Study Abroad in Paris, France with AIFS Abroad

I loved every minute of travelling and exploring the city of Paris, the program was really fun and I learned quite a bit. My professor was great and the locations we went to were awesome. Go abroad! It's worth it.

My j-term abroad was a life changing event. From the start, AIFS made things very clear, which was helpful for me as a planner. Getting to Paris, and then to the place I was staying, was incredibly easy and worry-free with AIFS booking the flights and the rides. Without having to worry about those thing, I got to spend more time studying up on the language and culture of Paris for my stay. Once I got there, I knew I would remember it forever. My professor was an absolute pleasure to learn from, knowing the ins and outs of the city and teaching us things beyond the course material, allowing us to grow as people as well as scholars. The free time available to us made it possible for everyone to explore what they they wished to. The gatherings hosted by the AIFS staff were very fun, and a nice way to connect with people who knew exactly what a study abroad trip entailed. I met my best friend on this trip, and we still talk every day a year and a half later! Between the course, the city, the guidance from AIFS, and the truly kind people in Paris, I had the best time. I 100% suggest everyone study abroad while they have the chance. It is a lot easier and realistic than you would think!

This summer I studied abroad with AIFS in Paris and could not have asked for a better experience. First, the AIFS Abroad team in Paris is absolutely incredible with setting up activities, tours, and so much more. They even helped me get a home doctor visit when I had food poisoning for a week and were so incredibly helpful with both scheduling and reimbursements in regards to the visit. Second, my french language class was so beneficial and helped me grow my french skills significantly. I was in a class with students from all over the world and got to understand a little bit more about life in other countries, which I would not have otherwise experienced. Finally, studying abroad with AIFS made me so passionate about the global experience and taught me things I could never have imagined. I cultivated lifelong skills and learned how to better communicate with people from different backgrounds. I can not recommend AIFS more and encourage anyone interested to start the conversation and study abroad if possible!

I had a wonderful experience with AIFS for my summer semester. The program provides some excursions depending on your duration; I was given tickets to museums, a Seine boat tour, and Opéra Garnier. Some excursions were at specific times and if you couldn't make it during the group time, you were given a ticket to go on your own. I know students in the second session had the chance to go to Versailles (I was 1st session and was not eligible for this). I met and made friends with others in my program, through AIFS and CCFS. My host family was PHENOMENAL and I know my friends who also stayed with hosts had a great experience. My friends in the dorms said it was okay, but living with a family would have been more fun. A majority of the experience is not hosted by AIFS so you have to be willing to make friends and do things on your own. One critique I have is that I wish the metro card was included in my tuition. Overall, I loved my experience with CCFS and AIFS.

AIFS was helpful in the pre-departure, and in ensuring that all students were ready to go and prepared for Paris! We stayed with a host family and had a weekly dinner with the family. It was nice to get to experience living like a true Parisian. CCFS was, from what I experienced, mostly international students. I went in knowing almost no French and I learned a LOT!!! It was really easy to go out and meet locals, but I did not meet many locals at school! Everyone that was in the program was wonderful and the AIFS staff are amazing! The study-abroad students that I was with became like my family and we still stay in touch now! The only drawback was the lack of variety of classes that CCFS offered non-french speakers.

When I got back to my home university my friend asked how I would describe my trip in three words, discovery, blessing, and fun! It completely rocked my view of the world and travel in general, to see the beauty of another culture is a great opportunity. I also learned a lot about myself and life as I navigated relationships and everyday interactions in a different language. At times it was challenging but it was also so much fun. The number one reason I was afraid to go was because of my fear of missing out on something at my home university, but that was not the case at all I missed a few fun times but nothing worth changing my trip to France and my friends were still there when I got back! Last I was definitely blessed because I feel the three greatest factors on any study abroad trip are the host family, school and roommate and all of these factors were tremendous! If you are considering study abroad this is a no brainer, do it and it’s okay to go without someone you know!

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I had the opportunity to study with AIFS at the American Business School of Paris last summer. Due to the season, our program group was small, making it a bit challenging to meet people. However, the living situation was fantastic, located in a safe and central area of Paris, with the metro just a 5-minute walk away for convenient city exploration. Academically, the business school was easily accessible by metro, and the smaller class sizes, possibly due to the off-month scheduling, created a diverse and engaging learning environment. I was fortunate to have an exceptional teacher with extensive experience running her own business. Paris itself was breathtaking, steeped in history, and offered an abundance of activities. Even after a month and a half, I felt there was still so much more to discover in the city. Overall, I can't recommend this program enough – it was truly a dream come true that I won't forget!

