APA Paris: Immersive Academics, Culture, Community

I chose APA Paris after doing a lot of research. One of my major goals going into my undergrad was to study abroad in France and to learn to speak French fluently. That being said, I was looking for a program that would provide me with the most immersive experience possible. I ultimately decided on APA because of its cultural program, its option to live with a host family, and its location in Paris.

APA Paris is designed for more independent students. I had to get my own visa, book my own flights, and find my way to my classes at different local universities. APA organized my housing, put together the entire cultural program, and checked in periodically to make sure I was adjusting to life in Paris. I think that they have struck a great balance in that they trust their students to be autonomous adults but they are also always available to provide support and help when needed. And because it's a small program, students really get to know the three women who run the program, who are among the kindest, most attentive people I have ever met.

What is your favorite travel memory?

I was in a the Siwa Oasis in the Western desert of Egypt, just miles away from the Libyan border. My friend and I were riding bikes to the hot Springs near by at night fall so we could enjoy the Springs and the beautiful desert sky. On the way back, my bike broke down and we were stranded in the desert, about 7 kms from the town of Siwa were we were lodging. Fortunately, a young Egyptian who must have been no more than 15 years old and was called Mahmoud happened to pass by - he was also on a bicycle - and by chance had a box of tools on him that allowed him to fix my bike! He then invited us to his home to share tea with his family where we laughed and told stories for close to two hours. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the beauty of the desert landscapes, the hospitality of this family, and the sheer luck that we had run into Mahmoud who was able to fix my bike. The stars were truly aligned that night !

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Since working at APA, I think I've grown more aware of the vulnerabilities and great strengths of the new generation of students. I've come to learn a lot about how they need to be supported - in ways that might not hav been relevant in my day -- and have also been very impressed with their political awareness, their immense quest for social justice, their ability to stand up for others.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I recently heard that a student who completed our program in Paris a few semesters ago was admitted into the Peace Corps in Senegal. This student had initially struggled while in Paris, and was suffering from isolation and self doubt. With support from out team and from a therapist, the student had a very successful semester: he was able to advance his academic goals by taking classes on economic development in a Parisian university, acquired fluency in French, and further pursued his interest in the francophone Africa. He had always wanted to focus on francophonee Africa and I am proud we were able to help him in this goal.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose our Rabat Summer program. As a trained historian of the Arab world, I wish this program had been around in my day! It provides very immersive and rigorous coursework in Arabic - students will complete a semester's coursework in 6 weeks, while learning about Moroccan society and its complexities in really engaging ways and by partaking in community service. The program also offers several tracks to really fit student needs.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I think what makes our company unique is the personalized attention we give each and every student while challenging them to engage in difficult academic work in a context of full immersion. I'm especially proud off my team for demonstrating empathy, humility and authentic caring in their relationships with students as well as for the way they attend to the cultural differences and various identities of each student. This enables students to produce their best academic work because they feel supported to do so, but it also sets up an environment where students can reflect critically and in a safe space on how to deepen and expand their understanding of themselves in the world.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Beyond the quality of my staff, I would say that it is our local partners who enable us to build great programs. We design immersive study abroad experiences, but none of this could be donce with so much success without the genuine hard work and dedication of our partners - universities, professors, host families, NGO's, etc