Academic Programs Abroad (APA)

I was part of the Fall 2024 APA:FMS program and my experience served as a pivotal point in my academic and personal life. So much so that I joined my colleges's study abroad advising team to urge students to not only go abroad but to go abroad with APA. My review will be divided into multiple parts, ranging from the program's structure to its impact, as I look back a year later. When I approached planing to study abroad my focus was on the country(ies) that I wanted to live and study in, I did not realize how much the program I selected would influence my experience. I was lucky to be recommended APA by a friend, but I think it should be public knowledge how much of a gem APA's structure is for anyone looking to study in a francophone country. The program's mission is immersion, so there is a great emphasis and effort put towards ensuring that students experience the country as a local would. This means the team of the program is greatly involved in helping the students navigate and integrate into local life. for example, I remember the program arranged for all students to arrive at the same time so that the director of the program could pick us up and welcome us to France. Another example of how APA go about immersion is excursions. APA value academic exposure as much as cultural exposure. Meaning, while in another program I would have to plan weekend-trip, and research on my own activities to do, APA already arranged. At the beginning of the program students receive both an academic and excursion calendar. Meaning Upon arrival I had a calendar packed with plays, concerts, wine tasting, cheese tasting. museums visit, and weekend getaway to different parts of the countries already planned and organized for me to attend. to go back to the involvement of the team, I remember how the founder of the program would sometimes join the cohort to attend concerts, we had mental-health workshops, and students were invited to have coffee chats with the founded of the program. Going abroad can seem daunting, but APA has such a diverse team and they are so involved, I not only felt supported but I felt like I joined a family. APA-FMS: APA-FMS is the acronym for the multi-country study abroad program I did with APA where during one semester I lived in studied in 3 countries! whenever it is proposed to students to go abroad it's often a semester in 1 country, so I was totally captivated by the idea that within one semester I could study in three countries across two continents with very different culture(France;Morocco;Senegal). It was the best decision I could have made. Aside from immigrating to the united states as a child I had never travelled, so the program was appealing for me in the sense that it would afford me the chance to travel and get to know the countries from a local perspective. AS part of the program students will stay in each country for 5-8 weeks, and take classes that will be taught across the historical context of three countries. YES, your institution will accept the credit for the FMS classes, I go to harvard and they counted the APA:FMS classes as elective credit, but I know other institutions will count the classes towards your major requirements. The FMS program requires that all students live in homestays, meaning with host family. I was little apprehensive about the concept but it turned out to be one of the best parts of the program. first the "host family" structure looks difference for everyone, while I stayed with a family of 6 with children, someone in the program lived with an elderly grandmother living alone, another a young filmmaker. The families we lived in depended on our preferences and requests. Staying with host families helped with my homesickness as I had a support system to whom I went home to every day abroad. In France, as a Christian, I was placed with a Christian family who took me to church on Sundays and nurtured my love for yogurt by teaching me how to make it fresh. In Morocco, my host mom taught me how to bargain and my host sisters helped me discover the beaches. In senegal my host mom taught me how to cook local cuisine, she took me to her favorite hairtylist, and took me to her friend's wedding. However, the beauty of FMS is that it ensured that my experience is one and my own. My friend in the program, who is a film major, was matched with host who is a young filmmaker so while I was making yogurt thursday nights, she was out at different bars in Paris brainstorming ideas for future projects. Additionally APA's mission of immersion carries on across all three countries, meaning in every countries we are taken to art exhibition, concerts, plays, movies, restaurants.APA also organized various week-end getways to different parts of each country. Meaning, while in lived in the capital of all three countries during the program, I am well acquainted to the country side of each country and various cities in each country. Ultimately studying in 3 countries was an amazing experience. APA-FMS taught me how to trust myself as I had to navigate three countries. The multi-country program APA offers is unique as it not only provides provides substantial support and resources for students to live and study in three countries but it helps students built a network of connection that will facilitate returning to these countries. Having done the program I now have the connection 12 professors spanning from France to senegal. One of the professors from the program even wrote my recommendation letter for an internship in Europe. Having done the program I have a network of loved ones across the world as a year later I am still in contact with my host families. Academic: the program has an academic structure where professors are solicited from different universities across the the country and come to the students to teach classes. This means that as part of the FMS program you are not going to be enrolling in a university in each country but rather APA will have professors come teach your cohort at their office space. The great plus of this structure is that the cohorts are not big so you will have the opportunity to get to know your professors who are often renowned for their work in the country. Another benefit of this structure is it facilitates participation, as you are not intimidated by local students but are learning with your friends in the program. My review is overwhelmingly positive, because my experience was overwhelmingly positive. But, while the reality of this program was fun, adventurous, exciting, and beautiful, it was also difficult in some ways. As a french program, immersing yourself in french in the classroom and home can be a challenge and at times tiring when you are not used to speaking french all the time. Therefore I would recommend watching french tiktoks, reading french book, and listening to french music before and throughout the program! I would also recommend doing APA’s pre-program where you go ahead of the program and APA’s teaching staff will help you become acquainted with academic writing in a francophone context. Travelling, living and studying broad in three countries within 4 months can also be mentally and physically taxing(fatigue and mental health). So keeping up with hobbies, families and friends back home, and resting is indispensable.

