Foreign Language Study Abroad Programs in France

I chose AIFS Abroad because of the variety of programs that they offer. I went to Paris, France for a January term to take an Accounting class at the American Business College. The AIFS staff was super helpful with me. Even before departure, they were there for me helping me with my housing options and to coordinate my flights, during my program they invited us to different excursions and to the AIFS office in Paris to know the staff and after the program they were very interested in our feedback and reviews. During my program I stayed with a host family and it was such an amazing thing because i got to experience French culture first-hand while also sharing a little bit about my own culture. The American Business College is a place where students from different cultures and backgrounds share one same perspective on global business with an American point of view, which made everything easier for me. This program had a great impact in my life because it made me get out of my comfort zone and get to know so many people while earning credit towards my degree. I'd recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking to study abroad or intern while getting credits towards their degree. AIFS is very helpful, has so many programs available and a staff who is always willing to make the best for you.

My study abroad experience with CEA CAPA in Antibes France was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made! I made so many core memories I will never forget and stories that I cherish. I meat people from all over the world and expanded my global perspective. I learned what it means to live and “adult” in a different country. But most importantly I got to live a life full of adventure and freedom that I would have never experienced if it was not for CEA CAPA!

It is difficult to find the words to describe what an incredible time I had in Paris with CEA Study Abroad. My life is forever changed because of my time in Paris. Meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, having to converse in a language I had never studied grew me more than I could have imagined. The CEA staff was extremly organized and welcoming, beginning to end and calmed the nerves I had landing in Paris. I will never forget my experience and will forever be grateful to the CEA team

Forum-Nexus was an amazing experience. I made many new friends, enjoyed the professional and cultural visits, and loved the balance between school and fun. The staff was amazing, and I would definitely recommend it.

I absolutely loved my time in Aix-en-Provence with CEA Capa. Their staff were super helpful in teaching me about the local culture and all the best places in the city. The excursions were incredible and highlights of my trip! The standard housing was also really nice, with a lofted bedroom, single bathroom, and kitchen. The only thing I didn't love about the housing was the lack of oven, but we made it work. Lastly, learning mostly in French was such a rewarding experience for me. It was difficult for sure, but it was super rewarding. Overall, I felt my skills in French got so much better due to my experience here.

Studying abroad is one of the best decisions I could have made. I found it to be a great learning experience and a taste of independent life. I enjoyed the freedom of getting to visit any place in the city, as well as neighboring cities and countries. I traveled to 3 other countries and went on both CEA-sponsored trips. I had a blast in the academic center and made a lot of great friends. I liked the instructors that I had for my Thermodynamics and Architecture classes. They were not trying to trick us or fail us, and they did a lot to incorporate the city of Paris into the class content. I took the train and metro everywhere! I didn't realize how convenient it was to get around. I was used to NYC subways, but Paris metros were so much better. The transportation system everywhere (even in Switzerland and Germany) was very easy to figure out. Pros: the great food ease of transport not really a language barrier Cons: cost of souvenirs transportation doesn't run after 1 am

I studied abroad during session two in Pau, and that was a great decision. One month was the perfect amount of time, and the chosen excursions with the rest of the USAC group were so fun, but just gorgeous and unreal. I especially liked session two because instead of just taking classes with other American students, we took classes with other international students, from China, Scotland, Ukraine, Spain, England, Russia, Ireland, etc. We made some great new friends all over the world, and the overall program that encompassed USAC and the International Students' studies had their own included excursions that gave us a different taste of Pau and the region.

I loved my experience in Pau! I had no idea that spending 5 weeks there would alter my life forever. It opened my eyes to how different French culture is in comparison to American culture. When I was little, I idolized my mother because she was my version of the American dream. I wanted to be just as hardworking as her. Now as a college student majoring in biochemistry and minoring in French, I am expected to be ambitious. Whereas my performance looks great on resumes, I often get obsessed with the future. However, when I was in Pau I realized how the locals prioritized living instead of performing. Life is much slower there. People don't often hurry to their next location, adults enjoy parks on weekdays instead of just weekends, and folks seem to appreciate silence instead of distracting themselves with media all the time. Not only did I start adopting some of these habits, but learning a new language encouraged me to think about each word I said. I had to slow down and savor everything I was doing. It was the most present I have ever been and arguably the most I've truly lived in my life. The locals are extremely friendly and will help you learn French. The education at the University of Pau was phenomenal. I felt like being immersed in French and having professors that are willing to work with you was a game changer. I highly recommend this experience even if you don't intend on learning French. Exposing yourself to a new culture may encourage you to reflect on your own lifestyle choices.

