IES Abroad Paris – French Studies

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!

I spent a semester in Paris with IES Abroad. Through this program I was able to take classes on the colonization of francophone Africa, feminism movements in France, and a sociology course, along with my grammar course. These classes were instrumental in broadening my worldview and how I view social movements and the perspectives of other cultures. I was able to gain a better understanding of how history can shape right and wrong and influence political discourse, not only for France but the ways in which the same has been done here in the United States in a way that is unique to America. Also, thanks to this program I was able to complete an internship. This experience was invaluable, not only in helping me gain an understanding of French culture on another level, but in improving my language skills, and giving me experience that will be invaluable as I continue to move forward in my professional life. My internship was with an organization called Afrika Tiss, which is a fair trade organization that works specifically with female artisans and Malian refugees in Burkina Faso. In Ouagadougou the artisans there make jewelry, bags, and home accessories that are later sold in France as well as other countries. The production works on a small scale, but everything is made by hand in a way that preserves ancestral patterns and skills while also adding a modern touch. I met some incredible people through this internship and I learned a lot about humanitarian work and what that looks like from the inside. IES from the beginning was very clear and helpful in terms of telling me what I would need while I was there and everything I would need to do before. The staff onsite was incredibly helpful in determining what courses would be best for me and for helping me find my internship. They had multiple excursions that helped me meet other students in the program and they also had so many meetings that helped me get acclimated to French culture and prepared me for the types of things that I might experience in my first few weeks in Paris. From the beginning the staff was readily available to help me and provide me with advice to help guide me through the early and often times difficult stages of my transition into Parisian culture. Even better, the entire staff was open to the suggestions of students so that they could continue to better the program for future classes of students. Overall the program was instrumental in helping me discover myself and broaden my education not only in an academic setting but also from an intercultural perspective.

I studied abroad in the fall of 2018 with IES French Studies in Paris. I chose to stay with a host family and I am so happy I did- they made me feel welcomed and comfortable in an unfamiliar environment and introduced me to aspects of French culture that I wouldn’t have been able to experience otherwise. Over the course of the semester, my French language skills improved immensely. One of my favorite things about Paris is that there is always something to do and the city is so rich in history and culture. I was able to travel outside of Paris a number of weekends and explore different cities around Europe, each introducing me to something new and broadening my perspectives. Studying abroad has brought me a greater awareness of what opportunities the world holds. I will forever consider my time in Paris as one of the most enriching, rewarding, and influential experiences in my life!

As a participant in IES Abroad's French Studies in Paris Program, I had the best and most valuable experiences as a student, a traveler, a volunteer, and a woman of the world. I had the opportunity to explore Paris, the French Province, and several European countries--such as Belgium, Holland, and Italy--as my location in the heart of Paris provided me with ample modes of transportation within and beyond France. Additionally, the French Studies Center is well located in the Montparnasse area where there is always hustle and bustle with the surrounding businesses, restaurants. and retail. Being thrown into this amazing city and all it has to offer, I had innumerable opportunities to step outside of my comfort zone through local organizations, volunteer opportunities, and field-trips. Additionally, I was able to challenge myself intellectually and socially through the classes I chose to pursue through IES (Histories and Legends of Paris, Sociology of France, Politics and Poetry of Gender in France, The Word and the Image, and French in Context). IES provided a wide array of courses to be taken at the IES Center in addition to the courses at Parisian institutions of higher education. The IES staff and faculty were incredibly welcoming, approachable, and knowledgeable. The relationships I formed with the staff and faculty will endure, for they were instrumental in my success while abroad. I look forward to the day when I can return to Paris and swing by the Center. My study abroad program motivated and supported me in all of my academic, personal, and professional endeavors. My French language skills improved drastically within the immersion program, my knowledge of new and interesting material increased, and I now have experience with professionals in various domains and careers that will help me after graduation as I search for jobs. There is not one thing about my time abroad with IES that I regret--except that I didn't stay the whole year!

