Has anyone studied abroad in France for a semester?

Question

I'm looking at AFs, what do you think? Any information on the topic would be greatly appreciated.

P.S.- I'm in high school.

Answer 1

It is a great way to learn French. Just because all you will hear and speak is french. Life there depends on where you will live. If you live in the cities, then you can get around a lot more by using the Metro. In the countryside, so anything other than a big city like Paris or Tours or Marsailles, you will have buses, but public transportation is lacking. Schooling depends on where you go. In Paris, where i went to school, my schedule varied. I had some days where i started at 8 and some where i started at 10. Sometimes you get out at 2 or before but sometimes you can have a class at 4 till 5. And if you're unlucky like me, you'd have a class or two on saturday mornings. Things may be different depending on the school. But if you can, really try to get a family in Paris. Paris is the best place to get around and be outside after class. Family life is different than the US. If you're used to living with all the amenaties of the US, things may be different. Not all people have a dish washer or a dryer. Appartments are small sometimes. Although they can be pretty big if you're lucky. So if you're comfortable outside your "box" then you should do it. You'll never forget it and its the best thing that you could do for youself in highschool and also for the future. This is something you can put on a resume, Living in Paris for a semester, speaks french. Go for it.

Answer 2

I think a semester as a high school student is a terrific idea.  The only way you are REALLY going to learn the language is to live immersed in it for a while.  

When I was in school, my teachers recommended we take full year programs, because the language is so much more firmly learned during the second semester there.  On the other hand, you might find yourself really homesick trying to do this in High School, so my advice is to consider repeating the experience, for a full year, while in University.  

I'm pretty sure AFS is a really good choice.  They have a good reputation, and are represented in High Schools all across the US.  

I studied in Spain, but the experience is similar enough.

Go ahead with the plan, check into several programs, if you want to.  Just search "study abroad", and check out whichever programs look good.  And good luck to you.  It can be the most exciting adventure of your life!