I decided to study abroad in Paris with APA due to it offering the rare chance to immerse oneself in the French language through the day-to-day operations of the program alongside the option to stay with a host family. I opted to stay with a host family for the entire academic year and it was the best choice I could have made. Aside from greatly improving my French, I also developed deep relationships with my host family that will last forever. At APA, I similarly developed these connections. With it being a small team, you have the unique opportunity to develop personal relationships with the staff who truly know and understand you. Additionally, the program offered endless outings and events to attend, livening up every week with incredible opportunities.

Embarking on an adventure abroad is always a transformative experience, but my time in Paris with the Academic Programs Abroad (APA) was nothing short of extraordinary. From the unique course offerings to the comprehensive cultural immersions, APA provided an unparalleled journey into the heart of French culture, its beauty, its complexities, and its colonial legacy. APA's curriculum is thoughtfully designed, offering a rich selection of courses that delve deep into French history, art, politics, and society. Each class was an invitation to explore the nuances of French culture, encouraging not just academic growth but personal introspection. The professors and instructors, experts in their fields, brought subjects to life with passion and depth, making learning both engaging and impactful. What set APA apart was its commitment to cultural immersion. Through various activities and excursions, I was able to experience France beyond the classroom walls. Visits to historical sites, museums, and cultural landmarks offered a tangible connection to France's past and present. Moreover, APA's focus on the country's colonial legacy provided a critical lens through which to understand its culture and societal dynamics. This aspect of the program was particularly enlightening, offering a comprehensive view of France's impact on the world and the complexities of its multicultural identity. The journey with APA wasn't just about academic enrichment; it was a holistic experience that catered to personal growth and cultural understanding. Living in Paris, navigating its streets, and engaging with its people allowed me to develop a profound connection to the city and its culture. However, immersion in a foreign culture can sometimes be overwhelming. In those moments, APA was a steadfast support system, a "rock" that helped me navigate the challenges of cultural adaptation. The staff's genuine care and guidance ensured that every student felt supported and valued, making the immersive experience more enriching and less daunting. Even after the program concluded, APA's support did not wane. Their continued encouragement and resources have been invaluable as I further my journey with the French language and my connection to France. This ongoing support underscores APA's commitment to its students' long-term growth and their connection to French culture. Reflecting on my time in Paris, it is clear that the experience was transformative. The lessons learned, the connections made, and the cultural insights gained have left an indelible mark on my personal and academic development. My time with APA in Paris is not just a memory to be cherished; it is a foundation upon which I will continue to build my understanding and appreciation of French culture. In sum, my experience with APA in Paris was much more than an academic program abroad; it was a journey of discovery, learning, and personal growth. The comprehensive approach to cultural immersion, coupled with the unwavering support of the APA team, provided a deep and nuanced understanding of French culture. I will forever cherish my time in Paris with APA, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a remarkable program.