ISA Study Abroad in Paris, France

Going abroad with ISA was one of the best decisions of my life, even though it tragically got cut short by COVID. I went abroad in Spring of 2020 and I had the most amazing 6 weeks of my life. I loved the university, Le Catho, where I studied French language and culture. My French skills grew exponentially in that short period of time. I chose to live in a homestay which was really special because I developed a beautiful relationship with my host mother. I also loved the excursions they took us on, such as Normandy and Mont Michel! The on-site staff were also amazing people, allowing for a seamless transition from arrival to daily life. Getting sent home from COVID was very jarring, and hard for both myself and ISA. They were able to do the best they could in the circumstances and I was appreciative of their support during those hard times.

If you are trying to decide which studying abroad program to use definitely use ISA. They plan many cultural and transitional excursions and activities while you are in Paris, which I found beneficial! If you are trying to decide which city to study in go to Paris, I think you will be surprised with this city. Paris is not a big “busy” city like New York. Everybody is much more relaxed and moves at a slower place which makes it much less intimidating. All of the little neighborhoods within the city are very charming and quaint. Additionally, it’s a very good city to leave from to travel to other places because Charles de Gaulle Airport is so big. Overall I would definitely recommend using ISA Paris! You will be amazed with how welcoming they are and how amazing France is!

Going to Paris is something I can now cross off on my bucket list and because of it, there have been so many other countries that I have added and crossed off as well. Studying abroad has made me the adventurer I am today that I did not think I was yesterday. My experience is something I would not change for the world, I'd actually love to replay it.

With regards to the program: I am definitely a planner and having ISA plan out everything perfectly, allowed me to just do the things I wanted to do! My favorite part of ISA (well, besides AnnaMaria and the rest of the staff) were the cultural exchanges and excursions. ISA made these trips a reality that I do not know if I would have done them on my own. The cultural exchanges allowed me to have a true cultural experience and meet some of the best people I know.
I learned a lot from the excursions and some were the most fun I had abroad.
Who can say they toured the most beautiful churches? Took a french pastry class? Who can say they have French best friends who travel the world together..... I can. All thanks to ISA.

I absolutely loved my experience with isa! It was the most life-changing experience I’ve ever had and I wouldn’t trade my experience for the world: the good, the bad, and the ugly. From day 1 of applying to isa, the Austin staff was extremely helpful and supportive of making sure I got all the right paperwork done and my visa was processed correctly! In fact, I actually ended up missing a form the day before my embassy interview and isa overnighted it to me so that I wouldn’t have to miss my appointment. The great thing about studying abroad with a provider like isa is that they take care of the logistics for you. I got on my plane to Paris knowing that someone had set up my housing, someone was going to pick me up at the airport, I was registered for classes, etc. The on-site staff was really helpful and supportive with some health care issues I had too which I really appreciated since my French was not very good!

Paris is a beautiful city and while many say they fall in love in Paris, I would say I fell in love with Paris! There’s nothing like an afternoon stroll along the seine, eating a crepe at Trocadero while gazing at the Eiffel Tower, spending long afternoons at sidewalk cafes, or getting your bread fresh every morning. Paris is also a fantastic city to study abroad in because it is so close to other amazing cities in Europe. During my study abroad experience I visited 6 other countries and countless cities. The relatively cheap and easy travel is one of the huge perks of being in continental Europe.

Studying abroad really teaches you to be independent, learn a new language and culture, adapt to countless circumstances, and discover who you are. It takes a leap of faith to be willing to leave everything behind and step into the unknown, but I promise it is a decision you will never regret! Now what are you waiting for? Go Study Abroad!!!

ISA was incredible. Both their staff and their prearranged excursions made my experience abroad truly unforgettable. Classes were based on placement tests which made them both challenging and rewarding. The professors really encouraged you to speak the language at all times which really made the experience all the more authentic on the streets of Paris. The classes were manageable and left plenty of time for exploring the city and traveling. The ISA staff were diverse and full of knowledge. They were easy to talk to and made the transition that much easier. The weekend trips around France were full of culture and awesome food. An even mix of history and downtime to wander and relax always made me look forward to the next trip!

Out of all the life decisions I've made thus far, studying abroad in Paris was the best. Being in Paris made me feel like a whole new person. I got to learn about myself, meet new people, and live in a city which I've always dreamt of. To say my experiences was amazing would be an understatement. To top things off the ISA staff in Paris were very friendly, young and a lot of fun. They were very helpful and gave us really great suggestions on where to go and what to eat. They became my second family. I am very grateful for this experience and would strongly recommend everyone to study abroad.

I felt compelled to write this review because I am now studying with another program in France currently, and have been amazed how it has already far exceeded everything ISA ever did for me. The ISA staff in Paris were generally cold, rude, and constantly trying to sell us things. Extremely unhelpful in providing useful advice and tips on local information, or organizing trips and events INCLUDED in the already hefty price. Placement into our classes was very poorly done, and the options for classes were non-existent. My host mom was clearly doing the gig for the money, did not even know who ISA was, and would regularly scream at our neighbors during the night. I would very much urge those considering study abroad to consider the price you pay, and search for another program that can offer you more.

One of the worst programs I have ever been through. I'm not sure what is worse: the lack of communication and willingness to help you in necessary situations, or their horrible fake persona. They are scammers. They care more about the money in this situation than helping you out in a foreign country. Say they offer you advice, but never make you feel at home. Not recommended. Half of the staff are cold individuals who don't seem to care about your well being and overall happiness.