IES Abroad Paris

I had an amazing time with the IES BIA Paris program. All the staff were welcoming and friendly, the classes were fantastic, and the housing was safe. I would recommend this program to other students

The IES French Studies program provided me a Fall semester full of self-enhancing opportunity. In a smaller program size of 47, I was able to connect with most, if not all, of the other IES students. The program evaluated us well based on our knowledge and proficiency of the French language. They provided us with a great list of courses, from which I selected History of Photography, History of Architecture and Contemporary France. IES also works with universities throughout Paris, at which a student can branch out and take exterior courses. I had the pleasure of following both a sculpture and a design course at L'Académie de la Croix Nivert. Honestly, my course load was not as intensive as that of my home university, but I don't believe that being abroad is about having such a heavy academic workload.

The staff and professors were willing to help in whatever way they could, but they weren't the most organized nor were they there to baby you. Having them be a little disorganized, a student did have to sort some things out on their own, which permits the student to grow and learn in their own experience. I see IES French Studies - Paris as a program that gives a student just as much as the student gives it. It was a program that introduced us to many doors, but wasn't there to open all of them or push us through. I saw the IES Center as a home base, but not somewhere that I needed to spend all of my time, and it definitely wasn't where the most crucial parts of my education in France came from.

The IES French Studies Program of Paris is a great program for any type of student, but not every student will profit from it in the same ways. It is a program that can be amazing for a social aspect and an educational aspect, but I believe it to be a program that is a guide, and it is up to the students to really utilize the guide.

I absolutely loved my abroad experience with the IES French Studies Program. I decided to apply to the program because I wanted to further my french language skills by taking full french classes. The courses were both challenging but insightful into the French activities. They give the student the option to be as involved or as little involve in the IES organized activities. They make sure that the students have all the tools to have an eventful semester. The administration was approachable, sweet, informative and ALWAYS readily available to help me with all my questions and concerns. I definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to both immerse themselves in the French culture and challenge themselves academically.

Studying abroad was one of the best experiences of my college career this far. I found Paris to be a wonderful city full of art, history, and of course good food! In terms of transportation around the city, you need nothing more than a monthly transportation pass, good for the metro and buses. My classes were challenging but manageable and I loved the staff onsite. I met so many wonderful people and loved exploring the city with friends. Paris is a rather pricey city, so budgeting was a must. Otherwise, it's a city full of opportunity for exploration! I would recommend making a list of things you want to do before going so that you can see everything. I had a mad scramble at the end trying to fit everything in before leaving.

I studied abroad with IES-Paris BIA in the fall of 2014 and it was the best experience of my life! I became more culturally diverse and learned the language even though I was only in the amazing city of Paris for 4 months. The program was great and it involved doing things you wouldn't normally do with your home university like going champagne tasting for a course. Everyone normally says that became a changed person after studying abroad and I didn't think that I would be that person but I did change for the better and glad that I did. I hope one day to return to Paris whether it be for vacation or to work so that I can relive that one semester I studied abroad there.

I studied in Paris, France with IES abroad in the Fall of 2014 and had an absolutely amazing experience. Each member of the IES staff and faculty was incredibly kind and helpful. The program organized several excursions outside of Paris, including trips to Normandy, Reims and Lille, as well as lots of activities within Paris, such as guided tours of art museums and galleries, the different quarters of Paris, and a guided walking tour of different Parisian chocolatiers. There were also opportunities each month for students to win tickets to things like operas, ballets, and soccer games.

The activities planned by the IES staff weren't the only aspects that made the program wonderful. The academic atmosphere was tremendous. I loved each one of my professors and was genuinely interested in all of my classes. I think that IES provides unique classes covering material that students may not otherwise have the opportunity to study. It was also interesting to experience first-hand how French professors teach and grade, and to be able to compare French and American academic systems.

Finally, I felt that the IES staff did a great job encouraging students to fully immerse themselves in the French culture and language, and to make the most of their experience. One of my favorite parts of my time with IES was the weekend trip to Normandy at the end of our two-week orientation. I found that by the end of the trip, I had already made some good friends and felt confident that the rest of the semester would bring things for me. In closing, the IES Abroad French Studies program is a wonderful one, and I highly encourage any student looking to study abroad in Paris to consider going with IES.

IES and its staff at the Paris center are all extremely helpful. All questions or concerns were answered in a timely manner and they prepared us for everything very well. We were given very specific instructions to prepare us for everything, such as a full packet of how to obtain our visas or the week long orientation to explain things about city life specific to Paris like the Metro or how to buy and recharge a cell phone.
The academics were definitely challenging, but not too much that you could not enjoy and immerse yourself in the Parisian culture. After finishing a semester of 5-6 classes all in French, you feel so accomplished and like you can take on anything. Your French will improve immensely and all of the hard work is 100% worth it.
Overall, this was an amazing experience and I wouldn't change it for anything in the world! I highly suggest IES to anyone searching for a study abroad program!
Happy travels!

I studied abroad in Paris at the IES Business and International Affairs Center in the fall of 2014. The teachers and staff at the center were so knowledgable, personable, and helpful that they made me want to visit the center even if I didn't have class. In addition, Paris as a city was absolutely incredible. The city gives you so many opportunities to explore French culture, food, history, architecture, art, and nightlife. The program also gave us the opportunity to explore other cities outside of Paris which was amazing. This was by far the best decision I have ever made, and if I was to do it again, I would go back to the same place and people in a heartbeat.