This program truly provides opportunities to fully immerse yourself in French culture. From living in a homestay and speaking only in French at the IES Center to field studies and wine tastings...you have so many ways to learn about French culture and society! With the relationships between IES Paris and local universities and organizations, you can even take classes at the Sorbonne, intern with a local company, or take ballet classes like I did – all of which provide real-world experience interacting with French people and adapting to French culture. Obviously, Paris can be overwhelming and a bit of a cosmopolitan bubble. Because of this, IES staff organized trips to Normandy, Reims, Fontainebleau & Vaux le Vicomte, and Giverny so we had a more comprehensive understanding of French culture. These trips took place on Fridays throughout the semester – this program does not schedule classes for Friday, which made travel across France and Europe very accessible! While in Europe, I was able to visit Annecy in France, Rome, Budapest, Bruges, Amsterdam, and Cologne in Germany. If you're looking to travel, make sure to check bus and trains – they can be very affordable options! Academics are rigorous and professors expect your full attention and commitment. Most of the professors are great – I highly recommend taking gender studies, art history, and sociology classes. If you're looking for a study abroad experience that facilitates immersion in French culture, you should definitely consider IES French Studies in Paris!

Paris, la vie est belle! Everything is enchanting, from the language, to the food, to the museums and monuments. I was able to take classes in French, reading the texts of French theorists, but now in their native language. The people and places I had been studying since high school were right in front of my eyes. I could walk the streets where Napoleon stood, or eat at the cafés where Picasso painted. I gained so much from Paris (and not just from eating all of the croissants I could find...)! My experiences have made me more confident and sure of myself. Now I am more spontaneous, and I worry less about the small things that I can't change. I always thought that I was a small town girl, and that I would hate being in a huge city, but now I know that I can live and thrive in a large cities, especially if it has the culture that Paris does. My program really helped me make the most of my Paris adventure. IES Paris French Studies introduced me to aspects of the culture that I had never considered, and helped me to foresee cultural problems that could have arisen. They have an excellent range of classes that allowed me to get credit in my major, as well as exploring areas that I wouldn't have been able to do at home, such as the history of Parisian museums, or the history of French photography. Through the program, I was also able to visit places within and around Paris, such as Monet's gardens at Giverny and da Vinci's house in the Loire Valley. The staff were very helpful and friendly, giving us the information we needed to know and the opportunities we needed to discover. For everyone who is hesitating to go abroad, I urge you to take a leap of faith and discover a completely new world. Things may not be easy (in fact, sometimes they can be downright hard), but that is when I grew the most. When I felt uncomfortable because my host mother didn't know any English, I pushed myself to become better at French so we could communicate more readily. When I was missing all of my friends from home, I made new friendships that are going to last me a lifetime. I ate foods I had never dreamed of and saw art I had only read of. Some advice that I might give future students would be to be ready to be uncomfortable. Studying in a foreign country is going to give you experiences that you would never think to encounter in the US. While those can be hard to get through at the time, they can give you new insights that you never would have thought to gain, or ways to deal with trying situations when you return home. Be open to new opinions and new ways of doing things; if you are so closed to new experiences that you can't discover the value in a new method, your experience is going to be limited. Once you get to Paris, you will be bombarded with amazing opportunities. Some of my favorites were wandering through Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, and having a picnic along the Seine as the tourist boats go by. It's important to see the main tourist sites, like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, but also go to some of the smaller museums, like Musée Marmottan Monet. See the general things, but find your own little corner of Paris, with a go-to café and your favorite outdoor market. Get lost in Montmartre, or wander around the Marais. And above all, wring all you can out of each day; once you return home, you will miss it so much that it hurts to think about even one day not spent exploring the wonders of Paris.

