My study abroad experience with the Institute for Field Education (IFE) was amazing; I wish I could do it all again! I participated in the Paris program. This program consists of five weeks of preparatory classes, a one-week break, and then a 12-week internship period. During the first five weeks, you take three classes to get your French level up to par for your internship. Thanks to IFE’s wildly connected network of employers, you get an internship in your preferred field. I interned at the department of Ecological Transition and Climate Change at the City of Paris and loved it.
My sub-department focused on the Seine and we took part in the project of implementing swimming zones (open water pools) in the Seine for the Summer 2024 Olympic Games. I learned so much about water policy and environmental project planning, improved my French, and gained real work experience.
While in Paris, I was able to travel to multiple different countries and other cities in France which was an amazing opportunity that I encourage everyone who studies abroad to take advantage of. As an environmental engineering major, I thought studying abroad during the year would be impossible, but after a couple meetings with my advisor, we figured it out! Overall, it was one of the best times of my life and I encourage every student to study abroad.
For students who are curious and would like to learn more about IFE, I would recommend that they check out IFE’s YouTube channel, which features student-made videos about their experiences in internship-based study abroad programs in Brussels, Paris, and Strasbourg. My video was about my top 10 things to do in Paris.
IFE has internship-based study abroad programs in Paris, Brussels, and Strasbourg. All of these programs are aligned with the University of California’s Education Abroad Program (UCEAP), so credits, aid, and scholarship transfer seamlessly. If you are interested in knowing more about the program, or about study abroad in general, contact Amy Lowrey or Prof. Claire Goldstein.