauty, its complexities, and its colonial legacy. APA's curriculum is thoughtfully designed, offering a rich selection of courses that delve deep into French history, art, politics, and society. Each class was an invitation to explore the nuances of French culture, encouraging not just academic growth but personal introspection. The professors and instructors, experts in their fields, brought subjects to life with passion and depth, making learning both engaging and impactful. What set APA apart was its commitment to cultural immersion. Through various activities and excursions, I was able to experience France beyond the classroom walls. Visits to historical sites, museums, and cultural landmarks offered a tangible connection to France's past and present. Moreover, APA's focus on the country's colonial legacy provided a critical lens through which to understand its culture and societal dynamics. This aspect of the program was particularly enlightening, offering a comprehensive view of France's impact on the world and the complexities of its multicultural identity. The journey with APA wasn't just about academic enrichment; it was a holistic experience that catered to personal growth and cultural understanding. Living in Paris, navigating its streets, and engaging with its people allowed me to develop a profound connection to the city and its culture. However, immersion in a foreign culture can sometimes be overwhelming. In those moments, APA was a steadfast support system, a "rock" that helped me navigate the challenges of cultural adaptation. The staff's genuine care and guidance ensured that every student felt supported and valued, making the immersive experience more enriching and less daunting. Even after the program concluded, APA's support did not wane. Their continued encouragement and resources have been invaluable as I further my journey with the French language and my connection to France. This ongoing support underscores APA's commitment to its students' long-term growth and their connection to French culture. Reflecting on my time in Paris, it is clear that the experience was transformative. The lessons learned, the connections made, and the cultural insights gained have left an indelible mark on my personal and academic development. My time with APA in Paris is not just a memory to be cherished; it is a foundation upon which I will continue to build my understanding and appreciation of French culture. In sum, my experience with APA in Paris was much more than an academic program abroad; it was a journey of discovery, learning, and personal growth. The comprehensive approach to cultural immersion, coupled with the unwavering support of the APA team, provided a deep and nuanced understanding of French culture. I will forever cherish my time in Paris with APA, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a remarkable program.

I can't imagine a better study abroad program than APA. I wasn't even initially planning on studying abroad (I studied hard sciences, and most programs seem geared toward social sciences or humanities). But after taking the leap with APA, I could not be happier. I improved my french enormously, I was able to genuinely integrate into a different culture and country, and I built all of these skills of open-mindedness, resilience, confidence, and others. I was supported at all times, and APA gave me the tools to feel at home in this new city, with constant excursions, shows, and workshops. The academic options available through APA are also incredible; being able to take courses at any Parisian university ensures that everyone will find what they want (or need), and you feel like a genuine French student rather than a visitor. Claire, Sophie, and Blandine are wonderful people as well as perfect help throughout the program. 3 years later, I now live in Paris, and I thank APA for giving me the base to continue living my dream. I'm so glad I chose APA!

I am a Political Science and French double major, and I studied abroad with Academic Programs Abroad in Paris for the Fall 2019 semester! I absolutely loved my experience. The staff is wonderfully friendly and supportive, so even when I came upon difficult situations or experienced stress, I never doubted that everything would work out. If you're looking to improve your French skills, this is definitely a program for you. Each of my classes were taught in French and my proficiency improved by leaps and bounds over the course of four months. I also loved getting to know Paris, and Europe as a whole; the cultural program that APA puts together is incredible. With a weekend in Normandy, a day in Chartres, a play at the Comédie française, a cooking lesson, several dance performances, a cheese-tasting, and so much more, I felt culturally fulfilled by the time I left the country. If you would like to participate in a program that provides a truly valuable academic challenge along with a cultural education, I cannot recommend APA Paris enough. Your first few weeks are probably going to be stressful, not only because of the language but because the Parisian school system and expectations (formatting of essays and homework, how to communicate with your professor, etc.) are very unique. Trust that you will get the hang of it and that academics will get easier! Remember, you always have the APA advisors rooting for you.

