Location:

Paris, France

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

High School

Term:

Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

AFS (formerly the American Field Service) is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in more than 40 countries around the world. We've been exchanging students throughout the world for 60 years. That is six decades of history and experience in international education with an exemplary record of safety, security, and service to students, parents, and educators.

AFS Mission: AFS-USA works toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities through a global volunteer partnership.

AFS offers year, semester, and summer programs to destinations throughout France. AFS is currently offering hundreds of scholarships for students flexible with their country choice and ready for an adventure.

Paris is magnificent, but France is much more than one city. There's the beautiful countryside from the Atlantic to the Alps and from the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea; a vibrant history and culture for you to learn; and an artistic soul that will inspire you... France's schooling system is much different than the one in the U.S. All high school students take the same courses until the 11th grade where the classes divide into specific study fields. These study fields lead student towards the direction of what they hope to be learning once they reach their high education (college). At the end of 11th grade students take the first part of the Baccalauréat which pertains specifically to their study field. Once in 12th grade students follow the same study field which they have chosen in 11th grade with the addition of philisophy and at the end take the last part of the Baccalauréat in order to receive their diploma. Below are the different study fields offered in the French school system. L (Literature) : main subjects are French, foreign languages, history and geography S (Sciences) : main subjects are mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology ES (Economics) : main subjects are economics, history, geography, French and foreign languages STT (Business, computer, etc.) : main subjects are economics, law, management and French At the end of the year of 11th grade, students of L and ES sections take their French exam plus biology, physics and chemistry.

Colleges recommend high school study abroad experiences - as these programs provide the opportunity to develop confidence and self-reliance before pursuing higher education. In addition, after exploring the world you may have a clearer vision of what you'd like to study in college. As a result, you may spend less time switching majors, which means you'll save time and money. An exchange program also boosts college applications and gives you an immediate advantage when applying for scholarships.

Plus, the language skills you develop on an AFS program might exempt you from required language courses, thus enabling you to finish college sooner. Some students have received as much as 18 hours language credit-almost enough to provide a minor in language and a huge financial savings when you figure the cost of credits.

Setting Description:

Each region of France looks and feels different, and with AFS, you'll discover what it means to live in France as a local. France's culture is known the world over, from architecture to painting to food to philosophy, so it's easy to understand why this country is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Most host families live in small towns or villages, which will help you feel part of the community as you make new friends and enjoy daily life.