Paris, France

French Studies

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Experiential Learning, Part-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment, Homestay, Residence Hall

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

French

Language Prerequisites:

4 semesters of college-level French; enrollment in a French course in the last year

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

This French language immersion program offers a broad range of classes taught by accomplished faculty, where Paris will be your classroom. You will experience French society through a varied and dynamic academic program, hospitable homestays, cultural activities, internships, and conversation clubs. In addition, faculty members integrate local, course-related trips into all classes. 

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Study at a Local University

And experience what life is like for French students.

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Gain Hands-On Experience

Add international work experience to your résumé.

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Attend Cultural Events & Activities

Enjoy plays, museums, and performances around France.

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Volunteer in the Community

Make a difference in the local community.

2024 Fall

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

August 28 - December 18

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
20,950

Program Dates:

January 07 - May 03

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

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Zhanè Vanderbilt

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

An arial view of Paris, France.

Why Paris?

With its grand boulevards, world-famous monuments, unparalleled literary and artistic history, and simple joie de vivre, Paris is a city that will change you forever. As a multifaceted metropolis, Paris offers a doorway to a variety of different cultures. And as a growing center of business and innovation, many scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs from around the world call this city home.

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Get to Know Your New City

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Get More Monet For Your Money!

Spend all the time you want in the many museums of Paris.

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Picnic by the Seine

Watch boats and share brie on baguettes with friends.

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Explore the Parc de la Villette

This massive park is home to a canal, themed gardens, and museums.

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Encore! Encore! Enjoy the Theatre

Experience ballet and opera performances.

The Student Experience

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Housing

A student with their host parents standing at a set dining room table in a Paris homestay.
  • Apartment
  • Homestay
  • Residence Hall

Apartment

A limited number of single and shared apartments are available for an additional cost. Apartments include private bathroom and kitchen en-suite. Laundry will be available on site. Meals are not included. Internet is available.

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. 

Partner Institutions

A French-style building with the text "Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris" (the Normal School of Music in Paris).
  • Sorbonne Université
  • ICP
  • ENMP

Sorbonne Université

From the time it was founded in the Middle Ages through its restructuring in the late 1960s, Sorbonne Université (Paris IV) has attracted scholars from around the world. Credits vary. IES Abroad students can take courses in the "Faculté des Lettres."

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Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 15-19 credits per semester; all courses are taught in French. 

  • IES Abroad French language course (required, 4 credits) 
  • IES Abroad French-taught area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each) 
  • French-taught courses at partner universities (optional, credits vary): Sorbonne Université (Paris IV); Institut Catholique de Paris (ICP); École Normale de Musique de Paris (Spring, or potentially Academic Year only)
  • Internship placement and 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. 

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: 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. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (12)

Partner Institution Courses

French Universities DO NOT provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. IES Abroad may have samples of past syllabi, but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered at a partner university.

 

Sorbonne Université*

You will be able to take most courses at the Sorbonne at the Licence 1, 2 & 3 level.  However, Art History courses are only available to IES Abroad Students at the Licence 2 & 3 level. 

*Medicine, Sciences & Engineering, Education, and CELSA disciplines are NOT available for IES Abroad students.

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Institut Catholique de Paris*

Most courses at ICP are 3 credits. You can select from French-taught courses in: 

  • Philosophy
  • Theology

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École Normale de Musique de Paris

Spring or Academic Year** students who qualify may take vocal or instrumental performance courses at the École Normale.  A chamber music course* is available to Academic Year students who are willing to stay beyond the Paris French Studies official spring term length. Certain instruments, such as percussion, are not taught at the École Normale. 

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*Carries an additional cost 
**Academic Year enrollment status pending audition results

 

*Students must test into FR401 or FR 451 in order to enroll at either the Institute Catholique de Paris or the Sorbonne Université,  compose a one-page letter of intent in French, and are limited to one course unless they receive special home school approval. 

PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

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Field Trips

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. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

Monet's Garden in Giverny

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.

Sunset at the beaches of normandy

Normandy

1 Day Fall & Spring

Tour the D-Day beaches, the Mémorial de Caen, and the American Cemetery.

Two students stand in front of the gray stone walls of Provins.

Provins

1 Day Fall & Spring

Experience history in this fortified medieval town that hosted trading fairs, markets, and jousting tournaments for centuries in the heart of the Brie region.

Reims Cathedral

Reims

1 Day Fall & Spring

Take a guided tour of the Cathédrale Notre Dame and visit a Champagne producer to learn how the wine is made, and enjoy a tasting.

Part-Time Internships

Did you know that, while in  Paris, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will: 

  • Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support. 
  • Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process. 
  • Experience what working in Paris is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness. 
  • Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers. 

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 for a greater understanding of work life in your host country. 

Placement Examples

a business student walking in Milan

Business Development

Two students sit outside at a table on their college campus working from a laptop.

Marketing

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Charities & Nonprofits

Volunteer Opportunities

When you volunteer in Paris, you have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term.

Past volunteer opportunities in Paris include: 

Cultural Centers

Promoting diversity at cultural centers in Paris

Education

Tutoring elementary and middle school-aged children

Disability Support

Facilitating outdoor activities for children and adults with disabilities

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Spring 2024

Tuition
$
16,815
Housing
$
3,905
Insurance
$
230
Total
$
20,950

2024 Fall

Tuition
$
16,905
Housing
$
3,800
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
20,950

Academic Year 2024 - 2025

Tuition
$
30,410
Housing
$
7,600
Insurance
$
490
Total
$
38,500

Spring 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Paris Center has two locations that cater to students on different programs. Visit nearby sites like the bustling street market by the Cimetière du Montparnasse, or any number of shops in the area. Regardless of which location is part of your commute, the Center is your study abroad hub. 

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Paris
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Paris. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore and discover Paris before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Intensive Language Learning
During the first week of the program, you will begin your language learning experience and participate in activities to meet and bond with others.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.

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 which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" 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.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 08 - May 03

Application Deadline:

2024 Fall

Program Dates:

August 28 - December 18

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2024 - 2025

Program Dates:

August 28 - May 03

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

January 07 - May 03

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • 4 semesters of college-level French or equivalent 
  • Enrolled in a French course within the year prior to the program start date 
  • Sophomore, junior or senior standing when program begins 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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