I spent the spring semester of my junior year (Spring 2017) studying abroad in Paris through the IES Paris-French Studies program. As cliched as it sounds, this was one of the best decisions I could have made. I loved that IES has relationships with local universities, making it possible for students to experience French student life and meet French people that are around my age. I opted to take a ballet class twice a week, which made a huge difference for my cultural immersion, language skills, and overall confidence. IES also did a great job with housing; I and the majority of my classmates were comfortable in their housing placements had good to great relationships with their host families. My own host mother was accommodating and so helpful and supportive during my time with her. I met people who I'm still super close to, and IES was a big reason for why I fell in love Paris.

I studied abroad with IES doing their French studies program. I also had the opportunity to join the internship pool and was so happy they were so flexible being able to add me. This completely transformed my experience while studying abroad. I would recommend this program to all my friends and family. The academics were interesting and challenging enough where I still could spend my weekends enjoying Paris and traveling around Europe. On top of that, I had an internship and worked roughly 10 hours per week with AssessFirst. IES did a great job coordinating details and all the "need to know" details, but the rest was up to me! The staff at IES were literally 1,000/10. Its a ton of responsibility dealing with college kids abroad, I'm sure that was super stressful and they wanted to keep everyone safe - but in my opinion they did an awesome job of laying down the law while remaining positive and encouraging to us to go out there and explore. My professors were engaging and cared about my education. I will say some were better than others in that they better understood we're there to learn, but also experience. The professors that were less understanding were less forgiving if we forgot an assignment, wouldn't give extensions and expected the most from us while we were trying to take in the home-stay/intern/travel lifestyle. However, I understood - we were there as students first and foremost. Overall, I had a great experience. I lived in a wonderful location right in the heart of Paris with a very agreeable host family. I couldn't have asked for a better experience - just that I wish it were longer!

The IES abroad center was located in a very central place to many students of Paris, and offered cultural immersion opportunities within the abroad program as well as options outside of the center and with locals and internationals alike. The staff is very helpful and all are bilingual which makes it a more comfortable environment for those whose language skills are still at work. This program is dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of their students. IES French Studies also offered a variety of class trips to different parts of the country as a group, making fun historical and cultural outings. I also participated in an internship course, which gave me the opportunity to not only work with locals, but also to be in a class with guest speakers each week, many from different countries themselves, and all with a story to tell and tips to share from their success through IES.

After dreaming of studying in Paris (since the eighth grade) I finally had the opportunity to spend a semester abroad in Paris, France in 2016. Outside of taking classes and improving my French language skills I was able to immerse myself in French culture and see/eat my way through Paris. As a French major taking classes that were conducted solely in French challenged me to use the foundation of my home university while expanding my knowledge that only the study abroad experience can provide. I was also fortunate enough to take ballet classes at the Paris Marais Dance School. For housing, I lived with a host family in a suburb just outside of Paris. It took about 40 minutes for me to commute to school everyday which seems like a drawback but it forced me to stay out and explore the different arrondissements before going home at the end of the day. My host family was so welcoming and understanding that the initial culture shock could be a challenge but within two weeks I felt like part of the family and we still keep in touch! Outside the classroom Paris is full of adventure. From visiting the main attractions (the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Coeur) and eating macaroons, escargot, and crêpes it was finding where the locals hung out that made my time in Paris more than a tourist vacation. Be it eating in a student cafeteria that is a boat on the Seine or visiting Rex (a movie theater by day and club by night) once you feel more comfortable with the city all that's left to do is take it by storm. Overall, my experience was indescribable! The friends, memories, and connections I made will last a lifetime. I can't wait to go back!!

I enjoyed a thought-provoking and adventurous semester abroad in Paris, France this past fall semester of 2016. I am grateful to the IES program for opening the door to daily social and professional life in Paris. I am especially pleased with the internship coordinating that was done throughout the program to help me attain and sustain a three and a half month-long internship with a prestigious modern and contemporary art gallery in the heart of the city. Not only do I plan to return, I hope to live a large portion of my life in France after my incredible experience there!

