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Paris - French Studies
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses that explore French Language, History, and Culture through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options at prestigious local universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class. Meet one of these professors, Dr. Anaïs Frantz de Spot, in this faculty spotlight interview.
You take 15 to 19 credit hours per semester; all courses are taught in French, and are worth 3 credits each unless otherwise specified.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional components:
- IES Abroad French Language Course (required, 4 credits)
- French-taught Area Studies Courses (optional, 3 credits)
- French-taught Courses at Local Universities (optional, credits vary)
- Internship placement & seminar (optional, 3 credits)
Language Pledge
Our Paris faculty take great pride in the quality of their language training. In order to create a French language environment, you are required to observe a rigorous language pledge while at the IES Abroad Paris French Studies Center.
Courses
This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account.
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
NOTE: IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH 275 - Paris Museums | Spring | French | 3 |
| AH 320 - The French Artistic Milieu in the 19th and 20th Centuries | Fall | French | 3 |
| AH 325 - History of Photography | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| FP/AH 315 - From Impressionism to Surrealism: How Japan, Africa and Islam Influenced Major 19th and 20th Century French Art Movements | Fall | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS/CU 343 - Paris Cinema-City | Spring, Summer | French | 3 |
| LT/CU 342 - Rebellious France | Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FP/AH 315 - From Impressionism to Surrealism: How Japan, Africa and Islam Influenced Major 19th and 20th Century French Art Movements | Fall | French | 3 |
| FP/SO 320 - Immigration and Diversity in Paris | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR 303 - French Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad III | Fall, Spring | French | 4 |
| FR 323 - Creative Writing | Spring | French | 3 |
| FR 353 - French Language in Context: Independent Abroad III | Fall, Spring | French | 4 |
| FR 360 - Phonetics | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| FR 401 - French Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | French | 4 |
| FR 422 - Translation: Thème et Version | Fall | French | 4 |
| FR 451 - French Language in Context: Competent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | French | 4 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS/CU 343 - Paris Cinema-City | Spring, Summer | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT/GS 345 - The Poetics and Politics of Gender in France: From French Feminism to Gender Studies | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS 260 - History of France: Keys to Understanding the Nation | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| HS 353 - Histories and Legends of Paris | Fall, Spring, Summer | French | 3 |
| HS/PO 484 - France and Francophone Africa | Fall | French | 3 |
| PO/HS 311 - Democracy in France | Spring | French | 3 |
| PO/HS 430 - The Maghreb and the Arab World | Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN 395 - Internship Seminar | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR/PO 386 - Terrorism and Security: A European and American Perspective | Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT 250 - Introduction to French Literature | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| LT 331 - French Women Writers: Women In French Literary History 1880-1950 | Spring | French | 3 |
| LT 340 - Paris in 19th and 20th Century French Literature | Fall | French | 3 |
| LT/CU 342 - Rebellious France | Spring | French | 3 |
| LT/GS 345 - The Poetics and Politics of Gender in France: From French Feminism to Gender Studies | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS/PO 484 - France and Francophone Africa | Fall | French | 3 |
| IR/PO 386 - Terrorism and Security: A European and American Perspective | Spring | French | 3 |
| PO 382 - French Foreign and European Policy | Fall | French | 3 |
| PO/HS 311 - Democracy in France | Spring | French | 3 |
| PO/HS 430 - The Maghreb and the Arab World | Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FP/SO 320 - Immigration and Diversity in Paris | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| SO 368 - Twenty-First-Century France : A Sociological Approach | Fall | French | 3 |
Partner Institution(s)
Université de Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV)
From the time it was founded in the Middle Ages through its restructuring in the late 1960s, Paris IV has attracted scholars from around the world. Most courses at the Sorbonne are 3 credits. You can find more information about the diferent departments offered at the Sorbonne website.
You will be able to take most courses at the Sorbonne at the Licence 1, 2 & 3 level. However, please note, you will be able to take Art History courses at the Licence 1 level only.
Please note, the disciplines below are NOT available for IES Abroad students:
- Medicine
- Sciences & Engineering
- Education (Enseignement)
- CELSA (Information et communication)
Institut Catholique de Paris
Founded in 1875 for religious training, the Institut Catholique de Paris offers a full curriculum to a diverse student population. As a small, private university that enrolls 5,000 French students each year, the ICP gives you the benefit of small classes where you can study and interact with French students and professors. Most courses at ICP are 3 credits. You can select from French-taught courses in:
- Art History
- Economics
- Education
- History
- International Relations
- Law
- Literary Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
Students with a high level of French may also elect to take courses at the Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises (ILCF) which is housed by the ICP. Courses include: Business French, Phonetics, Composition, and French Civilization.
