API Study Abroad Alumni Network

When I chose to partake in this week long program, I had no idea how much I would gain. While my group had free time to explore, the schedule was rigorous and every minute with the staff was dedicated to getting the most out of the experience. Professor Sterns is sharp, fun to be around, and familiar with the metro/transportation methods; your time will not be wasted!

I broadened my understanding of food marketing and production as well as the cultural differences exisiting between the US and France. I can't think of a better atmosphere/city to explore everything food. I was able to tour Rungis, the largest food market in the world; partake in a gourmet food tour (which was incredible); hear a lecture by an OECD representative; and learn the French perspective on food production. While having these opportunities, I didn't miss ascending the Eiffel Tower or experiencing the Louvre, the Notre Dame, and the Saint-Michel. We took an awesome, educational boat ride down the Seine, completed an AOC cheese tasting, visited a massive trade show, and participated in a scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt took place at the end of the week and involved everything we learned about communication, French food production/marketing (AOC, differentiation, organics), and the beautiful city itself! Collecting our scavenged goods, we met at the Tuliers Gardens and had the best picnic I've ever experienced.

If you're thinking about it, I would definitely say go for it!!

Honestly, this program was everything I was looking for and more. Not only was the academic environment pertinent to our major but it shed an exciting light on what the future holds. This class provided an excellent social atmosphere in which we could learn actively and enjoy ourselves along with everything the city has to offer.

Dr. Sterns and the rest of the staff were amazing to say the least. Rungis was a once in a lifetime experience but the culmination for me was the scavenger hunt that tested everything we learned throughout the week. Soooooo much fun I wish I could do every country in the world like this. Don't miss out

I will remember this program for the rest of my life. Our activities and excursions were so wonderful because there were things someone visiting Paris on their own would either not be able to do or not think to do. We attended the Foie de Paris, a huge fair/expo that featured goods from all across Europe. Most memorable was our tour of Rungis, the world's largest wholesale food market, as seen on the Paris episode of No Reservations. It was such an experience, and so unique being able to see all the food (and flowers) from all around the world in one place.

Commodities to Cafes was a great trip throughout which I was able to learn a lot about French agricultural practices, food marketing, and terroir. When you're not participating in class, field trips, or scavenger hunts there is plenty of time to sight see.

Dr. Sterns is one of the most knowledgeable professors I have ever had the pleasure of studying under as well as an excellent guide to Paris.

Cultural Embrace has made my experience in China worthwhile and extremely memorable. Firstly, one of the things that attracted me to this program was its affordability: $500 plus plane ticket fare. I only paid for food and souvenirs; Cultural Embrace paid for our apartment, which was located conveniently in downtown Beijing and beside the Silk Market. As an added bonus, I received $250 back after I sent in 3 reflections after the trip. This was easily the cheapest trip I've been on. Also, the support staff was wonderful: Emlyn Lee, the founder of Cultural Embrace, is a very outgoing and dedicated woman. She even accompanied the China group for awhile to make sure everything was running in good order.

China is a very crazy place, I won't lie. However, I believe that this is what made the entire trip unforgettable. The social life is great,especially in Beijing, where I was placed. The students I worked with ranged from 13 to 18 years old; yet, all were eager to learn and were extremely friendly. Also, the +20 people I traveled with were exceptional, and I am still in contact with many of them today.

All in all, I really enjoyed my trip to China with Cultural Embrace, and I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who loves to experience new places and cultures. Good luck!