This program although short, allowed me to truly immerse myself into the culture. I was able to not only travel around France but also visit Amsterdam, Venice, and London. The activities built into the program were engaging and allowed the group of us to bond. I was in a homestay living situation with 2 other girls in the program. I was able to bond with them, learn French, and appreciate the culture and cuisine present.

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Just warning you now, it's gonna take a LONG LONG time to get your transcripts from this program. A ton of fun though, worth it for sure! I had so much fun with my friends and we did so many cool things. I really liked how AIFS got us tickets to do cool things locker the boat tour, opera, tour, Versailles, ETC.

Très bien! is what I have to say about my study abroad adventures in Paris France for the J Term program through AIFS. Having the opportunity to practice and improve my French while living and going to school in France was an amazing opportunity. AIFS made everything easy from selecting the variety of options in order to make this experience extraordinary. I took a Art History course and 95% of the time, class actually took place in different museums all around Paris, allowing my classmates and myself to get out of our comfort zones. This was amazing since rather than learning and reading off a textbook, you actually get to go inside the museum and have class there. Overall, I arrived in Paris with a goal, which was to discover, learn, and bring back memories. Thanks to AIFS, I was able to achieve my goal within a matter of time and anyone who wants to study abroad, don't hesitate, it will be an amazing experience!

My number one goal while studying in France was to increase my fluency in the French language. With the French courses offered at CCFS as well as the language immersion I got from living in France, I was definitely able to reach my goal. I also found the Art and Architecture course offered by AIFS to be very interesting and informative about French history and culture. As for housing, I was placed in an apartment in the heart of Paris, the best location I could ask for. The AIFS on-site staff was always very helpful and accommodating, specifically to my dietary needs as a vegan. There were many events planned for our program group which made it easy to get involved. Overall, my study abroad experience was very enjoyable with AIFS.

This was a wonderful experience in a new country! I was able to live, eat, and breathe French. I would have given all 10's but I had a massive issue with my assigned roommate. I was unable to leave the living situation all together and ended up living in another room with the same family. This lead to so many uncomfortable situations that could have been avoided if my program could have provided a new living situation when requested. Otherwise, I got everything I dreamed of and more from my semester in Paris.

I wish I could rate this program higher than a 10. The organization was incredible and on the ball, they were so well organized and the whole process was so easy. All I had to do was get on the plane and go. They handled everything from my housing, to my food, to cultural activities, to enrolling us in amazing courses. Summer 2015 will always be very special to me. I met some friends that I still talk to on a regular basis and have since graduated from my American university and begun my MBA at an international school back in Paris.

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I am beyond thrilled that I had this experience. I was able to fully immerse myself in learning french while studying in the heart of Paris. I made lifelong friends, and developed a relationship with my homestay family. This experience increased my desire to travel and learn more about foreign countries and their people. I truly hope that everyone will have the same experiences that I have had.

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This program was the best choice for my pocket, a reality that comes with its own pros and cons. I loved that the airfare and housing was included in my program costs. It took a lot of the hassle out of planning, and helped me to be able to focus on other things. I also loved that the program offered great classes that I could take at one of the best schools in France. I took a whopping 18 credits while overseas, all of which transferred to my degree. The courses were in both French and English, and they were culturally and linguistically enriching. I loved my professors and the school itself is a wonderful resource for international students. AIFS also did a great job of allowing students to get a balance of both guided and independent experiences. They hold your hand through the first weeks of school, but allow you to be independent as well if you choose. My housing, which they selected and procured for me, was in a great location. My only caution for students planning to participate in this program is that they make sure to take every chance to act as individuals and meet other local people. The unfortunate reality for most American students abroad is that they don't leave the comfort of their social groups, and AIFS's insulated cultural and social activities can sometimes cater to this comfort instead encouraging or facilitating experiences with local people. I ultimately enjoyed my experience, and would definitely encourage students to go abroad with AIFS, especially if they want to have a simple, comfortable and easy experience.

Studying abroad in France was nothing less than the most amazing and liberating experience of my life. Living abroad can open your mind to incredible new experiences and introduce you to some incredible people. Your tastes and desires may shift, but everything will improve. Every facet of my life is happier and more fulfilling since I studied abroad, and my connections at home have suffered very little, even after I moved abroad again. This is a life worth living. With the exception of my close friends at home who are sick of hearing about it, most people are really impressed when I tell them I have lived in France, and the worldly experience I gained there continues to help me in my current life, as it will in the future.

Yes I'd recommend it. It was amazing. Great program.