My semester abroad with APA: Paris was my first time outside of the Unites States, but I left feeling almost like a local thanks to the tireless support offered by this amazing program. APA offered an optional weekly or bi-weekly schedule of cultural events throughout the city--from grand concerts at the Philharmonie de Paris to intimate theatrical performances and dace showcases. I appreciated the opportunity to study within the Parisian university system while still taking a few on-site APA courses alongside my American peers in the program. My host family accommodation was exceptional, as APA customized each student-host family pairing with the upmost care. I found that I seldom desired to leave the city because I felt so immersed, supported, and inspired by the community I built in Paris. APA was great in that it was both hands-on and hands-off in its approach: there was a structure and rigor to the program and its courses, but students were also able to experience the city and beyond independently in their free time. Overall, this boutique program offers something singularly exceptional in the way of study abroad programs. I am so thankful for everyone I met and for all that I learned. Two highlights from my experience were: 1) Two built-in trips to Saint-Malo, France/ Mont Saint-Michel and The Loire Valley 2) APA's in-house Art History Course. Classes were often conducted within museums across Paris. We also took a study tour in Barcelona, Spain.

I had a phenomenal time in France with APA! The language immersion really improved my skills and confidence in conversation and in the classroom. The events we had planned such as neighbourhood visits, and weekend excursions were super fun and gave a lot of great historical overview (bonus for my French minor!). I loved my host family and had a great time getting to know them and exchange cultural knowledge. I would love to spend another semester if I could!

APA was a fantastic abroad program, and I would highly suggest it to anyone interested in studying abroad! The on-site staff work incredibly hard to ensure that each student is able to have the abroad experience they are looking for by providing academic support, allowing students to live with homestay families, dorms on or their own and setting up cultural events for students throughout the semester!

I cannot say enough amazing things about APA. While at first I was hesitant to be thrown into all things French, APA helped push me and support me through every step of the way. I walked away from my semester in Paris with a vast cultural appreciation, near fluent in the language. Taking my business courses in French forced me to acquire a deeper understanding of the material, and between living with a host family, communicating with peers, and taking yoga entirely in French, I advanced tremendously without really realizing it in the moment. I am so grateful for the opportunity to live in a city with something new to see and do daily and with a program to help me grow so much. Not to mention I'm now a pro when it comes to the metro! Such a great experience going solo as I met so many likeminded students through APA who later became my travel buddies.

I highly recommend APA! The academic program offers probably the most flexible and diverse set of options possible, with access to multiple universities, in-house courses, and self-study. The APA staff was incredibly helpful with all aspects of student life, really going above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable with our courses, host family, and general life in Paris. One aspect of the program that I really underestimated before coming here was the cultural program. Getting (essentially) free weekly tickets to shows across Paris was an amazing way to engage with the cultural side of Paris in a way that I wouldn't have thought to do or wouldn't have been willing to spend the money on (don't miss the shows at the CentQuatre!). The program offers a great deal of independence while still fostering a tight-knit community between the students and staff (especially through the group trips). My language skills improved a lot and I overall gained confidence and independence. My advice to future students is to speak French as much as possible (even when only among Americans) and go out as much as possible! When choosing classes, prioritize scheduling and finding classes that seem manageable/ professors that seem chill. I'm really academically oriented, but go for the 3- (or 4-) day weekend - you'll learn so much from taking classes in French within a new system, so focus the rest of your energy on cultural and social opportunities! Also, just be aware that your host family (or other living arrangement) will almost certainly not be in the center of the city, and that you'll sometimes have long commutes to classes. This is just realistic and part of life in Paris, but it's something I didn't think about before.

As an African Studies and French Language student, one of my biggest complaints was the lack of French-language study abroad programs outside of the Western world, until I found APA Senegal. The program's course content gives students an in-depth experience in a rich culture and the opportunity to make connections to locals (many of which I keep in contact with and miss very much). Living with a host family was a very effective way to improve skills in speaking French, and I felt much more comfortable with the language after completing the program. Academics are very rigorous but students will learn a LOT of new information in their classes, not only in French language but about local culture, economics, and analytical skills. I highly recommend this program and definitely do not regret choosing APA or Senegal.

