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Eager to follow in the footsteps of a college student who studied abroad in France? We recently caught up with Kiki from Fullerton College, who participated in a customized faculty-led program in Paris during the spring semester.
Discover how Kiki’s customized faculty-led experience with AIFS Abroad allowed her to reconnect with her roots and advance her language skills!
Choosing a Program Destination
Once you decide you want to study abroad, you need to figure out where to go. Fortunately, AIFS Abroad offers programs in exciting cities around the world, allowing you to choose from a wide array of options. For Kiki, choosing France was simple, she wanted advance her academic career near her dad’s hometown:
“I chose to go to France because I wanted to have an experience abroad while revisiting my dad’s home country and town. The program I was on was custom faculty-led, so I would recommend community college students interested in French language and culture to take part in this program.”
Academics Abroad
Customized faculty-led programs enable college students to participate in academic programs conducted by faculty members from their home university. AIFS Abroad provides logistical support, student services, classrooms, housing facilities, and cultural activities at a location abroad, as Kiki explains:
“Since this was a custom faculty-led program, I was still studying with Fullerton College, but we were placed in classrooms located in the FIAP, which was the student community building in Paris. I think it was a great experience, and I enjoyed being able to use the facilities as I studied or waited for my roommate before going home.
Our classes often involved exploration and exposure to Paris or France in some way. We were always discussing aspects of the class and how they related to our host city. Many of the professors also organized field trips to different museums and locations to help cultivate our learning experience.”
Language Learning
Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to advance your language skills, if you choose to do so. Hear Kiki describe how her French improved during her time in Paris:
“I knew the language in advance and was enrolled in a course to bring my French to a higher level. My language skills improved significantly during my time in France. I picked up on local slang and improved the fluidity of my speaking. I recommend always trying to speak the language of your host country at the best of your ability.”
Housing
Housing is provided for all AIFS Abroad programs, including our customized faculty-led programs. Below, Kiki describes her experience in a homestay and reconnecting with family members who live in France:
“I was in a homestay, and I enjoyed every second of it! My host parents were extremely kind, and my roommate and I were pleasantly surprised by their kindness.
I built a close friendship with my roommate and built a better relationship with my family out in France. We all maintained close communication and respected any boundaries that were set.”
Weekend Trips
One of the benefits of AIFS Abroad programs is that we include trips in the program price, allowing you to explore your host country without the stress of planning. Hear Kiki explain her AIFS Abroad trip to Avignon:
“The weekend trip to Avignon was probably the most memorable trip we went on. AIFS did a great job organizing the trip, and we all went together, so there was a lot of bonding time for the students.”
Additionally, you can take your own trips during your program, as Kiki did:
“I think one of the most memorable [trips] was when my sister, her friend, my roommate, and I went to sleep in a castle in Dijon for a couple nights. It was just so fantastical and so much fun to be able to have a slower day to relax in the countryside without any social obligations.”
Budgeting Abroad
Costs are a factor for many students who want to study or intern abroad. You should consider the cost of the program itself and budget accordingly while you’re abroad.
Fortunately, AIFS Abroad is happy to accept any existing financial aid packages that are approved by your school—just make sure to speak with your Financial Aid office! In addition, we encourage students to apply for our scholarships, which can help lighten the financial load.
Below, Kiki discusses her various scholarships and how she budgeted in France:
“I was lucky enough to receive the Gilman Scholarship, as well as the AIFS ambassador scholarship and two smaller scholarships from Fullerton College. I saved my money through working several jobs and limited my spending to help me save money for my trip. I also participated in various fundraising activities such as selling crepes, chocolate, and even starting a GoFundMe. I would recommend [that] students begin saving as soon as they know they are considering studying abroad. I think creative fundraising is a GREAT way to help build funding for study abroad. I would also recommend that they apply for scholarships. It never hurts to apply even if they say no.”
Final Thoughts from Kiki
For anyone considering studying abroad, Kiki offers the following advice:
“If you’re thinking about going, just go and do this program! There is so much you’re going to learn, and you’ll build connections with people who are going to change your life. I can’t stress enough how much this experience is going to change your perspective and you as a person.”
Kiki leaves you with this final reflection on her customized faculty-led experience with AIFS Abroad:
“My study abroad experience is quite possibly one of the main highlights of my life, and I can’t believe it really happened. I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been blessed with since and can’t wait to see what else is in store for me.”
Are you ready to take the leap and study abroad like Kiki did in Paris? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students study abroad. Our programs are incredibly inclusive, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.