École Normale de Musique de Paris / Alfred Cortot
Classical musicians who want to benefit from high-quality, demanding music instruction may audition for the prestigious École Normale de Musique de Paris. Founded in 1919 by the renowned pianist Alfred Cortot, the École Normale is the private school equivalent to the National Conservatory. Admissions decisions are made by the École Normale de Musique.
Students who qualify may take up to four courses at the École Normale, in addition to French language and other courses at the IES Abroad Paris French Studies Center. Instrumentalists and vocalists will study performance. There is also a chamber music course available*, but it is a year-long commitment, so students must enroll for both the fall and spring semesters. In addition, the chamber music course will require students to stay in Paris beyond the official end date of the spring French Studies Program. Certain instruments, such as percussion, are not taught at the École Normale.
*Carries an additional cost
Instruments taught at the École Normale include:
- Alto Violin
- Bassoon
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Double Bass
- Flute
- Guitar
- Harp
- Oboe
- Piano
- Piccolo
- Violin
- Voice
Paris Marais Dance School
The Paris Marais Dance School is a part of the Marais Centre Dance, established in 1970. This private institution offers student-centered classes to beginning and experienced dancers alike. Both full-year and semester students can take classes at the Paris Marais Dance school. Classes are held once a week, and IES Abroad students have the right to attend certain seminars and other extra-curricular events at the school.
The Paris Marais Dance School offers instruction in the following styles:
Classical ballet
- Classical ballet technique
- Partner work classical and neo-classical
- Pointe work
- Strengthening
Contemporary dance
- Floor-barre
- Improvisation
- Martha Graham Technique
- Techniques flow, release, contact
The dance school welcomes students of all backgrounds, from the beginner to the advanced level. Once on site your IES Abroad Paris advisor will make an appointment for you to meet the school’s professors, who will then place you in the proper classes for your level.
La Villa Bastille
La Villa Bastille is an art school (drawing and painting) where students have the opportunity to work freely and independently while benefiting from the instruction of an experienced artist. At La Villa Bastille, students can put into practice the principles needed to depict live models or can learn the different painting techniques (watercolor, oil painting, acrylic painting). Small groups enable individual guidance by the instructor.
Courses offered include:
- Painting (free subject and technique)
- Drawing (live models)
Classes are about 2-2.5 hours long.
Internships
Interning while you study in Paris gives you a rewarding job experience with a wealth of long-lasting career benefits. You will
- Gain a better understanding of the real-life, everyday culture of your host country
- Add global work experience and skills to your résumé or your application for graduate school
- Improve your confidence
A high level of French is needed to be successful on an internship. All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship.
Placement Examples
Past students have interned in the following fields. Don’t see your field listed here? Just talk to your IES Abroad Advisor—we are always seeking out new opportunities for our students.
- Communications
- Marketing
- Business Development
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Start-ups
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Paris, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. The orientation trip and field trips are included in your program fee. Here are a few possible destinations.
Normandy
2 Days | Fall
1 Day | Spring
Visit museums commemorating the historical day as well as the beaches of the famous landing area. This trip is part of a 2-day orientation trip in the Fall Semester and a 1-day field trip in the Spring Semester.
Loire Valley
2 Days | Spring
Visit famous châteaux, such as Chambord and Amboise, and local restaurants with regional specialties. This trip is part of a 2-day orientation trip in the Spring Semester.
Giverny
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Visit artist Claude Monet’s home in the beautiful village of Giverny, and walk through the spectacular gardens that gave him so much inspiration. Monet’s water lily paintings and many others were painted here.
Reims
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims where nearly all of France’s kings were crowned, followed by a guided visit of a Champagne producer’s caves to learn how the famous sparkling wine is made and to enjoy a tasting.
Provins
1 Day | Fall
Experience history in this fortified medieval town that hosted trading fairs, markets, and jousting tournaments for centuries in the heart of the Brie region.
Note: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Paris is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it’s the orientation program that prepares you for what’s ahead, your housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
Our orientation introduces you to the IES Abroad Paris French Studies staff, your fellow students, and the city of Paris. It continues with an overnight trip to a destination such as the Loire Valley or Normandy.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins right when you arrive and continues through the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
Following orientation, you engage in a one-week, language-intensive program that prepares you for classes taught in French.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Paris, it will feel like home.
