API Paris: the best kind of Paris Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Sorbonne classes are challenging and manageable. You will only attend class for 2 hours every day of the week generally in the afternoon. It makes it easy to be able to get out and about around the city before class even starts! My instructor at the Sorbonne was interesting: he wrote plays in his free time and helped produce them. He was absolutely hilarious, too. We read a lot of different samples from works. Oh, and as a forewarning: study up on the subjunctif tense for the placement exam! There is also a written essay portion and also an oral examination. It's not too long but I found it more difficult than expected. Don't worry about the level you place into though--you'll learn so much, even if you don't think you will!

On-site administration of your program

The on-site API staff is great. The on-site API office is great too, and located in a wonderful corner of Chatelet. It is easy to access by metro and in a good neighborhood. The staff is very knowledgeable and can help you out with most anything--just ask! The only downside was we wished the lounge in the office was open during nighttime hours so that we could take advantage of their awesome wifi more often!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing in Paris was absolutely fantastic--I lived in a beautiful apartment with three other American students in the 10th arrondissement. All basic amenities were provided. The house was clean, in very good shape, and located in a safe building. It was pretty centrally located in Paris and literally a few steps away from 2 major metro stops. Very cool arrondissment as well, located next to the Canal St. Martin and a couple stops away from Montmartre!

The food in Paris is great. There really is options for everyone. Try to visit small creperies instead of expensive cafes. They are affordable, delicious, and have a great environment!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

API arranged excursions that were fantastic. We went to Caen, Normandie, Perpingnon, Coullioure, St. Malo--just to name a few! They were always fun and interesting and we stayed in very nice hotels on the overnight excursions. The API bus is always a hoot, too, so get ready for trivia!!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare in France is much different than in the United States. API recommended me to a doctor when I had gotten very ill at the end of my program (sidenote: bring water-proof shoes if you decide to go to London). France overall is a very easy city to stay well in, however, if you have severe allergies to things such as cigarette smoke you must consider the fact that many Parisians smoke heavily in public areas.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Apartment

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• Americans

• Awesome Excursions
• Fantastic housing arrangements
• Helpful on-site staff

• Nighttime API office hours