Highschooler Studying Abroad in France

[Anonymous]

DD would like to study abroad for a semester of high school. Looking for experiences specific to France. What agency did you use? Did they let you specify a city? Were grades given? She would also like to specify Paris area because she has an Aunt that travels there for work. We’re thinking one semester most likely spring. Any input on that would be helpful as well.

[Anonymous]

Does your high school have any thoughts? They may only accept certain programs, so they might have it narrowed down for you already.

[Anonymous]

My daughter wants to be in Paris which narrows the options considerably. She also wants to do spring semester.

I don’t think our high school will give credit, but it is a good suggestion to ask for their opinions. I know of another student that went to Germany for a semester. I have a call out to his mom to ask how that went for him.

[Anonymous]

https://exchanges.state.gov/highschool/

I don't know how up to date it is, but it has some of the more well known and established programs

[Anonymous]

We're French (from Paris) and my kids stayed in their American high schools for the whole 4 years.

From a college admissions point of view, I don't think this is useful - it just screams rich girl caprice. But if this is very meaningful to your child, then by all means... however it's very important to check with the high school to see whether such an absence is allowed, and what the consequences might be for missed work, or missed courses. Will the study abroad organization give her credits that her school is prepared to accept? My children had very intense high school schedules, and missing an entire semester would not have been possible with the goals they set for themselves. My oldest has just completed a junior year study abroad at Sciences Po in Paris, organized by his university, and in that case of course, the credits transfer.

[Anonymous]

OP and I agree this is probably not helpful for college admissions. She most likely will not get credits and have to compress her academic load. But, she wants to achieve fluency and have the experience. We also live in a rural area where the academics offered are not very challenging and I think it would be a good experience to be in a more rigorous environment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter wants to be in Paris which narrows the options considerably. She also wants to do spring semester.

I don’t think our high school will give credit, but it is a good suggestion to ask for their opinions. I know of another student that went to Germany for a semester. I have a call out to his mom to ask how that went for him.

For your DD this could be a wonderful, intercultural experience!

like Emily in Paris!

[Anonymous]

CIEE. Maybe start with a shorter program first.

[Anonymous]

I don't think she'll be able to choose that she wants to stay in Paris, unless you do a summer program through your church or something like that.

I highly recommend Youth For Understanding if you want to do a year long exchange program. Great organization, I have personal experience with them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter wants to be in Paris which narrows the options considerably. She also wants to do spring semester.

I don’t think our high school will give credit, but it is a good suggestion to ask for their opinions. I know of another student that went to Germany for a semester. I have a call out to his mom to ask how that went for him.

Why not just have her do a gap year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter wants to be in Paris which narrows the options considerably. She also wants to do spring semester.

I don’t think our high school will give credit, but it is a good suggestion to ask for their opinions. I know of another student that went to Germany for a semester. I have a call out to his mom to ask how that went for him.

For your DD this could be a wonderful, intercultural experience!

like Emily in Paris!

French PP here. I agree that studying abroad can be a wonderful experience, although personally I would have her wait until she's an adult and can do more things on her own.

But please don't mention that horrible Emily in Paris! It has nothing to do with reality, I hope you know this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter wants to be in Paris which narrows the options considerably. She also wants to do spring semester.

I don’t think our high school will give credit, but it is a good suggestion to ask for their opinions. I know of another student that went to Germany for a semester. I have a call out to his mom to ask how that went for him.

For your DD this could be a wonderful, intercultural experience!

like Emily in Paris!

French PP here. I agree that studying abroad can be a wonderful experience, although personally I would have her wait until she's an adult and can do more things on her own.

But please don't mention that horrible Emily in Paris! It has nothing to do with reality, I hope you know this.

OP, neither of us have watched it so no.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter wants to be in Paris which narrows the options considerably. She also wants to do spring semester.

I don’t think our high school will give credit, but it is a good suggestion to ask for their opinions. I know of another student that went to Germany for a semester. I have a call out to his mom to ask how that went for him.

Why not just have her do a gap year.

This is the answer.

If she’s in a public school, it’s not going to fly for her to jest get no credits for half the year, states don’t require just that you get the work done, there are also attendance requirements…plus how would this even work given that most classes are full year? Plus selective colleges want to see 4 full years of English, math, science, etc.

[Anonymous]

Why not do this in colleges…many colleges have semester long Paris program, so it’s already set up for you and she can earn credits.

[Anonymous]

Many exchange programs listed on the State Department site will not exist or their scope will be further limited next fiscal year because of the current administration's priorities.

I have experience with AFS, which is well-regarded in this space. CIEE and YFU are also reputable organizations that operate in this space, providing support and infrastructure once your child is in country and if/when issues arise.

Most agencies do not allow you to specify a city but will let you indicate preferred country. Credit may or may be given and so you will want to check with your child's guidance counselor.

Good luck!