Best abroad programs to france?

Question

i was wondering if anyone had a really good experience with an abroad program to france. of course i want to go to immerse myself in the culture & language and be in a pretty structured env't but at the same time i want a program where i can thoroughly enjoy myself and where i have the freedom to do as i please (ie go out to discotechques with friends and get crunk). anyone know one worth recommending?

Answer 1

NONE! Sign up for a French language program *directly with the French university* and NOT with an isolated program where you will be grouped with a bunch of English speaking students, coming over en masse.

Not only is this cheaper but you will meet more local people and be able to mix more. Many arrange housing with local families.

Try to stay out of Paris or the south of France. These areas are saturated with English speakers and the locals tend to be a bit jaded about them. Smaller towns will welcome you and many still have a very active student life.

You'll hear cries of "credit" but talk to your own university about granting credit directly. Honestly, I didn't need it. You'll be able to nail any French classes you take upon return and the extra units will be cheaper earned at home, even if they don't grant your credit hours. Ask about "subject" credit so you can skip ahead in the French dept.

I can recommend my old program, CIDEF at UCO;

http://www.uco.fr/CIDEF/0/fiche___defaul...

Angers is a small city with no accent and it's very French. The program for French learners is old and well-established (about 60 years!)

I really learned French and was hired as a French speaking Flight Attendant upon my return.

Good luck with your decision!

Answer 2

i studied abroad with CEA (www.gowithcea.com) in Aix-en-Provence. I had 'intensive' language studies. French as a whole don't give much homework so you will have time to enjoy yourself in addition to the holiday breaks.

CEA also offers organized excursions for participants, weekly happy hours, welcome and departure events....well at least they did 4 years ago. Don't know if that's changed!

Answer 3

I studied with my university and it was phenominal.  Bowling Green State University has a program through their Romance and Classical Studies department.  It costs about the same as a year at school but you get a few more perks.

You start 3 weeks in Paris.  You live right next to the Jardin de Luxembourg.  You take classes at the Alliance Francaise, it is absolutely amazing.

Then you spend the academic year in Tours.  Tours is great because it is known for its "pure French accent" plus it is a university town.  You take classes at the Institut de Touraine.  You live with a family and they prepare your meals, do your laundry, speak French with you but I was able to come and go as I pleased with not a single problem.  

Also, during your stay you go on bi-weekly visits to interesting places in the area (Chateaux, cathedrals, medival towns, etc.)  and you take a weekend getaway to another part of France (we went to Normandy and Provence) each semester.

Finally, if you want, you can go to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.  It is already included in the price of the trip, you just have to pay for your innoculations.  You spend 3 weeks in Burkina learning about a francophone culture, on site while living with a host family and taking classes.

BG offers an amazing program and I would absolutely look into it.  It is affordable, gives you amazing opportunities, you are close to Paris, have weekends to do what you want, the freedom of a college student, and an AMAZING on-site director who can help you with anything.  

Also, credits are issued from BGSU so you don't have to worry about them transfering internationally which is a nightmare.  They can easily transfere from one American university to the next.