My EF Experience in Paris

My time here in Paris with EF ILC has been life-changing thus far.

Even though two weeks isn't enough time to learn a language, I've been grateful for this opportunity to learn French and spend my time here living like a local. I'm breaking it down into categories of what it's like to study abroad with EF ILC. I'll be sharing part two next week!  - HOST FAMILY / LIVING LIKE A LOCAL - EF PARIS SCHOOL - EF ACTIVITIES
Sidenote: For those of you who are interested in studying abroad with EF ILC, click here for more information.  Use the promo code: GRACEINPARIS for 10% OFF any course! 

HOST FAMILY / LIVING LIKE A LOCAL:

 My host family has been the sweetest and I've loved being a part of their family for the time being. The host mom likes to make me cappuccinos in the mornings, and asks how my day is every night at dinner. Speaking of dinner... I love coming home at the end of the day because the dinner never disappoints. 
P.S. For someone who doesn't like bread, I've been eating a lot of it here. When in Paris... right? 
And croissants. You can't forget croissants too.  I highly recommend living with a host family because you really start to get accustomed to hearing the native language around the house. At dinnertime, it's so interesting to hear the family speak in French (even though I have no idea what they're saying), but I've been able to pick up a couple of words here and there to understand their conversations.

Basically, it forces you to learn the language in a good way.

Even though I haven't been in Paris long enough, I feel like a local already. From day one, I've learned how to use the metro, which is kind of similar to NYC's subway system, and have been mapping everything out to get to each arrondissement. I take the metro every day to get to school and because of that, I pretty much know my way around. I found it interesting that I had to get my photo taken for my metro card. And once you buy a metro card, it never expires. You can use it again the next time you're in Paris. Whereas in New York City, metro cards are like receipts and you go through several in a year, and you buy a new one whenever it expires. 

{ the entrance to the EF Paris school }

EF PARIS SCHOOL:

I'm not going to lie. The classes have been a little tough for me. I entered the school without any knowledge of the French language. However, I was placed in a beginner's class with other students who were kind of in the same boat as me. It was a little reassuring that we were all struggling together and learning the language the same way -- confused, that is. 

All jokes aside, my classes were different each day -- sometimes from 9 AM - 12 PM, and 12 PM - 6 PM. Obviously, there were breaks in between every hour and a half, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets nearby for lunch.

My classes have consisted of grammar, pronunciation, and the basic French class. In these classes, I've learned vocabulary words, French grammar, salutations, and how to introduce yourself. There's a lot of activities within the class and the teachers do their best to make it as fun and interactive as possible. 

{ the beautiful rooftop at the EF Paris school where you can eat lunch, socialize with friends, and do work } 

{ this pizzeria restaurant is located right outside the EF Paris school -- as well as lots of other restaurants, cafes, bakeries and shops } 

{ Je voudrais un croissant s’il vous plaît! 🥐🇫🇷 which means... I would like a croissant please. 

After learning how to say that line in my French 101 class, I decided to try it at a nearby bakery right outside the school. I love how you can take what you learn in class, and then use it right on the streets afterwards. It really helps comprehend the language much better, and really "use" it in the real world versus learning it in class. // here }  

 EF ACTIVITIES:

On the EF ILC app (above) or online, you can sign up for activities that are posted by the EF school. 

In order to join the activities, you must pay for credit points. Through the activities, I've been to Musée D'orsay, Musée du Louvre, Amsterdam, and Arc de triomphe. 

If you don't like visiting places alone, no worries. You'll be with other classmates or friends from EF. Or, you can make new ones. 

On my Amsterdam weekend trip with EF Paris, I made so many new friends. We bonded pretty quickly because we were always doing group activities, tours, and going out after hours.

I'll be doing a Weekend in Amsterdam travel guide soon on the blog!

Stay tuned!

My time here in Paris with EF ILC has been incredible. If I could extend my stay longer, I would. Visiting a foreign country is one thing... but living in one is something that everyone should at least experience once in his or her life. And if you're not sure of which location you want to study abroad at, EF ILC has lots of options you can choose from.

From Spain, France, Italy, Germany, China, Japan, South Korea, Costa Rica...
the options are endless.

You can study for two weeks up to an entire year.
Classes also start every Monday, so you don't have to worry about joining too late!

Click here for more information on how to get started today.

Have any questions? 

Feel free to comment below or shoot me an email!

This is a sponsored post in partnership with EF ILC and Her Campus Media. All words and opinions are my own.