Hosted by API

API Gap Year in France

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Location

France
- Paris
- Grenoble

Length

12 - 52 weeks

Program Tags

Language Immersion Study Abroad

Health & Safety

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Program Details

Timeframe

Academic Year Fall Spring

Housing

Apartment Host Family

Primary Language

French

Age Min.

Pricing

Price Details

Pre-Departure Services:
- Advising, @api Online Resources, Orientation Materials and Support, Peer Mentors, Social Networking, and Scholarships.

On-site Services:
- Airport Reception, Resident Director, API Center, On-Site Orientation, Housing (Including Meals and Laundry with Some Options), Tuition, Tutoring, Language and Culture Tools, Medical and Life Insurance, Excursions (Overnight, Day and International in some locations), Social and Cultural Activities, API Learning and Engagement Badge Program, Welcome and Farewell Group Meals, and Volunteer Opportunities.

Re-entry Services:
- Re-Entry Materials and Support, Post-Program Evaluation, Transcript, Alumni-Network, and Development Opportunities.

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Some Meals Tour Guide Transportation Wifi

Last Updated: Mar 17, 2020

Last Reviewed: Apr 17, 2012

Wish List

22 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

API offers a wonderful opportunity for students to take a gap year in France on a study abroad program and immerse themselves into the French culture and way of life in Grenoble or Paris. Courses are taught in French at all levels, from beginning to superior. Classes are comprised of other foreign and American students.

Whether it’s gastronomic greatness, artistic endeavor or cultural cachet you’re looking for, there’s no doubt that France still sits right at the top of the European heap. France is the country for which the word chic was invented – seductive and aloof, old-fashioned and forward-looking, but always characterized by a certain je ne sais quoi. France is Europe’s most diverse, tasty, and, in many ways, exciting country to explore. It’s a multifaceted cultural fondue. France is nearly as big as Texas, with 60 million people and more than 500 different cheeses!

This program is currently not being promoted on Go Overseas by its provider. Check with API for the most up-to-date information regarding the status of this program.

Video and Photos

Aspire by API is now known simply as API. API (Academic Programs International) has been the parent company of Aspire by API since 2009, and API has sent thousands of students abroad since 1997. Our name has changed, but our mission will remain the same. We still aim to transform lives by providing enriching experiential programs abroad that foster increased self-knowledge, cultural sensitivity and understanding of the global nature of our contemporary world.

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Scholarships

API Scholarships and Financial Aid Information

API awards millions of dollars in scholarships annually ranging from $250 - $2,000 per student. Terms and conditions may apply.

Value

$250 - $2,000

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Program Reviews

4.00 Rating

based on 1 review

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Rating Spread Gap Year

5 rating 0%
4 rating 100%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Housing 4
Support 4
Fun 4
Value 4
Safety 4

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 reviews

Overall, the semester of my gap year spent in Paris with Aspire by API was above average - but not phenomenal. The program is well organized and the school is excellent, however I didn't feel that API did enough for its gap year students specifically. There were very few of us, and we did everything that the college students did - no more, no less. I wish that there had been some separate get-togethers planned for the gap year students, as we definitely had some different concerns than did the college students.

As for living arrangements, I chose to live in the dormitory, and honestly I don't think this was a great choice. The dorm is alright, but not ideal. API does a great job finding host families from what I could tell by visiting friends staying with local families. I also think that much more would be gained (in terms of language, culture, assimilation, etc.) by having opted to live in a home than in a dorm. The the main dorm used by API is intended for American students, so there is not very much intercultural interaction.

While my experience with Aspire by API did not quite measure up to the standard set by my first gap year semester program, this was not at all entirely API's fault. Most of my discontent - and again, it's not that I had an awful time, overall I gained a lot from the semester - came from issues with other students. I do wish that the program coordinators in Paris had been a little more welcoming so I would have felt more open to talking to them, but they mostly did what they could for so many students. When I lost my wallet at 1am, I was able to call one of the coordinators and she was very helpful despite the fact that I had woken her up.

Paris is an incredible city, and I think that any chance to live there should absolutely be taken. Aspire by API has room to grow, but the program absolutely provides for its students and should be considered when planning a gap year.

Questions & Answers

Is it necessary to have previous education in the French language before undergoing this program?

Hi Grady, thank you for your question! No, it is not necessary to have a previous background in French for this program - in fact, we encourage beginners to apply! If you have any further questions, please feel free to email me directly at api-hs@apiabroad.com. Thank you! Sincerely, Jenny Doder

By API Abroad on August 29, 2016

About API

College students may study abroad with API in over two dozen countries across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. With a wide variety of courses offered in almost every major discipline and in various languages of instruction, it is easy for students to find a program that suits their academic interests. API offers high quality...