Unforgetable, Breath-taking, Wondrous...and those are just the beginning...

I know it may sound extremely cliche but my study abroad experience with IES Abroad BIA in Paris changed my life. It created memories for me that I will never forget and friendships which continue to shape my life to this day and I know will continue to do so. Unfortunately I cannot tell you every single detail that proves these claims to be true but I will try to touch on the most important.

I want to start with the program itself. The BIA program was still a very small program when I attended it with only about 60 or so students overall. However, this allowed for very small classes which was very beneficial in that we were all able to interact and participate a lot more than if there were a larger number of students. The professors were a part of the program only on a part time basis. I know that at least two of my professors also taught at Sciences Po in Paris which is a very well known and well respected school in the area.

The trips connected with the program were another experience in themselves. For one of my political science classes, we traveled to Geneva, Switzerland for the day with our professor to visit the United Nations and also to meet with the International Institute for Sustainable Development there. Not only this, but the program itself took us on a trip to some of the castles around Paris and also on a very heartfelt historical journey to discover the wonders of Normandy.

In this, the staff of IES BIA were amazing and so supportive in times of need. They looked after us and were always there when we needed advice on where to go to dinner or just a hug because we were having a rough day.

I want to finish up by addressing my housing situation while in Paris. It was spectacular. I lived with a wonderful family in the 16th arrondissement and they treated my like I was an additional member of their family. They helped me in learning the language and even some of the slang. They encouraged me to attend different events like the political rallies and also encouraged me to explore the city as much as possible.

Overall though, my experience in Paris with IES BIA is one that I will never regret choosing! And I wish that I could spend every semester abroad living an experience like this!