Political Science & Politics Study Abroad Programs in Paris, France

Spending five months in Paris was one of the most influential experiences I've had---Paris being the first time I have ever lived in a big city really set the bar high. I lived with a host family in the 13th arrondissement where I felt incredibly at home (with the whole city accessible through just a few metro lines) and had the opportunity to fully immerse myself in different cultures. Being able to take courses at a French institution really opened my eyes to a different country's education system, and allowed me to learn a lot while also making local friendships. Middlebury's program itself is really amazing. Having to live, study, and form relationships in a foreign language is not necessarily easy, but Midd provided tools and support needed to ensure our success. The connections that I've built, both to people and to Paris, are immeasurable.

I recently just returned from Paris where I spent the best 4 months of my life all thanks to WorldStrides!! I met so many amazing people, learned so much about the business world, and was able to travel all around the world!!

I had an amazing time studying abroad with Middlebury in Paris. I decided to live with a host family, and my host mother was sweet, accomodating, and helped me improve my French a lot. I lived in Paris's 13th arrondisement, in Chinatown, and the experience of living in a part of the city I might have not thought to visit if I wasn't living there was super interesting. I loved finding hidden gems around my neighborhood and the city as a whole.Taking classes at Middlebury with the other American students was a helpful anchor to my experience as I navigated a lot of new experiences -- taking classes in my second language at a local university, traveling solo for the first time, and more.

Living in Paris was an expansive experience. It challenged me in a lot of ways, and helped me grow because of it. Paris is such a beautiful city, with spectacles and beautiful architecture and people and a moving, dynamic current. There's always something to do, someone to see. It’s city to get lost in and find yourself again. It’s a city designed for people, for connection, for community. If I could, I'd do it all over again. The Middlebury Program is a great way to immerse yourself. With a host family, and a balance of local and program-led classes, and a lot of independence, you are sure to find yourself getting to know a great city. I found the language support really helpful, and I was able to meet a bunch of people, either local or through the program or through different study abroad schools. I’m really grateful for the opportunity it gave me.

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 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!

Studying abroad, such as in Paris, France, has changed my perspective on the world and ways to learn. I didn’t know much about some countries and classes being based on a world view was really nice and kept things interesting.

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 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!

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! 😁❤️🥳🥐🗼🏠😊🫂🍫🌿

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.

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.

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.

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 believe if any student can participate in this program, they should take real advantage of it. They offer a lot of subjects, Economics, Art, Business, Culture, Design, Sociology, History, Political Science. The knowledge one gain is massive and in a lot of disciplines. I am really happy to participate the connections i made is totally worth it. Forum Nexus staff are very knowledgeable, they know what they are doing. not to mention that they are easily approachable and always prepared for any problems could occur.

the environment was really fun, lots of free time. i am happy that i chose to participate in this program. regarding the staff, i love the energy and positivity they were giving us all the time. the hotels were pretty great and the locations were amazing. I totally recommend this program, for the professional visits; i really learnt a lot, and the cultural visits; didnt feel a chore at all!, things that you need to visit and do when you visit Europe. I am really thankful to be going with such a group, they will be my all time friends!