Study abroad in France?

Question

Please recommend me a study abroad program to study in France, share your experiences if you have studied in France.

Answer 1

I did two study abroad programs in France through two different companies.

The first was in Angers, France through AHA.

http://ahastudyabroad.org/programs

I LOVED my host family, the support at Catho (the school I was at had an amazing staff - the classes were a little bigger than my other program, but the teachers were better and we split the classes in half every day between two student teachers for speaking and listening activities), and the town. I got a lot of help whenever I needed it and I had classes with people from all over the world - there were 22 or 23 students in my class and at least 10 countries represented. I have no complaints and loved everything about this program - they even took care of my bus pass, my orientation, my meals, and I could get in touch with them easily. The excursions were frequent (maybe a little too frequent), but always interesting and well-organized. :) I got 9 college credits in one month so class was a bit much - class every weekday for about 6 hours a day.

The second was in Grenoble, France through API.

http://www.academicintl.com/

This experience was objectively and subjectively a negative one. The company was impossible to get a hold of, late to take care of my paperwork, they lost part of my application, messed up my financial aid information, didn't have an orientation, kept sending me in circles, and were just generally miserable to work with. The two on-site contacts were very nice and helped me straighten things out, but it was very stressful to deal with a Texas office while in France because it was THEIR mistakes I was trying to take care of. My host family again was AMAZING. I lived in downtown Grenoble and commuted to school by lightrail (I had to buy my own pass). I also had to buy my own lunches, but my host family fed me breakfast and dinner. The only redeeming experience of working with API was the host family I stayed with. I got 8 college credits in one month so it was slightly less intensive and you either had morning or afternoon classes, which was nice.

Anyhow, I would research a variety of programs, but I definitely recommend AHA. I don't know what school you attend, but I would check in with an advisor or study abroad office about the options the school offers or knows about. Programs offered through a school are the easiest way to transfer your study abroad credits.

I definitely recommend living with a family - it tends to be a slightly more expensive option but it's worth having and you really can't compare living alone in a dorm/apartment to living with a French family.

In general, I had an amazing time in France. I would do it again in a heartbeat and I'm actually moving back in about a month in order to teach English. I would say keep a journal (you may regret it if you don't!), plan ahead, don't be afraid to splurge a little, and travel as much as possible!

For traveling, check out the SNCF website (trains) and look for the 12-25 train pass to save money on train tickets. Or if you're going to be there short-term or wont have many travel opportunities check out Eurail passes. You can get really cheap intra-Europe flights through ryanair.com but the fares change all the time and the weight restrictions for baggage are very strict (in general in Europe they are very strict). Try to travel with friends or classmates for safety or at least plan where you're going to be and stick to lighted, touristy areas at night. If you're brave check out couchsurfing.com for a good cultural exchange and a free place to crash - it works for some people and it just really doesn't for others. When you buy your plane tickets shop around over the course of a few days to find good prices (I've never paid more than $1000 roundtrip - I used kayak.com the last two times I bought tickets).

Ok that's probably more than you meant, but I just thought I'd throw it out there. :) Ok that's all I can think of! Feel free to message me if you want any more info.

Have fun, it's amazing and the people are great! Good luck! :)