IES forever changed my life. I studied through their program. We went on field trips as a class (e.g., champagne tours in the capital of the Champagne region, the discovery of Monet at Giverny, etc.). We grew together and we learned together because IES was so well organised and genuinely the administration was there to ensure we had the best experience abroad. I'm happy to say that I am returning to Paris through IES this summer.

Overall, my time in Paris with IES was a great experience. The IES Center in the 14th arr. of Paris is in a great location. Rue Daguerre is a really cool market street and there were always plenty of options for lunch - especially bakeries with traditional French sandwiches and pastries. I also really enjoyed my classes. The professors were all very nice and willing to talk to us about differences between France and the United States. One of my favorite classes was “Paris Museums” because we spent time in class learning about French art history and then on some evenings during the week, we went to museums to see the actual artwork that we learned about in class. It was so helpful to go through these museums with a professor that could actually tell you about what you were looking at. I also probably would not have visited all of the museums we went to on my own, so the class was a great way to see more of Paris. Taking classes solely in French and having to write papers and give presentations in French was also a great way to improve my French and really feel fluent in the language. I also had an internship while I was in Paris, which is one of the best things I did. I worked there 2 afternoons per week after my classes and all day on Friday (there are no classes at IES on Friday). It was great to get to work with French people and learn about the differences between business culture in America and France. They kept me busy with a variety of tasks including translating documents, designing the newsletter, and posting things on their website and Facebook page. This was such great work experience for the future as well! My homestay was also pretty good overall. The apartment was in a very nice neighborhood in the 16th arr. and was located very close to two different metro lines, which made getting around the city very convenient. My metro ride to my classes everyday had an above-ground portion that went right by the Eiffel Tower! My host mom was a really good cook and was very nice. However, I was a little disappointed with my homestay overall because I had put on my homestay application that I would prefer to be treated like “family” as opposed to like a “guest.” Although I felt comfortable in the apartment, I never really felt like family and, apart from the required 3 dinners per week, I didn’t feel like my host mom really made much of an effort to show me and my housemate around our neighborhood or Paris at all. But overall, I felt very safe and comfortable in my homestay.

I studied with IES Paris in spring 2016. Overall, I thought it was a life changing experience; I was able to improve my French language skills and immerse myself in French culture. When I was looking into study abroad programs, I was particularly interested in a program that would help me improve my language skills because I am majoring in French. With IES abroad, I wasn’t disappointed at all. At IES, all classes were small and taught completely in French with French professors. Also, the classes all centered around France or French culture. In particular, I really enjoyed my Paris museums class because we got to take weekly field trips to different art museums. I was able to learn a lot, and explore Paris. In addition, I also got to take a psychology class at Paris 8 University with French students. It was definitely a challenge, but I was glad to have the opportunity to get a taste of French university life. While living in Paris, I lived with a French family. They were very welcoming, and definitely helped me adjust to living in Paris. I enjoyed having dinner with them three times a week, and getting to enjoy their homemade French cuisine. Paris is really a beautiful and wondrous city. There is always something to do, and I was never bored. There are so many monuments, parks, sights, museums, restaurants, and bars. I go to school in the country, so it was so refreshing to always have so much to do. It’s very easy to get around Paris because of the metro. It’s also very easy to travel on the weekend because IES doesn’t have class on Friday. Also, IES has field trips to other parts of France, so students can get a glimpse of life outside of Paris. During the semester, I went to Fontainebleau, the Loire valley, Reims and Giverny. So, in short, I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is thinking about studying abroad!

