A powerful, unforgettable, amazing experience

The IES staff hosted excursions into the city and encouraged interactions with French people. I stayed with a host family- an older retired couple. They were lovely and we formed a great dynamic. All of our classes were in French, and the hearing and speaking French all the time definitely helped my improve. By the end of the semester, I knew Paris well; I no longer felt like a tourist, and that was a wonderful feeling. I learned to be flexible and adventurous, and I grew into a more confident person. I am so happy I had this opportunity abroad.