I experienced the Intensive French program in Grenoble in the Spring 2009. This program changed my perspective on the world as well as enhancing my abilities in the French language. I know for a fact that I would not be as successful now in my field of study if I had not had the experience I had with this program.
I went into my program thinking I would understand everything immediately and become fluent by the time I left. I found out quickly how idealistic and unrealistic my expectations were. I did not understand everything, and it took a lot of work to get to the point where I could understand French fairly well. No, I didn't leave France fluent either. However, my time in Grenoble helped me so much in gaining confidence in my abilities as well as in my understanding of French culture.
The staff of AIFS were vary supportive in helping me throughout my time there. I loved how I could meet with my resident director, and she would help me think through the difficulties or misunderstandings I was having. She was knowledgeable and very supportive because she knew French culture and she knew how best to help American students struggling with culture shock or just trying to understand and speak French. She taught me how to laugh at my mistakes as well as how to view French culture in a different way.
The people of Grenoble were generally very friendly. You have to understand though that it is a different culture, thus, their way of engaging in conversation and making friends is different from that of Americans. However, most of them were delighted that I was trying to speak French and they would even correct me when I made mistakes. For example, I had a cashier at a restaurant correct my pronunciation and vocabulary from time to time. He told me to keep trying though.
The living experience was a great experience! I really loved my host family, and I still keep in touch with them. They fixed good French meals and Madame would tell me about the food and where the recipes originated. They were very sweet to me and a very large part of my experience.
Academically, the program boosted my understanding and abilities in French. A professor at my home university in Texas commented after I returned that he could see a huge difference in my progress from before I went and after I returned. Yes, the classes I took in Grenoble often did seem long and difficult, but it was worth it in the end.
I would highly recommend my program to anyone who is wanting to take some major steps in their abilities in French and in gaining understanding of another culture. This program will also give a student the opportunity to experience French culture in a daily life setting. This setting is the best way to better learn a language and a culture.

One of the best experiences I had in college was studying abroad in Cannes. I went for my spring semester, which was perfect because we were there for the festival. Being a part of the AIFS group was wonderful - I loved that we came from different schools and different parts of the country. We all became friends, and some I became close enough with that I still name them as some of my best friends, and keep in touch with them today. The two AIFS representatives in Cannes with us were like older sisters - helpful, warm, and knowledgeable.

We also had a great time being in the Collège in Cannes - it gave a great opportunity to make friends with international students all over the world - from France to Brazil to Switzerland to Japan. Having mixed classes with different nationalities gave a much better perspective on learning the French language, and the classes were challenging but engaging. Living day-to-day at the Collège was great; I especially enjoyed living right next to the beach, where we would often spend our afternoons in the sun and evenings hanging out with friends, as well as my specific Art History and French Civilization classes. It was my first experience taking French classes that were subject-specific, as opposed to just general language classes, and it was a great way to learn that really interested me.

The trips - to London, Paris, and around Provence - were extremely well organized and I always enjoyed the activities we did, as well as appreciated the free time and choice we were given. It was a nice contrast from a trip I took in high school: although things are planned for you, you are given the freedom to come and go as you like. I usually chose to stay with the group as the things we saw, such as the ampitheatre in Nîmes, a winery in Provence, and a Cabaret in Paris, were always fun and great opportunities. It was perfect that these trips were included in the package and we didn't need to pay extra.

Staying in Cannes also had the benefit of the Film Festival in May, and we had unique opportunities through our program to go to film screenings, walk the red carpet, and help out at a gala event all through AIFS, and for free.

All in all it was a unique, well-organized, exciting experience that I will always cherish.

The AIFS Cannes, France program had everything: challenging courses for every level with great teachers, beautiful and exotic scenery, safe environment for everyone to enjoy themselves, opportunities to gain work or internship experience and travel throughout Europe and even Northern Africa at affordable prices, etc. It was definitely one of the greatest experiences in my life.

I absolutely loved studying abroad in Cannes - it is one of the highlights of my college experience. The people at the College are incredibly helpful and willing to do almost anything to make your experience the best it can be. The university housing is very nice - the dorms are clean and neat with more than adequate space. The classes, while challenging, are great. They require effort, but are not overwhelming. I had the most amazing study abroad experience I could have asked for, and made friends I still keep today. It was fun, eye-opening, and made me stretch myself and learn in ways I never before thought possible.

This program caters to a broad range of people.

Our Spring 2008 group had students who had never been out of the country and chose to live on-campus, while some more advanced French speakers lived in homestays or in off-campus apartments. The living options make it easy to tailor everything to your comfort and independence level. I was in an off-campus apartment, which meant more freedom, and being able to cook your own food. We had an amazing outdoor market in front of our place every week, so it was popular to shop there.

On-campus people had meal plans with the school, so they were a bit more limited. (Living on-campus also had a 2am curfew/lockout, so beware of that.)

My only words of wisdom are to understand that this is an American-heavy program. Since you're surrounded by dozens of fellow Americans in classes and housing, it's easy to bond with them and forget to explore what makes the French tick.

I'll always remember the night my friend and I were sitting elbow-to-elbow in this crowded Basque restaurant in the 11th arrondissement. The people next to me heard us speaking English and asked us how we liked France. We talked with them for the entire dinner. These kind of situations really made the semester memorable, and probably wouldn't have happened if we'd been a huge group of Americans.

Take advantage of the support and cultural activities AIFS provides, but remember to get out and break free from the group when you can!