The thing I loved most about APA was the flexibility of the academic program. Students are capable of taking classes at multiple universities on multiple subjects. There are plenty of opportunities for independently seeking experiences as well. Classes are held in different French universities, but APA offers personal and group language support, as well as language buddies and complimentary courses. I'm not sure the program could have done much more to provide additional academic support. If you are looking for an immersive language program to improve your French, APA provides all the necessary tools to achieve your goals.

I had a great semester abroad through APA! I came into the semester very insecure about my French speaking abilities and unsure whether or not I would be able to take a full course load completely in French! With all the support and guidance APA provides it was completely doable and I learned so much. The culture program and the museum passes were great as well!

APA is a really wonderful program. Its greatest strength is the flexibility/options it provides - if you come to Paris wanting to take certain courses or do certain things, APA will give you the support to make it happen! You can really make the semester your own. Claire, Sophie, and Blandine, who run the program, are compassionate and genuinely caring folks who go out of their way to provide a great experience for their students. I felt very supported by them throughout the semester. I liked the courses I took in Paris more than many of my Princeton courses. Each one was fantastic. The in-house art class is not to be missed!

It was my childhood dream to go to Paris and when I was applying to study abroad programs I was looking for a structured program with enough guidance to feel safe leaving the country for a semester but also enough leeway for me to enjoy free time in this new city. I wanted to get the most bang for my buck and APA delivered. I loved that we had could decide what Parisian universities to attend, our metro passes were included in the program fees, we got weekly tickets to all different kinds of shows across Paris (dance, traditional theater/avant garde, concerts), tutoring for French language. Sophie, Blandine, and Claire are very sweet and are genuinely concerned with how we were getting along with the program. They were always available by phone to help with any questions we had. When I missed my flight home because of baggage complications it was Sophie who calmed me down and helped me get the next flight home. Things to note: 1) Beware of pickpocets! I can not stress this enough. Tourists/Americans are huge targets... even locals are frequently stolen from. Never leave your phone in your pocket. 2) You meet such amazing people through APA it's easy to stick to your new American friends and speak English. It's imperative to make French friends to learn slang and informal speech. 3) As a woman-of-color it can be a bit more of a culture shock to navigate being a minority in another country, make French friends you think might share the same experiences as you, they will have a lot of tips. 4) Some host families love it when you cook American meals to share with them at dinner 5) Explore the city even when you don't feel like it. A lot of times when I felt down and lonely cause I missed family and friends back home I'd go out to a part of the city I had never been before and discover something new to lift my mood. All in all, this was an incredible experience and I'm so glad I chose APA. I felt so supported and I met some really amazing people and made lifelong friends!

APA Paris excelled in all aspects of a study abroad programme. Each week the programme organised for us all to go to a show together, whether that be a ballet or a musical, which allowed us to see some of the best art in the world. This was all included in the programme cost. In terms of academics, there were two in-house course taught by two really amazing local teachers, who we eventually got to know over the course of the programme by socialising outside of class time. The host family that I stayed with were really lovely, always encouraged me to speak french with them, and cooked great food.

I really enjoyed my study abroad experience with APA. Claire, Sophie, and Blandine who ran the program were very approachable and helpful. Their goal was to make sure students succeed academically and had a great time in Paris. There were only ten students in the program which made the experience very personal. It was just what I needed to improve my French. Each week, we went to some sort of show which was wonderful. There were also visits to nearby towns and attractions. I really appreciated these outings because I most likely wouldn't have done these things on my own. The two classes that they offered were very interesting and included weekend study tours to other countries. They were taught by dedicated professors who enjoyed working with international students. APA did a fabulous job matching each student with a host family. I am very happy that I chose to attend APA's program because they made Paris feel like home.

