An Amazing Experience in France January 23, 2025
By A student (History, International and Global Studies, French, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/28/2025 to 12/22/2025 with
Academic Programs Abroad (APA): Paris - Immersion for Intermediate & Advanced French Speakers
I improved my French skills, gained independence, learned all about French culture, and met amazing people. It was absolutely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
APA is an absolutely fantastic program! Aurélie, Cyntia, Lola, and Sophie are the best, so supportive and the way the program blends academics, language, and cultural immersion is unmatched. APA provides all the resources you need successfully integrate into French student life and French university, while also providing you with amazing cultural opportunities and a close-knit group of fellow exchange students. I can't recommend APA enough! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed with a host family who were absolutely lovely! I definitely recommend staying with a host family if you study with APA, it will help your language immersion immensely and it's such a great experience. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved my time with APA, it was absolutely the right program for me. |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
Paris is an expensive city, so you need to think ahead, but there are cheap student meals available and the metro is not expensive at all for students. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 106 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | The first weeks might be scary, but trust the process when it comes to immersion! Take every opportunity to use it, and remember you can always ask APA for help if you need it. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You will get a lot of support when it comes to your assignments and the French academic system, so you don't need to worry too much about it before you arrive. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
