CIEE Paris: Open Campus Program

When I first told people that I was going to CIEE, I've gotten a lot of worry about what the program was and what it meant that it was a non-profit, but I knew it was something I was going to love because the money wasn't the first priority. Being the first session of the open campus program there were some kinks, but I wouldn't have changed my experience for anything. I've learned so much about the French culture, people and history by being able to explore and be open to new possibilities. The staff was friendly and available at all times which made me feel very comfortable. I didn't like the housing situation and I'm pretty sure they didn't like us, so in future I would explore finding something else, maybe closer to the campus and more open to rowdy American teenagers. My tip would be to rely on your instincts and remain open to the fact that this program is meant to give you the most independence and expect you to use that independence wisely. Future participants need to know to ask for help at anytime, remember that your academics are just as important as your adventures and to have fun.

I loved the semester I spent in Paris and would absolutely recommend this program. It was challenging, both academically and in terms of adjusting to a new culture - and most definitely worth it. I learned so much and my French (spoken and written) improved drastically because of the immersion setting, as well as staying with a host who spoke very little English. The staff are caring and passionate about what they do, and they genuinely want you to succeed and feel comfortable with your new surroundings.

What's not to like about CIEE Paris Open Campus? Their staff are amazing and the classes immerse you as much as they can with the city. Mixed with the atmosphere and endless food of Paris, this is a European dream come true with an added bonus of getting college credits (if your college accepts the classes).

The pre-departure showed how organized their program is with their director, Brent Keever, hosting a video session, giving a rundown of Paris, what to expect, what to do when you land in Paris, and other useful information with a quick and useful presentation. For those who miss the presentation, there is a vod of it.

The staff at CIEE Paris also provides many activities for those who have similar interest ranging from fitness to cooking to arts. It's a good way to meet other students on campus and explore the city! Along with the outings are program-wide excursions where they take the entire campus to another area. For the two blocks I stayed, we went to Bordeaux, France and Brussels, Belgium!

With so many options to how long you can stay for their Open Campus program, it can lead to either a short-lived life in the City of Lights, or a long couple months of adventure with your new peers. Pack as little and lightly for Paris. You can choose to bring some tennis shoes if you like to run (which I do), but don't expect to wear them every day unless you like getting stared at on the streets or in the metro. You'll want to head to La Gallerie Lafayette or the nearby stores and pick up some Parisian clothes. Plan ahead for the weather!

CIEE Paris Open Campus also offered a home stay or dormitory option. For those who aren't too shy and want to be immersed with the French and their lifestyle, choose the home stay. I did and I don't regret it one bit. My host parents and my host siblings were amazing. They had different meals every night the French would normally have (along with wine, baguette, and cheese to go with, of course), and they very much like to socialize during dinner. Though my host siblings were busy for the most part, the time I actually had to spend with them was priceless, especially on the last day of my stay.

Safety is a huge concern to the staff and they always want their students to feel safe. Although there has been several "attacks" while I was in Paris, I never once felt in danger from while I was there. The only time I felt uneasy was when beggars or those who ask to sign petitions approach you since they're at all the major tourist areas like the Louvre.

I've gotten asked what my favorite part of my trip was in Paris was so here it goes: I befriended a person during Block 1 of Paris Open Campus. Her name is Zoey. We hung out quite often as we had similar classes and were both part of a home stay. On Valentine's Day, we bought cheap pink champagne at the grocery store down the street from where I stayed and plastic champagne glasses to go along with. We went to the top of the Eiffel Tower with the champagne and glass in our bags and managed to get through security. We climbed the tower and got to the very top floor and had our champagne instead of paying ~€30 for it.

This was my first study abroad experience and I don't regret it at all. It has been a life-changing experience and I've made many friends and memories I won't soon forget. If I can do it again, I would. Anyone interested in Paris or Europe in general should look at CIEE and their many programs.

I spent a semester in CIEE's Open Campus during Summer Session 1 and want to say that it was an incredible experience. I enrolled in the language track and took Intermediate French 1 to improve my French skills.
As for the Global Institute itself, the location was perfect! It was in a well known area in just about the center of Paris. The program staff was incredibly welcoming, supportive, interactive, and friendly. It seems that each student was taken into consideration and their well being was always of concern. Also, orientation sessions were very thorough as to where students could access basic necessities in the area and maneuver themselves around the city. With that, I felt that I was able to safely navigate and explore the city. Not to mention, the group trips coordinated by CIEE were very fun and enlightening! It was nice to see other parts of France and the cultural history associated with those areas.
In regards to academics and the course I took in French, I learned so much and made great progress. My professor was very attentive and engaged us in tours of Paris' historic and artistic quarters. I felt that the professor was able to adapt to us as students and provide us with the care that fit us. My French skills were improved significantly even living in an apartment with English speaking students.
The living arrangements were also pleasant. The apartment was in great condition and came with basic living necessities. The location was also in a very friendly area with many grocery stores, restaurants, shops, and a park nearby.
Overall, this experience was incredibly worth it and I walked away with wonderful memories, improved language. skills, a stronger sense of Independence and a richer knowledge of Paris. I was able to meet many new people through the program and make lasting friendships. I strongly recommend this program to anyone seeking a culturally stimulating experience.

I loved the program as well as Paris itself! I thought the center did an amazing job matching me for my homestay. That was one of the best parts of my time in Paris and why I learned so much. I am still in touch with my host and know I will be for a while so thank you for giving me such a wonderful and caring host! One improvement could be the excursions. We went to Bordeaux which was fun but I wish we got to go to a different francophone country to compare cultures.

I enjoyed my time with CIEE. I was placed with a wonderful host family that I am still in contact with and I will always cherish those times. The social planning staff are really wonderful and welcome students into their culture, I learned a lot from Jean Paul and Linda!

Unfortunately I felt that the academics did not reflect the purpose of students' study abroad experience. Classes were either Tuesday Thursday or Monday Wednesday Friday when I personally believe they should both be twice a week classes to allow students the opportunity to have a 3/4 day weekend. This change would allow students to take cheaper flights and trains to travel which is an integral part to the study abroad experience. There was no leniency in the attendance policy which was actually stricter than any class I have had at my home institution.

Technology was sometimes banned in classes which hindered students who like to keep online notes, or for students like me who like to use class notes in our papers that were pre-assigned. This ban is not student friendly and was tedious.

Although the academic portion of the program was flawed and often superfluous, the staff in Paris really care for the students and I felt incredibly welcome in the center solely because of the staff.