APA Paris was the best program I could've asked for for what I wanted. Coming from a small liberal arts college, I really appreciated that the program was small (only 10 students in my cohort) and that the small but extremely dedicated, approachable, and available staff really cared about each of our individual needs and voices. I became really close to the program staff in Paris and had lots of fun with them on the weekly outings that they organized for us! Each week, we saw a different artistic performance, whether it be a circus, dance, cabaret, musical, play, or other work! It truly allowed me to get to know a side of Paris that I would have never seen unless it was organized for me! The French university system is also radically different from my experience in the U.S., but luckily the staff spent three weeks with us at the beginning of the semester teaching us about the university system through an orientation program. That support continued throughout the semester through tutoring sessions to learn the methodology of our course work or meetings with professors. The two in-house courses were also absolutely incredible and allowed us to get to know French professors while still having a small, intimate class where discussion was highly encouraged. We also got to go on a study-tour to a different country for each of the in-house classes! Those trips were weekend-long trips organized by the program that helped expand what were were learning in the classroom. The host family I was set up with was super caring as well. APA Staff are very particular in their process of matching a student to a host family so that the best match is possible. I lived in a great area with a mother and her daughter and had dinner with them 5x a week. APA did a great job at helping us really get to know Paris and become immersed in the Parisian lifestyle. Through APA, I was able to meet several French students who would meet up with us regular to go out to cafes or concerts. Especially because it can sometimes be hard to meet French students at your university, it was nice that APA set up programs for us to meet French students that we could befriend. I am very thankful to APA for a great experience that not only helped me improve my French language abilities, but also allowed me to fall in love with the City of Light.

APA was the study abroad experience I had always dreamed about. Especially if you are interested in improving your french, this is the best way to go. APA offers a true immersion experience that other programs don't. Additionally, the cultural program gave us tickets each week for a show, whether it be dance, opera, or a "cirque." As Claire (awesome woman!!) the director put it, in a city of culture such as Paris, it is invaluable to be able to experience the variety and talent that the city offers. The ladies on the staff are AMAZING! It was like I had a whole team working to make my personal experience great, very personal attention. They do so much for us it is crazy, I even felt bad sometimes for all the incredible things they did for us to make our lives easier. So awesome! They specially select the host families and get to know you before you move-in to make sure that it will be a great match. I was lucky enough to get the greatest host-mother of all time who I love so much!!! Bottom line is I thank my lucky stars I chose APA, I would do it again in an instant, and if I went back in time I would do this program over any other even if I had to fight for it!!! Amazing 10/10 experience and program

Overall, the program was a success. I think some of the negativities I felt came about because I wasn't as open to change as I should have been. In most ways, the program provides you with a great way to experience Paris without coddling you. I wish we could have taken more university classes instead of having so many required APA classes, though.

What will always stand out for me about my study abroad experience is my host family. I got to live with two of the kindest souls I've ever met, and they became like parents to me: when I left Paris, they told me that they had come to think of me as their adoptive daughter. Their family was such a great fit for me, and they will always be my fondest memory of Paris. And I would never have met them if it weren't for APA: their housing questionnaire was so extensive that I knew I would be paired with a family that suited my needs, and upon my arrival in Paris, they took the time to get to know me in person to make sure they had made the right choice. Sophie, Blandine, and Claire know exactly how to give their APA students the greatest experiences, from placing them in the right host family, to choosing incredible opera and dance for us to see in our cultural excursions, to creating classes that allow for trips to the Louvre and even to London. I knew before even going to Paris that I would look back on APA as a fond experience, but I didn't realize how much I would appreciate their knack for providing me exactly what I needed while I was there.

Going abroad to Paris with APA was undoubtedly the best experience of my college career. I lived comfortably in the 17th with my host family in an apartment surrounded by bakeries, close to the lovely Parc Monceau, and a few minutes walk from an amazing open-air market. After class, I spent time with friends on the Seine or exploring Paris's seemingly-infinite collection of museums. On weekends, I wandered different Parisian neighborhoods, sat in cafes with a book and an espresso, and bar hopped. On several occasions, I was lucky enough to go on weekend excursions with APA to beautiful Chateaus, vineyards, and gardens. APA offered a great support network and made the transition from American academics to French university fairly painless. They also invested a lot of time to make sure that students' course credits would be recognized at their home universities. Although the informal language classes at their Alesia office were a pain, I can't really say I have any other complaints about the academics. Overall, I would definitely recommend this program - you are able to take classes whose rigor matches those of American schools (if you so choose), get the support you need from a small program, and experience french culture without living in an American bubble (which often happens with many other abroad programs and universities, like Sciences Po).

