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AIFS: Paris - Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne

Program Information

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Program Provider:

AIFS

Location:

Official Website:

Visit Official Website

Year Founded:

1950

Program length:

Academic year, fall or spring semester, and Summer program

Deadlines:

Click here

Language Requirement:

None

16 reviews

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Take in all that Paris has to offer while perfecting your French in “La Ville Lumière” (the City of Light). Through the years, the city has drawn intellectuals, free-thinkers, artists and revolutionaries. Paris is one of the world’s major global cities with a strong influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, an...

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Student Reviews

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danielle sweeny

01/10/12

An Anglophone in Paris, France.

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These words of wisdom can be used for any student going anywhere. Be aware of how much money you spend in the first 2 weeks. Especially if you're losing money on the exchange rate, it does go faster than you realize. And do NOT try and keep up with the spending habits of other kids, getting drunk that much in a new exciting place isn't really that great if you think abo... view full review

Molly19

10/19/11

AIFS in Paris at the Sorbonne was awesome.

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0 of 1 people think this review is helpful

I still don't understand French grading--its on a scale of 1-20. French professors are much more harsh and frank than American professors. view full review

Elise Fleming

09/14/11

Paris, Je T'Aime

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1 of 1 people think this review is helpful

I am more independent and confident--if I can figure out how to navigate and survive in a city where I hardly speak the language, I can sure as hell do anything I need to do here in America. It motivated me to learn French as well as I can, and it made me realize that there really are foreign people in the world--Americans tend to never look past our borders, but my exper... view full review

Kristie Quach

08/17/11

It was the best experience of my life.

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The program directors were amazing and super helpful. view full review

linzelise

08/13/11

Exploring Paris with AIFS

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NO daily homework like we get in American language classes - just big assignments and tests. Most of your grade is from the final. Fortunately, the AIFS classes were really easy, which was fine with me because my priority was learning the language. I did that in my French and phonetics classes and in everyday life - you learn a ton of French in bar/café discussions with s... view full review

Raychaelle_656

06/14/11

"Je Ne Regrette Rien!"

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The grading system in France is very different, as there are no As, Bs, etc. Instead, there is a 1-20 scale, 20 being the highest (and rarest) score possible. The average score is a 16. There were no multiple choice exams; instead, a series of questions is given which one uses to write an essay. In regular courses (non-language), there are few opportunities to raise one's ... view full review

Michael Gerrish

06/09/11

Living in France is like living in a mirror America

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absolutely, I live in France full time now so it gave me the confidence and skills I needed to fully immerse. view full review

Gordon

02/11/11

Paris: Hard to Summarize in a Review

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It was fun and memorable, but it did get frustrating at times. I loved it and I hated it. But the friendships I took away from my semester abroad made the experience definitely worth it. view full review

Noelle2

11/26/10

Paris: Amazing! I miss it and can't wait to visit again.

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The best thing is to be open to trying new things, however there are always little reminders of home. Find a friend or two in your study abroad group, as it helps to have people around to go do things with for motivation as well. In the 8th arrondisment, there is a restaurant that serves an American-style breakfast on Sundays. Toward the end of the trip, it was beautifu... view full review

Svetlana Sandler

10/11/10

Paris is Amazing!

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This was a most amazing experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who even thinks its a good idea. Its the best idea! It completely changed my life. view full review

Sasha Snow

08/30/10

Paris Was the Best Decision I've Ever Made

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1 of 1 people think this review is helpful

Do not study abroad unless you are willing to speak the language, eat the food, and actually learn something. Paris is perfect for someone who KNOWS some French, likes going out at night, isn't afraid of lots of people, and is willing to walk a LOT view full review

Emilie

08/18/10

You may know Paris but you don't know Paree

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Study Abroad in Paris was one of the most amazing experiences I've had so far. When you go abroad you have this idea of knocking out all the sights and you make a list of all the museums you're going to see. But once you get there you kind of realize that it's not all about sightseeing. It's more about just living there. You need to adjust and remind yourself that you'... view full review

DBeavers

08/16/10

Paris: The City That (Literally) Never Sleeps and What I Learned

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0 of 1 people think this review is helpful

I thought the trip was amazing, and would do it again in a heartbeat. I was a little dissatisfied with my living arrangement (namely how small it was) but the program was well run, and the advisors overseas were wonderful. I learned a lot, especially in my interactions with other people, and would very much recommend the program to other students. view full review

Lauren Ibanez

07/19/10

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1 of 1 people think this review is helpful

Classes were very easy compared to UT courses. The workload was very light and the tests were not challenging or surprising. It was nice to not deal with the pressure of school while there. The classes were interesting despite their ease and many of them helped you learn about Paris through tours of the city. view full review

Andrea Liner

07/09/10

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The experience was life-changing and made me appreciate other cultures and my own a lot more. I've never been prouder to be an American. view full review

Shelly

02/03/09

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Not Helpful

Yes, very worthwhile. Don't regret anything, even if I do have a few minor complaints. I think I still have a lot to learn about myself and what I gained from the trip, I don't think I will entirely know for a while. I still need to see how things have effected me. I don't want to jump to conclusions on such an amazing once in a lifetime experience. I just took it for what... view full review

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