To participate in IES Paris - French Studies was probably one of the most judicious decision I’ve ever made in my college life. I’ve been dreaming about living in Paris for years, and the semester I spent there was absolutely fabulous and life-changing. I took 5 classes including an internship seminar during the semester. All classes are taught exclusively in french, which was a challenge at first, but later on was proven to be quite instrumental to both my linguistic adequacy and cultural integration. The difference between the US and French education systems may contribute to some professors’ being “not helpful” at first, but as we learn to adapt the french classroom, it becomes clear that they genuinely want to help. The workload was enough to help us fully understand the class, and yet not too much that we wouldn't have time living and exploring (classes are only from Monday to Thursday, yay!). I interned with a local humanitarian NGO, which turned out to be very fulfilling and rewarding. The objective of the organization was noble and of my great interest, and the nature of the intern was in perfect accordance with my major which is international affairs. I will not go into details regarding what my specific responsibilities were, but as an intern I worked 12 hours per week, meaning I would go to class in the morning and head straight to work as soon as class ended. While this was quite a busy schedule, it really made me feel as if I was a true parisian (what with the coursework and the job, not to mention all the hurried footsteps and subway taking). As for my lodgement, I was very fortunate to have been placed in a homestay in the 4ere arrondissement. By foot, I was 3 minutes away from La Seine, 7 minutes away from La Bastille and St. Paul, and 20 minutes away from Chatelet. I would go jogging at night, and before I knew it I was standing right in front of le Louvre or Le Cathedral de Notre Dame. My host mom was very kind and welcoming. Not only did she introduce me to her family and friends, she offered to take me on tours of Montmartre and gave me advice on finding the less touristy places in Paris, a few of which had later on become me and my friends’ “spot” by the end of the semester. For the 3-day weekends, I would go on museum tours, go clubbing with friends, enjoy some french patisserie at a local café, or just wander. Time flies by so fast when you’re preoccupied, and in Paris I would just be walking all day without realizing how many hours it’d been. Most of Paris was entrenched in art, history and beauty, making walking through it nothing else than walking in a dream. In order to have a comprehensive understanding of what it’s like living in France, the IES Paris-French Studies program also offered us quite a few opportunities for excursions outside of Paris, including trips to Reims, Giverny, and Amboise. This was a great opportunity for me to see the cultural differences between different regions in France. The semester I spent in Paris was absolutely fantastic, but it became so much more than just a semester abroad. As Ernest Hemingway said, “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” The appreciation of art and beauty, the taste of love and friendship, and the mindset of balance and tranquility…They struck me when I was in Paris. Thanks to IES Abroad, they are now ingrained in me and will always accompany me in the days to come.

The biggest problem I had while studying abroad was that I didn't go for the whole year! It was truly an amazing experience, and I grew as a person and a French student. The language immersion was very helpful with my French skills, as well as the all-French academic portion. The students were all very serious and I feel as if everyone got the most out of the program! The trips with IES were fun and informational, I suggest going on as many as you can. The homestay that I was placed in was a perfect fit and although it was a bit far from the center, I was always near a metro stop. The IES center is located in a beautiful area of Montparnasse, surrounded by restaurants and fun shops. Inside, it was the perfect place to relax and study; I always looked forward to going to classes and hanging out at the center. The staff were all friendly and understanding. I also participated in the internship class offered by IES, and I am so thankful for that opportunity. Being an education major, I was placed in an international school with a class of second graders. Although it was mainly in English, the international environment and the rigors of teaching a diverse group of children was incredible. While it was not easy to balance classes and internship, I highly recommend doing an outside class/internship. Choosing to study abroad was probably the best decision I have made yet, and I am so happy I chose to study with IES. Living in Paris for four months made me realize that I really would love to live in France in the future, and I've already started applying for teaching programs in France after graduation! Thank you IES for this amazing experience!

