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France is famous for its fine arts, delectable cuisine, and beautiful countryside. Its language and culture are beloved around the world, so it’s no wonder so many college students choose to study abroad in France every year. Whether you want to go to the big city of Paris, a small city by the mountains like Grenoble, or along the French Riviera in film-famous Cannes, AIFS Abroad has a program for you. Interested in learning more about what it’s really like to study abroad in France?
Hear from three college students who studied abroad in France with AIFS Abroad!
Bailey: Fall Semester in Paris
Meet Bailey, a business administration major from Black Hills State University who studied at the American School of Business, Paris during fall semester. Here’s what she had to say about her academic experience abroad:
“I’m going to the American Business School in Paris, so that means that I’m taking mostly business credits that are transferring back and filling my major requirements at home. I’m taking Principles of Marketing, Intercultural Studies, Art History, and International Relations. Intercultural Studies is probably my favorite. I’m learning a lot—not only from my professor, but also from the other [international] students in my class.”
When Bailey wasn’t in class, she enjoyed visiting the local boulangerie for an almond croissant (she recommends Grandpré!) and spending “time [with friends] down at the Seine River with a good view of the Eiffel Tower!” She said that although she came to Paris without knowing anyone on her program, she had no trouble making friends:
“I came totally on my own, but the nice thing is everybody is in the same boat. They all want to meet people. As long as you’re willing to put yourself out there and try new things and be open to experiencing life here, it works out. I found it easy to find people with similar interests.”
Hear Bailey describe her experience traveling beyond Paris while studying abroad:
“It’s super easy to travel in Europe. I usually take the train. And it’s so easy to do on a budget. So far I’ve been to the South of France, Monaco, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Scotland, England, the Czech Republic, [and] Germany.”
Cameran: Spring Semester in Cannes
Cameran, a film production major from Chapman University, spent her spring semester studying and interning abroad in Cannes, with AIFS Abroad’s unique Study + Internship program. This type of program combines a study abroad experience with a part-time internship. The Study + Internship program in Cannes allows film students like Cameran to gain one-of-a-kind industry experience—as she explains, “Everyone in the program interns at the [Cannes Film Festival] from May 13 – 26! There is also Canneseries in April (the TV series festival), which is free to all!”
Hear Cameran discuss her classes and explain how they helped her advance her degree at her home university:
“I am taking B2 French (Monday – Friday) and French Cinema (Monday). French counts towards my French minor, French Cinema counts towards both my film production major as an elective and [my] French minor.”
To have fun after classes, Cameran would go to the “beach, shop, explore Cannes, take the train and explore somewhere new.” She also enjoyed going to cafés with her friends, her favorite of which was “Café Pico, right across from campus!”
When asked about making friends abroad, Cameran said, “Our program is super small (24 people), so we are all super close. We [had] lots of dinners and activities together in the first few weeks to get to know each other!” Additionally, AIFS Abroad offers day trips and excursions that enable you to travel while bonding with other program participants. Cameran went to the following cities with AIFS Abroad: “Nice, Florence, Paris, Provence, Antibes, Grasse, and Monaco.”
As Cameran said, “There are so many opportunities to travel!”
Kayla: Fall Semester in Grenoble
Kayla from Townson University spent her fall semester in Grenoble, a small city nestled in the Alps near the borders of Switzerland and Italy. Kayla recommends studying abroad in Grenoble for the following reasons:
“I think this place is a great study abroad destination because if you’re someone who likes to hike or travel or be athletic, we are surrounded by mountains and trails. If you want to travel to a big city, such as Lyon, or go down south to Aix-en-Provence, we are not far from either of those cities. If you want to travel to other countries, we border Switzerland and Italy, [and] you can go to Spain or Germany—I think [Grenoble] is a great hub spot for doing so many different things without [needing to go] too far.”
Another reason Kayla liked Grenoble is its smaller size:
“The vibe of the city is definitely a small-town feel without it being a small town. If you’re like me [and prefer] not to live in a big city, Grenoble is perfect. Even though it has a small-town feel, it’s not too small, but you definitely become familiar with people, especially if you frequent [the same] places.”
One of the many benefits to studying abroad in France is that it’s an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the language and improve your French language skills, as Kayla did. She said, “I really feel like I improved since I came here.” In addition to taking two French language classes, she took three electives: “French Politics, French Culture and Society, as well as Greek Mythology and Civilization,” which allowed her to earn credits towards her international studies minor.
Advance your degree and soak up the world-renowned French culture with an AIFS Abroad program in France!
AIFS Abroad offers numerous programs in France, each tailored to meet specific academic and personal preferences. With a study abroad program in France, you can advance your degree, improve your French (if you choose to do so!), immerse yourself in the local culture, and travel to your heart’s delight. Choose AIFS Abroad and take advantage of our valuable program inclusions (which really take the stress out of planning!), such as housing, trips and excursions, social and cultural activities, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, and the support of our trusted on-site staff.