Discovering A New Place To Call Home Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Naturally, some of my classes were more difficult than others but no matter the rigor, I always felt that API provided me the resources to succeed. When I was struggling with homework from one of my classes, the on site staff in Grenoble sat down with me to answer any questions I had and ultimately help me understand the material.

On-site administration of your program

The on-site staff in Grenoble are incredible! They provided around the clock support if needed, but also allowed students to seek independent opportunities which furthered student growth. The staff offered to make doctors appointments when I was sick, gave me advice on personal problems, and even helped me discover an assistant teaching opportunity in Grenoble!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I filled out a pretty detailed living arrangement survey before my semester abroad and nearly all of my preferences were met. For example, I requested (and was placed with) a non-smoking family, with multiple kids, who loved the outdoors and doing things together as a family.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was pretty well integrated with local culture because of the strong relationships I had formed with my host family and the friends of my host family. However, I wish I would have been able to interact with more students at the University. Since my classes were all with other foreigners learning French, it did not provide an opportunity to mix with French students in that way.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I actually went to the doctor twice during my semester abroad. Getting an appointment was a super simple process because the on-site staff of API offered to contact the doctor's office and make one for me. API uses the same doctor's office (and typically doctor) for all student needs. Consequently, the doctor is familiar with American students who might not be able to speak French well and she does really well trying to find ways to communicate if barriers exist. The only reason I rated health care lower is because of the reimbursement policy. I had been told it would be approximately X weeks before I received reimbursement for my medical treatment and in fact it was nearly double that length of time before I got a check in the mail.

There was never really a time when I felt unsafe in my host city. I lived just outside of the normal city limits of Grenoble and frequently walked home alone late at night. Contrastingly, I don't recommend walking alone in the city center late at night - there are a lot of people up and about so I was more comfortable in a group in those situations.

Overall I had an amazing experience with API. I felt like I was given the perfect amount of support while still being challenged to grow.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I definitely did not live on a student's budget. I spent A LOT of money during my semester abroad but I also traveled to new countries and cities nearly every weekend.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

• On-site directors
• Perfect host family placement
• Orientation in Paris

• Health Care Policy
• Optional courses with locals

The Avid Adventurer