In Pau, I had an incredible experience learning French in an international classroom, where the only shared language between all my peers and I was French. It pushed me out of my comfort zone to speak French every single day and learn new vocabulary and grammar skills. On top of that, I stayed with a wonderful host mom in the center of the historic district of Pau, literally a 3 minute walk from a medieval castle. This made it easy to explore the city and connect with local restaurants, businesses, and festivals.

There was a big group trip I got taken on with people who came abroad with me from other universities in the United States. It was the Paris trip and it was something I’ve been dreaming about since I was little. I got to see the Effile tower for the first time and it was an amazing experience. I almost cried.

I always wanted to go back to France and truly understand the meaning of life in another country. The only time traveling to France is to visit family on my mother’s side. So being able to visit the country on my own, in a part of France I have never visited, was an eye opening experience. Living by myself encouraged me to learn how to cook many different platters that I wouldn’t normally have, and pushed me to go out and explore the city. I had great support from the AIFS and CUEF team. Miranda Rea was amazing and helped me through some difficult times. She was encouraging and supportive and without her I believe I’d have a difficult time crossing the finish line. Class was difficult yet fun. I’ve learned so many different grammar rules and learned that even though you make some mistakes, “just know everyone makes mistakes in French. Even the French!”, Professor Kristof would say that to me when I’d make a common mistake that most francophone people do. However, I did catch on pretty quickly since I’m bilingual in French and English. In all, I had a wonderful experience and would recommend this organization to whoever is looking for an exciting learning experience in a different country!

I thoroughly enjoyed my semester abroad in Pau. It is a beautiful city in a beautiful country. For the most part, my professors were very friendly and I feel like my French skills improved greatly. I enjoyed the walkability of the city and campus, and would love to visit again in the future. The USAC staff was supportive and I felt like I could go to them with any issues.

Study abroad in general is a life-changing experience, but CIEE has a built-in community that you can always run back to. The teachers are extremely passionate and kind, and they feel a little more like friends than teachers. Being forced to be in class with the same few people creates relationships fast, and the classes feel more like friendly hangouts than classes. I love the CIEE activities as they gave me experiences I wouldn't have had on my own. CIEE also has scholarships available that make it possible to have the study abroad experience, and I am extremely grateful for receiving those scholarships.

I had a really good experience with Forum-Nexus overall. The program gave me the chance to travel a lot, meet great people, and learn more about different countries in a way that felt interesting and personal. I liked that the staff was friendly and helpful, and the hotels were some of the best I’ve stayed in. Some visits were better than others, but the overall balance of academics, free time, and cultural experiences made the program worth it. I’d recommend it to other students, especially if they want to make friends and grow through travel.

This summer abroad program was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as an undergraduate.” “It was thoughtfully organized, with a great balance of academics, cultural exploration, professional visits, and enough independence to grow on my own.” “The instructors were engaging, knowledgeable, and encouraged real discussion, which made classes feel useful beyond the classroom.” “I especially liked being able to connect what we learned to our travels.” “The staff was welcoming and supportive throughout, and I’d absolutely recommend the program to other students.

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.

I have truly had an amazing experience throughout my time abroad in this program. I have met the coolest people, and I have also taken amazing classes. There is also so much time to be independent and travel the world with no restraints while also learning!

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!

I would be likely to recommend CIEE study abroad because it makes the whole experience easier and less stressful. I appreciate the support they offer before and during the program, and I like that they focus on real cultural experiences, not just classes.

When I decided I wanted to go abroad, I was nervous about a lot of things. First off, I was scared that when I went abroad I would have to settle for a location I did not want to be in because I needed my credits to transfer over. Luckily AIFS had a program in a wonderful city with a bunch of classes that would transfer back to my home university super well. When I chose this program, I was overjoyed but nervous about living in a homestay. When I got there I was happily surprised to find that my host family was amazing and provided me with an experience I would not have been able to have if I had been in a dorm/apt. The people that I met in the program were some of the coolest people I have ever known and am happy to call them my friends to this day. If you are looking for a great program in Paris where you have the freedom to meet new people, travel, and find yourself in a new place, I would 100% recommend this to you!