It is January 8th, 2016, and what better way to start off the new year than by traveling to Paris, France? For years, it had been my dream to live in the City of Lights, and it is because of IES Abroad that that dream became a reality. By enrolling in their French Studies Program, I was given one hundred and fifteen days to explore and experience France. Every day in the country was an adventure. I would start each morning by eating a traditional French breakfast with my host mother. In between bites of bread and cheese, we would talk about everything under the sun, from fashion to French politics, from traveling to television. Afterwards, I would hop on the Metro to go to the IES Center, where I usually had two or three classes a day. The IES Abroad staff and faculty really took it upon themselves to provide students with an authentic French educational experience. Not only were classes taught exclusively in French, but they were also structured to mirror the typical French classroom. Staff and faculty members were genuinely concerned with student learning, and they encouraged students to not only practice speaking French but also immerse themselves in the city. During my four months abroad, I went on several IES Abroad-sponsored field trips. We visited many places in Paris, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louis Vuitton Foundation, the Montparnasse Tower, and the Place de Vosges. We also had the opportunity to travel to other nearby towns, including Reims, Giverny, and Amboise. However, even without a field trip planned, there was always something to do in Paris once class let out. Some days I would brave the more touristy areas, such as the Louvre Museum, the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Other days I would chill at a café with friends, where we would laugh and converse over small shots of espresso. There were even times where I would take my camera, ride the Metro to some random station, and just start walking, photographing everything I saw along the way. In doing this, I got to see the real Paris, the one that cannot be seen in just a week’s visit. In just one afternoon stroll, I could find a new patisserie, stumble upon some rad street art, and learn of where to buy French fashion for cheap. The evening usually ended with me returning back home to video chat with friends back in the United States. Study abroad was life changing for me. Never before had I imagined that I would be capable of living in another country by myself. But IES Abroad really helped in ensuring that I found my home away from home. The staff and faculty were there whenever I needed a crutch, but they also encouraged me to go out, be brave, and make the city my own. Now, thanks to this experience, I have a city that I dream of going back to, a city that I miss, and a city that I can call home.

Studying abroad in Paris with the IES Abroad French Studies Program was an incredible experience. I was matched with the most incredible host mother, and roommate from the same program, and we all got along so well; you could tell that IES had taken the time to match people well based on what they had asked for in their housing applications. I took 4 classes at the IES center: History of Paris, Modern Art, Creative Writing, and Grammar, and developed a huge appreciation and love for history and art (two subjects I've never been too interested in) thanks to the talented and engaging IES professors, all of whom were native French people. I took two other classes at a local art school, and found myself going to 3 hour classes twice a week, surrounded by talented Parisian artists, whom I shared cheese/bread/wine breaks with halfway through class each time. The culture there, which I found was highly focused on working hard at work, thoroughly relaxing and enjoying time away from work, savoring food at mealtimes, and always appreciating the art and culture and history embedded throughout the city, was a culture I had never witnessed before, and one which I fell completely in love with. IES Abroad gave us the toolkit to experience it all, through encouraging us to go to cultural events and meet French people, giving us incentives to challenge ourselves and always speak in French, providing us with the kindest guidance from their staff, the most inspiring professors, and through of course having its location in the very heart of Paris, where we were able to go to any and all of the most beautiful spots within 20-30 minutes after class; I wish I could go back already!

I studied abroad in Paris, France for the Spring semester of 2016 with IES. Overall, it was an incredible experience. The staff at the center were so welcoming and almost immediately made me feel more calm and excited about the program once I arrived for orientation. The professors were all very knowledgeable and were also willing to talk to us about any cultural differences or questions we might have. I also really enjoyed living in a homestay. My host mom was an incredible cook and also enjoyed talking to us about cultural differences between the U.S. and France so that we could learn more about France. The only complaint I would have is that I requested a host family where they would treat me like a member of the family, however, although I felt comfortable in the apartment, I really felt more like a guest than "family." I wish my host mom would have made a little more of an effort to show me even just a few things in the city, but, although she was very nice, she basically did the minimum by cooking dinner three nights per week.

I think the reason I enjoyed IES Paris so much was because Paris is a magical city. While I found the classes at IES to be unstructured and rather boring- the location of the campus, the freedom of scheduling our own lives, the homestay experience, and the planned program trips were more than enough to make up for the classes. I found my french to improve tremendously and I developed an understanding for the city and culture.