APA: Paris Advanced Program

As someone who is truly passionate about French language and culture, I can honestly say that studying with APA was one of the best choices I have made, not only in my academic career, but on a more personal level as well. I had grown restless studying French in school, feeling that I had peaked in my abilities and wanting to take my French to the next level. That's why I chose APA — I wanted to immerse myself in the language, take all of my classes in French, and live with a host family. So I did! And I took every advantage of the opportunities APA offered me, from the weekend excursions (my favorite part of the whole program) to the weekly shows and events, I did it all and loved every second of it. By the end of the year, I really felt like Paris, and the APA office in particular, were home to me.

If I could do it all over again, I would choose APA in a heartbeat. My advice for anyone considering the program: your metrocard is your ticket into the most interesting parts of the city. Use it as much as you can. Take the APA Art History class — it's challenging, but you'll learn a lot! Take advantage of all of the trips and shows APA offers. They're a great way to connect with other people in the program, while also getting to see some incredible performances. Don't be afraid to ask questions, especially to former APA students — we're here to help!

And, most importantly, keep an open mind. The more you use the resources available to you, the more you'll get out of them!

APA offers great opportunities to perfect your French and chances to travel with the group and experience aspects of French culture you can only learn from locals. The host family experience was a highlight, and APA does expend an immense amount of effort in finding good families who fit individual students. The support they offer is extraordinary, from finding tutors to advice about doctors. The French university system is an adjustment, however, and beyond the language barrier classes are not the most challenging. APA gives you the chance to really live in Paris.

APA was a fantastic study abroad experience. The program was well organized and the directors provided great support in all aspects of our experience. The two weekend trips to Normandy and the Loire valley were fantastic as well. It was difficult at times to adjust to the French system but the program helped us with the adjustment process with lots of cultural preparation and a great host family system. I would make sure that you have a strong level of French before coming, since almost 100% of the programming is in French, which can be quite mentally taxing at times. However it is definitely worth it, as my French greatly improved.

If you are looking for an experience that will change your outlook on life, choose this program. This is the absolute best program for people looking to throw themselves into the French way of living. By living with French families and being directly enrolled in the French universities, you have the opportunity to develop your ability to speak French, to develop relationships, and to develop the knowledge of the French social system and culture. I truly cannot have seen myself in any other program that supported me as much. The support from the directors of this program allowed me to spread my wings and try new things in a new country. I have formed lasting relationships and have a new found confidence in my ability to speak French. Logistically, the program is very organized though some problems that come up are caused by the cultural differences between the French and American school system. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone and everyone who is passionate about French and French culture.

My semester abroad was truly one of the highlights (if not the highlight) of my college experience, and I'm so glad to have spent it with APA.
APA's support system is amazing; the three women who run the Paris office go above and beyond to make sure that you are happy, are integrated, and are doing well academically. When I started struggling a bit in my classes, they, without hesitation, set me up with a couple of tutoring sessions to ensure that I could succeed in the class. They truly care about each student.
Another highlight was the homestay. APA does a fantastic job of matching families with students. I loved my host family and was able to fully integrate into their way of life. My family was enthusiastic and helped me with my French, and my French dramatically improved as a result.
If you're looking for a full, immersive experience in Paris, consider APA!

APA Paris is an incredible study abroad option. During my semester abroad with APA, I formed close relationships with my peers and the warm, caring APA staff as I explored Europe for the first time. Before leaving home in January, I was nervous about living life independently in a new city. Luckily for me, APA made it as stress-free as possible. Upon arrival in Paris, APA set out to teach us everything there was to know about the city -- from guided tours through different neighborhoods in the city like the Marais and Montmartre to metro riding lessons, the transition to life in Paris was so much easier than I expected. The women who run the program are some of the kindest and most supportive people I've met!
Aside from having a flexible academic program and a rich, unique cultural program, one of my favorite aspects of APA were the group excursions. Piling into a big coach bus with all of my friends and road tripping to Normandy, Monet's gardens and the Loire Valley were some of the highlights of my experience. At a little farm-to-table restaurant in the Loire Valley, I had the best meal of my entire life! Fresh goat cheese tarts, garlicy potatoes and apple tarts galore!
To anyone looking to discover the historical and cultural hot spots of Paris while challenging themselves academically, I would definitely recommend APA!