Location
  • France
    • Paris
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Spring
Need-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, 529 Plan eligibility, Sliding scale fees
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors Masters
Housing
Apartment Dormitory Host Family
Language
French

Pricing

Starting Price
18900
Price Details
Cost varies slightly by term and housing choice. Visit the APA website for up-to-date program fees: https://www.apaparis.com/program/paris-advanced/?topic=Fees
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Classes Some Meals Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare Some Meals SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa
Jan 03, 2024
Feb 20, 2024
39 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Available for study abroad/gap year/leave of absence: Live the Parisian lifestyle and improve your French with APA's Paris Program. Depending on your language level, build your schedule by choosing courses at our University of Paris and higher education partner institutions, in-house electives, or replace a class with an independent study/research. (More details on course options on the APA website.)

Receive weekly one-on-one language support with a French professor and teaching assistant. Academic support is available throughout your term.

Weekly cultural events like concerts, theater, and exclusive day and weekend excursions are included. To facilitate a truly immersive experience, students live with carefully selected French hosts, in student residences, or independent apartment living.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Build your own schedule and direct-enroll into the Paris university system: take classes taught in French in the fields of your choice.
  • Intermediate level French speakers benefit from an intensive language course as part of their academic schedule.
  • Choose an APA in-house course in art history and/or political science - an international study tour is included in each course!
  • Receive weekly one-on-one language support with a French professor and teaching assistant.
  • Take part in French culture with events, tickets to the performing arts, excursions, cooking workshop, and free entry into museums.

Program Reviews

4.86 Rating
based on 28 reviews
  • 5 rating 89.29%
  • 4 rating 7.14%
  • 3 rating 3.57%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.3
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.6
  • Housing 4.65
  • Safety 4.75
Showing 1 - 8 of 28 reviews
Default avatar
Collin
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

More than a study abroad program

Embarking on an adventure abroad is always a transformative experience, but my time in Paris with the Academic Programs Abroad (APA) was nothing short of extraordinary. From the unique course offerings to the comprehensive cultural immersions, APA provided an unparalleled journey into the heart of French culture, its beauty, its complexities, and its colonial legacy.

APA's curriculum is thoughtfully designed, offering a rich selection of courses that delve deep into French history, art, politics, and society. Each class was an invitation to explore the nuances of French culture, encouraging not just academic growth but personal introspection. The professors and instructors, experts in their fields, brought subjects to life with passion and depth, making learning both engaging and impactful.

What set APA apart was its commitment to cultural immersion. Through various activities and excursions, I was able to experience France beyond the classroom walls. Visits to historical sites, museums, and cultural landmarks offered a tangible connection to France's past and present. Moreover, APA's focus on the country's colonial legacy provided a critical lens through which to understand its culture and societal dynamics. This aspect of the program was particularly enlightening, offering a comprehensive view of France's impact on the world and the complexities of its multicultural identity.

The journey with APA wasn't just about academic enrichment; it was a holistic experience that catered to personal growth and cultural understanding. Living in Paris, navigating its streets, and engaging with its people allowed me to develop a profound connection to the city and its culture. However, immersion in a foreign culture can sometimes be overwhelming. In those moments, APA was a steadfast support system, a "rock" that helped me navigate the challenges of cultural adaptation. The staff's genuine care and guidance ensured that every student felt supported and valued, making the immersive experience more enriching and less daunting.

Even after the program concluded, APA's support did not wane. Their continued encouragement and resources have been invaluable as I further my journey with the French language and my connection to France. This ongoing support underscores APA's commitment to its students' long-term growth and their connection to French culture.

Reflecting on my time in Paris, it is clear that the experience was transformative. The lessons learned, the connections made, and the cultural insights gained have left an indelible mark on my personal and academic development. My time with APA in Paris is not just a memory to be cherished; it is a foundation upon which I will continue to build my understanding and appreciation of French culture.