Homestays - Stay in a French home in Paris or its surrounding banlieues (suburbs). You eat breakfast daily and three evening meals per week with your hosts; other meals are available at university cafeterias and inexpensive restaurants.
Apartments - A limited number of apartments are available for an additional cost. Apartments include kitchen facilities and shared bathrooms. An IES Abroad Resident Assistant lives on-site or nearby. Meals are not included.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Paris through our cultural events, such as:
- Listening to guest speakers, including local filmmakers and journalists
- Participating in the Weekly Conversation club
- Attendance at plays at the comédie française and other Parisian theaters
- Visits to museums like the Louvre, the Picasso museum, the Georges Pompidou center, and the Musée d'Orsay
- Winning tickets to local events with the Question du Jour, a favorite activity where students compete for prizes by responding to questions about Paris and France
Get to Know Your New City
Get More Monet For Your Money!
Spend all the time you want in the many museums of Paris like the Musée d’Orsay with cheap ticket prices thanks to your IES Abroad student card.
Bask in the Good Life at the Place des Vosges
This stately square features arched arcades, and gorgeous 17th- and 18th-century apartment buildings surrounding an immaculate garden. Grab a cup of coffee, have a seat on a bench, and take in the surroundings.
Picnic by the Seine
Watch boats and share brie on baguettes with friends, then dance while live bands play on the river banks.
Explore the Parc de la Villette
This massive park is home to a canal, themed gardens, museums, a cinema, and large architectural sculptures.
Encore! Encore! Enjoy the Theatre
Experience ballet and opera performances under a ceiling painted by Marc Chagall at the Palais Garnier opera house.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Program-Specific Scholarships
Dr. William Louis Gaines Need-Based History or International Relations Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. William Louis Gaines, President of IES Abroad from 1974-1992. Dr. Gaines was dedicated to strengthening IES Abroad's academic framework, broadening the scope of IES Abroad locations, and securing the financial foundation of the organization.
Open to students majoring in History or International Relations.
Kathleen Kervin Diamond Endowed Scholarship
Kathleen Diamond is a consultant, entrepreneur, and business leader in the language services industry. In 1979, she founded Language Learning Enterprises, Inc. (LLE®), a full-service language company based in Washington, D.C. She is recognized as an early pioneer in Telephone Interpreting, launching LLE-LINK in the early 1990s. Over the next 20 years, under her leadership, the company grew into a dynamic, multimillion dollar corporation, serving a wide range of clients, in both the private and public sectors, across the United States, and worldwide. In 2009, Ms.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
While in Paris, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad Paris French Studies Center staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Parisian experience.
The IES Abroad Paris French Studies Center is located on a bustling market street near the Cimetière du Montparnasse. The area is filled with restaurants, food shops, boutiques, and cafés.
Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.
- Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center's classrooms
- Meet with staff in their offices
- Study in the library
- Connect with friends in the student foyer
- Enjoy a sunny day sitting in the garden
Other features include: high-speed internet, WiFi, and printer access
Our Staff
Scott Lyngaas, Ph.D.
Center Director
Dr. Scott Lyngaas has been the IES Abroad Paris French Studies Center Director since 2014. Scott came to IES Abroad from Beloit College, where he was Associate Dean and Associate Professor of French. He received his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he wrote his dissertation on Francophone historical fiction. Dr. Lyngaas previously served as the Resident Director of study abroad programs in both Brussels and Paris.
IES Abroad Paris French Studies Staff
Céline Chataing
Housing Manager
Meghann Fedon
Academic and International Exchange Coordinator
Andréa Buidin-Ferrer
Internship and Customized Programs Coordinator
Seth Fisher
Student Affairs and Customized Programs Specialist
Darcy Smith
Office Manager
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter what time zone you’re in.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
- 24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
Summer 2020 & Fall 2020 Refund Policy
A core philosophy of our health & safety procedures is that we plan for the what ifs so that you don't have to. That includes the development of our refund policy for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020, which allows you to still plan to study abroad or intern, knowing that if for some reason you cannot participate, your money will be fully refunded.
Don't put your dreams on hold just because the world is unknown.
Latest from Paris
Contact a Past Student
From budgeting tips to housing insight, IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad and internship experiences and advice.
