Hey, all! I really want to study abroad in France for the 2016-2017 academic year. I’m currently a high school sophomore. Do any of you have any personal experience or otherwise know of any high school study abroad program that operates in France that you would consider the best?
Basically, my criteria for the “best” is:
-high academic standards
-possible college credit
-possible IB
-shines in the eyes of universities
-possibly operates in Paris (this doesn’t really matter, but you know, Paris)
Oh, and I’d like the program to be legit and not force me to join ISIS.
I have researched programs, but I’d like to get some information outside of the website.
Oh, and if you do know of a program, about how difficult to get into would you say the program is?
Thanks and have a great day!
Rotary looks good because you have to be selected for the program – it’s not just “pay-to-play” – and it’s heavily subsidized, so cheaper for you. You would live with a local family and attend a local lycee. Which, as you know, are pretty demanding. I know you want Paris but really, there are SO MANY foreigners there, that you’d be better off in some smaller city where you’re more likely to make friends and truly become a part of the community/school.
https://www.rotary.org/en/get-involved/exchange-ideas/youth-exchanges
Besides Rotary, pretty much any of the big student exchange programs – AFS, for example – will look good, although it’s hard to say what you mean by “shines in the eyes of universities,” lol.
A year abroad is sort of like THE ultimate EC that demonstrates maturity, risk-taking and perseverance.