CIEE High School Summer Abroad in France

This program is such a good opportunity for young people to learn, experience and grow! Not only does it give them a taste of being in a whole new place, but it gives them freedom as well. Even though the days fly by, they are packed with so much useful learning and cultural submersion. I also liked how they separated us into our levels of knowledge, but allowed everyone to be together for the broader activities. I strongly suggest high school students to take advantage of this opportunity and go.

I did 4 weeks abroad in Renne, France with CIEE last summer and it was so much fun. I was able to grow conversational in French after only having 5 months of French learning experience. I made great friends, tried great food, learned niche phrases, and even developed a little French accent. I am so happy to have travelled with CIEE. They really made the immersion experience fun and safe. I never felt like I was truly on my own or that there weren't adults and peers supporting me. This program and the people who helped make it special allowed me to open my eyes to how I want to interact with the world when I am older.

This experience was more than I ever could have expected or imagined. Before CIEE Summer Study, I had never flown alone, left the country, or even gone to an overnight summer camp. At the beginning, I was really stressed, mentally drained, and emotionally exhausted. However, the staff, my host family, and the other students on the program supported me. We were provided quality education, numerous types of cultural activities, and friends and trusted adults for life. I couldn't have asked for a better experience, and I recommend it to anybody that gets the opportunity. Go for a scholarship even if you don't think you will! Get friends to apply with you! Do anything possible to make it happen.

This was probably the best summer I'll ever have. My birthday was on this trip and CIEE and many of the people I met on the trip were very kinda and welcoming. I learned a lot about Parisian culture and got to see many amazing places that I will cherish forever. The housing was very good and the staff was very helpful. The food they provided wasn't the best but they gave us food vouchers that was taken at most places. They planned the days pretty well but I wish I got a little more sleep and on the last day they made us get up very early but overall a fun time.

I really enjoyed my time in France, I loved the south and speaking a new language consistently, I felt like I gained such an understanding and ability to speak even when I didn't have a large vocabulary. I met people from other parts of the USA and I got to hear about cities and seasons, the program leaders were so sweet and let us do our own thing. Experiencing a city alone, without parents, made me feel more independent and reassured in general. Work was interesting and consistent, great time.

This summer overseas was the best summer I have had in a long time. I learned a lot while making new friends and getting to explore the city of Paris. The feeling of nostalgia I get is strong for Paris and it was basically like having another family. The housing and staff was amazing. The PL’s were SO helpful and they really helped out where needed. Always had a person on site and nearby in case of an emergency. I would totally do it again!! There were a few difficulties I had to get around, like if your phones dead and you aren’t sure where to go. But overall, such an amazing program and people!!

Going to Toulouse was actually amazing and a good experience for me. It helped me grow more independent, make new friends, try new things, and learn french! It’s a really immersive program, so you’re going to speak a lot of French, and your host family is also going to involve you in their culture and treat you like part of their family. It’s a great time there, they really know how to pick host families! Also, the bakeries there are amazing and the people in the streets are stylish. I’d love to go back and take the tramway again, it’s gorgeous when it goes over the bridge. Toulouse is a wonderful city and a great place to study abroad, the majority of people there are nice but you have to talk to them first. I think everyone should go to Toulouse at least once in their life.

I remember being immediately greeted by CIEE staff at the airport and got a great sense of the welcoming and supportive environment already!

I've been serious which in my French studies and can confidently say this program helped solidify and improve my grammar and speaking skills! We participated activities around cultural sites as well as practicing our French with native speakers!

The housing staff was very helpful throughout, making sure everyone has what they need with their host family!