APA really gives you all the support you need while being abroad in a new country. Claire, Sophie, and Blandine took so much time to explain to us everything we needed to know, from the French university system to navigating living with a host family whom they very carefully chose for us. My host mom was amazing and gave me an even deeper look into what normal Parisian life is like while helping me greatly improving my French. Taking classes in real life French universities with French teachers and students was an extraordinary experience. Being unfamiliar with the system, there were a fair amount of struggles in regards to handling the academic work but APA does the most it can for us to be challenged yet supported. I am very grateful for these three ladies, their knowledge and expertise helped create a wonderful experience for me in Paris. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone who is truly looking to immerse themselves in the rich culture.

My experience with Academic Programs Abroad made my study abroad in Paris incredible. Each of us received personalized, thoughtful treatment as an intimate group of students studying in the program. I thoroughly enjoyed the cultural programming that was offered almost twice a month, and the two weekend trips to Normandy and the Loire Valley were memorable and so well organized. I made lifelong friends in this program, which did so much to foster these friendships and to cultivate these connections. Furthermore, APA accurately paired me with a host family whom I adored, and with whom to this day I still keep in touch with. I appreciated their approach in not pairing me with a family right away, rather getting to know me for a few days before making a decision as to the right type of living scenario and family I would feel most comfortable with. I would recommend APA Paris to anyone looking to explore liberal arts studies in Paris and to make such amazing memories along the way!

I think the best part of APA was how we were matched with our host family. It was unique and different in the way that we went to Paris blind, without knowing who we were living with. After staying in a hostel for a weekend with our program directors, they matched us with a family based on our personality. That special personalized touched really makes a difference!

I couldn't have chosen a better program for my Junior year. I was allowed the freedom to live on my won without a host family but never felt disconnected from my peers or APA due to the help of Claire, Blandine and Sophie. The three women who run the administration of APA, were lifesavers. Anytime I needed help they were there, including when I was very sick and needed help finding a specialist doctor. APA also afforded us the opportunity to go on trips and cultural events as a group every week which really aided in understanding the French culture. Being enrolled directly into a French University was an entirely different experience, and I couldn't have asked for better. I was able to take classes that peaked my interests and had essentially free reign over my course choices. My understanding of the politics and culture in France increased immensely as did my language skills.

APA offered me a great experience in improving my French and getting to know local culture through a host family. The ladies of APA are incredibly supportive and helpful throughout the semester. The coursework isn't at the highest level, and the French university system is an adjustment, but the program experiences of authentic French cuisine and activities are worthwhile.

When I was looking for a study abroad program, I knew I wanted to go to France, and I knew that I wanted to have an immersive experience that allowed me to improve my French skills and learn as much about French culture as possible. With APA, I got exactly what I was looking for--and way more. Organization/management: I can't say enough good things about the women who run APA. They truly go above and beyond to ensure that each student has a good experience in France. They make themselves available at all hours of the day and are always willing to talk about classes, home stay issues, and even personal problems. They make Paris home away from home for the time you're they're--and they even organize an amazing Thanksgiving dinner. Housing: I was fortunate enough to be able to stay for the whole year and with the same family; I still keep in touch with them and I've visited them in France and they've visited me in the US. I have really great memories thanks to them, from watching the election from afar with my host day in 2012 to spending time with them in the Loire Valley. That being said, living with a host family is a different experience for everyone. APA does a ton of research and interviews before placing students with families, so most of the time, things do work out. I think that the most important thing is to go in with an open mind, and with an understanding that you are living in someone else's home and that you need to respect their rules (if there are any). The people who struggled the most were those who couldn't get out of the "dorm mindset." For example, if your host mom decides that dinner is at a certain time, you need to show up or let her know in advance that you won't make it. Classes: For the most part, students take classes at local universities with APA. Honestly, the academics aren't on par with public/private universities in the US, but that's out of the control of the program. I really enjoyed some of the classes I took, others were not so great. APA bolsters French universities by offering their own classes, a shopping period, and private tutors. I felt as if I did so much learning outside of the classroom with APA, in terms of my French and knowledge of French culture and learning how to live in a different country--so it was a worthwhile trade-off. Cultural program: This is one of the most unique aspects of the program, and it really allows you to get to know France. I loved the weekend trips we want on to different parts of the country--the sites were spectacular and there was never a shortage of food/wine! Paris: The city is your oyster! With your metro card and student discounts, you can explore almost any corner of the city. There is never, ever a shortage of things to do. After all, it is the best city in the world. If this sounds appealing to you, APA might be a perfect fit. I am so, so glad that I decided to spend a year with them. Not to get too cliche, BUT it truly can change your life.

