CIS Abroad - Summer in Paris - Language & Culture

Name: CIS Abroad - Summer in Paris - Language & Culture
Brand: CIS Abroad
SKU: 211853
Rating: 8 (3 reviews)

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cis abroad summer study abroad paris french language and culture

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About

Turn Paris into your classroom over the course of four weeks during your Summer in Paris program. On the French Language Summer Program at the Institut Catholique de Paris (ICP), you’ll improve your spoken French skills and knowledge of French culture while living in the heart of this amazing city. Admire the intricate beauty of Notre Dame, sit and read in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, or practice your French by ordering a morning baguette on your way to class. Paris is famous for its romantic atmosphere, rich history, and incredible influence on fashion, design, art, cuisine, and culture. You’ll never tire of this city, so saisis le moment on your Summer in Paris!

Highlights

Campus near fountains, fashion, cafés, croissants, and Jardin du Luxembourg, a beautiful park for picnics
Intensive French language courses at all levels
Easy transportation system of bikes, taxis, buses, trains, and planes to explore Paris and Europe
Apartments in a traditional French neighborhood
Trips to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Moulin Rouge, and many more famous landmarks

Scholarships

CISabroad Scholarships and Financial Aid

70% of all CISabroad students receive scholarships, grants, or discounts to study abroad. We're unapologetically committed to increasing access to international education for all students.

Value

$250 - $500

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Questions & Answers

Reviews

80%

based on 3 reviews

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Study

Academics 8.7
Support 8.3
Fun 8.3
Housing 8
Safety 9.7

Showing 1 - 3 of 3

I went into this thinking I would be attending French class maybe three days a week, without a schedule or anything. When I arrived, we had class Monday through Friday, alternating between half days and full days of all French. This really put a damper on my experience, as I felt like I didn't have much time to myself. What saved the trip were the excursions with the onsite director to several famous sites, as well as welcome and farewell dinners at fancy restaurants (le fromage et l'eau pour moi, merci). All the time spent on these excursions were the high points of my two and a half months abroad, not including my few solo trips outside of France which were also wonderful. If I could do it again, I wish I could have just done the excursions and spent the rest of the time traveling by myself (which isn't to say the education wasn't good--it was, but I didn't know ahead of time how much there would be).

What would you improve about this program?

More accurate information about the program should be included in the promotional materials.

On the street in Vernon en route to Giverny

I loved living in Paris for a month and studying French at the Catholic Institute of Paris through CIS Abroad. I was able to enhance my French skills and meet other study abroad students from around the world. The program director, Drasko, was extremely helpful and I really enjoyed the tours and trips around the city that he organized. One of my favorite excursions was definitely going to Musee D'Orsay and seeing all the mesmerizing art. I had a Eurail pass and spent the weekends visiting other cities and countries. There was so much to explore and it was all so accessible from Paris!

What would you improve about this program?

I would have really liked to interact with local people on a more personal level, especially other college students. As it was, the study abroad kids always had classes together and lived together, so it was difficult to make friends with young French people who could have really enhanced our understanding of the language and the culture.

My time in Paris, France was amazing to say the least. Paris has always been my dream to go and visit but I had the opportunity to not only live there but go to school as well. I went into the program knowing little to no French and it was a great risk I was taking. However, it was the most rewarding experience I have ever had. I not only got to further my French speaking skills it showed that I can overcome difficult situations in positive ways. Going abroad gives one valuable skills that you will have for the rest of your life. I loved my time in France! I enjoyed it so much that it inspired me to go abroad again with CISabroad! Traveling and indulging in new cultures led me to find my passion in life and try to pursue a career in it. I recommend everyone and anyone to study away at least once in their life.

What would you improve about this program?

I don't think that there is much improvement needed for this program. The only thing that stressed me out a little, was not knowing where I am living or who I am living with until a day or two before I left for France. Maybe having it where one can opt into receiving their roommates contact information before heading abroad!

Sacré-Cœur Visit from Study Abroad in Paris, France

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose to study abroad in Paris because it has always been my dream. I didn't have the opportunity in high school to take French classes and knew I wanted to at some point in my life. I went to Paris knowing little French so that aspect scared me a little but it turned out to be incredible.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

My university program helped me out tremendously. They laid out what courses I would be taking and how many credits I would be earning for the classes. They even sat me down and helped me plan out what courses I would need for my French minor. We also attended a Study Abroad informational session. The session had information from safety to finances to what you need to pack. We were also informed about different ways to book cheap flights which I loved!

I didn't have to organize anything on my own. The programs fees covered everything. The only thing I had to really plan was when it came down to what I wanted to do on my own time in France. We, students, received airport pickup to our apartment and informational packets once we were settled in. They did an amazing job at relieving any nerves one would have beforehand as well as once there.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

DO IT! I always tell anyone and everyone I can that studying away is a must. If they are not interested in going abroad to study, they may be interested in volunteering or interning abroad.

I personally did tons of research and read articles ahead of time about Paris and France in general. I recommend doing your own research to educate yourself on the country you are visiting. I learned some helpful tips on greetings, food, and transportation. It makes you feel more prepared, and that is very beneficial!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

If you go on this program, the average day would be attending classes. I had classes for nearly six hours a day. Some days we would only have classes for three hours but you do have an hour break in between, which is nice.

After classes finished, I would go explore some before going to work out. If you have homework, you would do homework as well. On the weekends, we would go on excursions with our group and sometimes another group. In my spare time, I just explored! On free days, I would plan to travel and see this or this.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear traveling to Paris was my safety. I was nervous due to the bombings occurring in the city, and the relation with the United States was tense at the time.

The great thing with my program is they would send you e-mails and texts everyday about something that happened in the city. For example, if there was an accident or a suspicious box, you would get an email or a text. This allowed me to know what places to avoid during what time. It was extremely helpful and relieved my nerves.

My view on the issue changed in the sense that I shouldn't stress or worry about the unknown. I should always be alert and attentive to matters. You do not want to risk anything, especially overseas!

What do you want to tell other travelers?

I want other travelers to know that when you are overseas, do not limit yourself to the city you are in.

Travel around to other cities or neighboring countries. This is your time to truly find yourself and what makes you happy!

I usually went to places with my roommates but my favorite memory was actually traveling by myself. I went to several different history museums and gardens, and it was the best day.

Knowing that you can accomplish finding your way in an unfamiliar location is the best feeling in the world. It might seem scary at first but once done, you come out feeling more independent and gaining skills you didn't know you had in you! I encourage everyone to challenge themselves.

Location

Location:

Paris

Currency:

Euro

Weather:

Jan-Mar

54 F / 36 F

Apr-Jun

73 F / 45 F

Jul-Sep

77 F / 54 F

Oct-Dec

61 F / 37 F

Airports:

Paris Charles de Gaulle

( CDG )

Paris Orly

( ORY )

If you talk to anyone that has ben to Paris, they will likely tell you that it felt magical. There is something exceptionally different in Paris; it could be the twinkling of the Eiffel tower every night, the smell of fresh bread wafting through the streets at all hours, the abundance of art, or the sheer beauty of Les Jardins. This city will leave you awe-struck.

About CIS Abroad

At CIS Abroad, we're committed to providing the best overall value in study and internship abroad opportunities for every student! CIS Abroad programs are affordable and specialize in providing quality education and support throughout your study or internship abroad experience. Experiences are innovative and focused on cultural immersion through...

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CIS Abroad - Summer in Paris - Language & Culture

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