In sum, my experience with APA in Paris was much more than an academic program abroad; it was a journey of discovery, learning, and personal growth. The comprehensive approach to cultural immersion, coupled with the unwavering support of the APA team, provided a deep and nuanced understanding of French culture. I will forever cherish my time in Paris with APA, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a remarkable program.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Reflecting on my experience with the Academic Programs Abroad (APA) in Paris, one aspect I'd emphasize for a more profound engagement is the importance of deeper integration with the local student community. Should I have the chance to do it over, joining French college clubs and organizations would be a priority. Participating in these clubs would offer a unique perspective on French student life, allowing for a vibrant exchange of passions, ideas, and cultural insights. It would serve as an excellent complement to APA's already comprehensive cultural and academic offerings, adding a layer of personal growth and intercultural exchange. Engaging with local students in their own environments would provide invaluable experiences beyond the structured academic and cultural excursions, fostering a deeper, more nuanced understanding of French society.
Pros
  • class selection
  • language support
  • cultural excursions
Cons
  • living selections
34 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Colin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Could not recommend more highly!

I can't imagine a better study abroad program than APA. I wasn't even initially planning on studying abroad (I studied hard sciences, and most programs seem geared toward social sciences or humanities). But after taking the leap with APA, I could not be happier. I improved my french enormously, I was able to genuinely integrate into a different culture and country, and I built all of these skills of open-mindedness, resilience, confidence, and others. I was supported at all times, and APA gave me the tools to feel at home in this new city, with constant excursions, shows, and workshops.

The academic options available through APA are also incredible; being able to take courses at any Parisian university ensures that everyone will find what they want (or need), and you feel like a genuine French student rather than a visitor. Claire, Sophie, and Blandine are wonderful people as well as perfect help throughout the program. 3 years later, I now live in Paris, and I thank APA for giving me the base to continue living my dream. I'm so glad I chose APA!

137 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alexa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

BEST PROGRAM EVERRRR

Participating in Academic Programs Abroad - Paris was one of the best decisions I have made during my time as an undergraduate. The team of women behind the program are some of the most capable, supportive, and attentive people I have had the privilege of meeting.
I arrived to Paris relatively advanced in speaking French and left fluent -- all thanks to the program's dedication to giving its participants a fully immersive experience. I had no close ties in the city before arriving and left knowing that I would always have a family to look out for me there (thanks to my fabulous homestay arrangement).
The program's unique mix of program-provided courses and courses provided by local universities (like the Sorbonne!) enabled me to get a feel for what academic life was like in Paris and gave me a nice feeling of independence since we weren't always in our safe little cocoon (as the majority of participants in the program are from US schools). It was such a unique and eye-opening experience!
Overall, I cannot recommend this program enough to responsible students that want to:
1. Ameliorate their French language skills
2. Experience academic culture in Paris
3. Make new memories that will mature them and increase their self-confidence and ability to maneuver independently in the world around them
4. Visit cities and regions outside of Paris (this program includes culturally rich (and, quite frankly, awesome side trips to places outside of Paris).
5. Get out of the cocoon of their home university and experience all that the world has for them!

What would you improve about this program?
I would improve transparency regarding courses taken at public universities in Paris. Some of my courses didn't transfer back and some that I was interested in taking wouldn't (even though I was under the assumption they would). So, some more clarity surrounding that aspect would be appreciated. But it didn't mess me up too much in the long-run.
116 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sophia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I loved my semester with APA!

I am a Political Science and French double major, and I studied abroad with Academic Programs Abroad in Paris for the Fall 2019 semester! I absolutely loved my experience. The staff is wonderfully friendly and supportive, so even when I came upon difficult situations or experienced stress, I never doubted that everything would work out. If you're looking to improve your French skills, this is definitely a program for you. Each of my classes were taught in French and my proficiency improved by leaps and bounds over the course of four months. I also loved getting to know Paris, and Europe as a whole; the cultural program that APA puts together is incredible. With a weekend in Normandy, a day in Chartres, a play at the Comédie française, a cooking lesson, several dance performances, a cheese-tasting, and so much more, I felt culturally fulfilled by the time I left the country. If you would like to participate in a program that provides a truly valuable academic challenge along with a cultural education, I cannot recommend APA Paris enough.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Your first few weeks are probably going to be stressful, not only because of the language but because the Parisian school system and expectations (formatting of essays and homework, how to communicate with your professor, etc.) are very unique. Trust that you will get the hang of it and that academics will get easier! Remember, you always have the APA advisors rooting for you.
139 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Taylor
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