Without a doubt, my two semesters spent with APA in Paris were the most enriching semesters of my college experience. As a French major, I had always known one day I would want to study abroad, but I had no idea that choosing to study with APA would be my best decision. From the get-go, I was encouraged to speak French, not only with my host family, but in my classes (which were all in French) and with my peers. Although I spoke advanced French before arrival, it was studying in Paris for two semesters that really kicked my language skills into the fluent range. I learned expressions and vocabulary I never would have learned in a classroom — slang from young people, for example — and also thoroughly improved my academic writing in French. Along the way, I took classes that were not available at my home institution, and even challenged myself to a Spanish class my second semester. The APA Art History class allowed me to visit various museums throughout the city and learn about artwork right in front of the piece in question, while La France D'aujourd'hui (a required French politics and government course) helped catch me up to date on current French affairs and learn more about the country's history. If I could do it all over again, I would absolutely choose APA. I've yet to hear of another program like it.

APA was a fantastic study abroad experience. The program was well organized and the directors provided great support in all aspects of our experience. The two weekend trips to Normandy and the Loire valley were fantastic as well. It was difficult at times to adjust to the French system but the program helped us with the adjustment process with lots of cultural preparation and a great host family system. I would make sure that you have a strong level of French before coming, since almost 100% of the programming is in French, which can be quite mentally taxing at times. However it is definitely worth it, as my French greatly improved.

If you are looking for an experience that will change your outlook on life, choose this program. This is the absolute best program for people looking to throw themselves into the French way of living. By living with French families and being directly enrolled in the French universities, you have the opportunity to develop your ability to speak French, to develop relationships, and to develop the knowledge of the French social system and culture. I truly cannot have seen myself in any other program that supported me as much. The support from the directors of this program allowed me to spread my wings and try new things in a new country. I have formed lasting relationships and have a new found confidence in my ability to speak French. Logistically, the program is very organized though some problems that come up are caused by the cultural differences between the French and American school system. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone and everyone who is passionate about French and French culture.

My semester abroad was truly one of the highlights (if not the highlight) of my college experience, and I'm so glad to have spent it with APA. APA's support system is amazing; the three women who run the Paris office go above and beyond to make sure that you are happy, are integrated, and are doing well academically. When I started struggling a bit in my classes, they, without hesitation, set me up with a couple of tutoring sessions to ensure that I could succeed in the class. They truly care about each student. Another highlight was the homestay. APA does a fantastic job of matching families with students. I loved my host family and was able to fully integrate into their way of life. My family was enthusiastic and helped me with my French, and my French dramatically improved as a result. If you're looking for a full, immersive experience in Paris, consider APA!

Studying abroad with APA was absolutely incredible. APA has a very flexible academic program tailored to each student and a rich cultural program that makes the Paris art scene so accessible. The APA staff is supportive and friendly -- they go the extra mile to show students how much they care. I love living independently in Paris and exploring everything the city has to offer! One of my favorite aspects of the program were the group excursions to Normandy, the Loire Valley and Monet's gardens!