APA: The Ultimate Parisian Experience

Where do I even begin! Studying abroad with APA was my first time in a country besides the United States, and I absolutely fell in love with Paris (and Europe at large) thanks to the program's support and lineup of cultural events. The small, private nature of the program lends itself to this kind of care. For instance, when we arrived, we were given Navigo passes that allowed us free and unlimited access to the Paris Metro system and beyond. The program was great about its treatment of its students as individuals: I felt a sense of community and structure within the program, but also a great sense of independence to craft my experience and spend my free time in the ways that I desired. Everyone knew one anther, and great, lifelong relationships were formed as a result. Immersion into the Parisian University System was invaluable to my experience, and I left feeling like I could take on the city with ease.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Know that you are probably going to have a long commute to school (if not to the APA office in the 14th Arrondissement, then to the universities where you're studying). I used my long commutes as time to read and listen to new French music.
124 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Camille
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent program

APA was a huge reason that I had such an amazing experience abroad. Their incredible academic support and the cultural events they set up for students throughout the semester, provides students with both language and cultural immersion. Additionally, the option to stay with a homestay family, a dorm, or on your own provides students with flexibility in their living arrangements so that each student can choose what would be best for them. Since the program remained fairly small, only about 20 students, the staff provided us with personalized attention, especially during class registration since the French system can be much different than what we are used to. Overall, they truly cared that each student was having a fulfilling experience. APA is a fantastic program, and I highly suggest it!!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The food was incredible in France, but the most unfamiliar thing I ate was stingray!
131 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Keyler
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Absolument Incroyable

I cannot say enough amazing things about APA. While at first I was hesitant to be thrown into all things French, APA helped push me and support me through every step of the way. I walked away from my semester in Paris with a vast cultural appreciation, near fluent in the language. Taking my business courses in French forced me to acquire a deeper understanding of the material, and between living with a host family, communicating with peers, and taking yoga entirely in French, I advanced tremendously without really realizing it in the moment. I am so grateful for the opportunity to live in a city with something new to see and do daily and with a program to help me grow so much. Not to mention I'm now a pro when it comes to the metro! Such a great experience going solo as I met so many likeminded students through APA who later became my travel buddies.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
My university was a bit difficult giving me credits, so I would have communicated with Claire Suraqui before going abroad so I could connect her with my abroad advisors.
133 people found this review helpful.
Evan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great, immersive experience in Paris

I highly recommend APA! The academic program offers probably the most flexible and diverse set of options possible, with access to multiple universities, in-house courses, and self-study. The APA staff was incredibly helpful with all aspects of student life, really going above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable with our courses, host family, and general life in Paris. One aspect of the program that I really underestimated before coming here was the cultural program. Getting (essentially) free weekly tickets to shows across Paris was an amazing way to engage with the cultural side of Paris in a way that I wouldn't have thought to do or wouldn't have been willing to spend the money on (don't miss the shows at the CentQuatre!). The program offers a great deal of independence while still fostering a tight-knit community between the students and staff (especially through the group trips). My language skills improved a lot and I overall gained confidence and independence.

My advice to future students is to speak French as much as possible (even when only among Americans) and go out as much as possible! When choosing classes, prioritize scheduling and finding classes that seem manageable/ professors that seem chill. I'm really academically oriented, but go for the 3- (or 4-) day weekend - you'll learn so much from taking classes in French within a new system, so focus the rest of your energy on cultural and social opportunities! Also, just be aware that your host family (or other living arrangement) will almost certainly not be in the center of the city, and that you'll sometimes have long commutes to classes. This is just realistic and part of life in Paris, but it's something I didn't think about before.

127 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers