Program Provider

Paris Semester Abroad

The Paris Exchange program is partnered with the American University at Paris (AUP) and offers applicants a fall semester or year long term in Paris or America.

Academics

The French language component of this program is very strong; students should be serious about learning French. Four levels of intensive French language courses are offered at the Sorbonne program; each 9-credit course meets for two hours, five days a week, with additional language lab work for one hour M-F for the first month. Students are placed in their appropriate level by means of a placement test at the Sorbonne.

All students take a 3-credit orientation course called "Paris Today" that introduces students to life in Paris and to current issues. Students also choose one or two of the following 3-credit courses: "French Art and Literature," "Contemporary French Politics," and "History of Cinema" (either French or European). These courses are taught mostly in English, but may require work such as readings and papers to be done in French; tours may also be in French.

Several of the courses involve excursions in Paris and beyond. Trips in past semesters have included visits to l'Assemblee Nationale, the Musee Picasso and the Musee Rodin, a ballet performance of Romeo et Juliette, a weekend trip to the Loire Valley, and excursions to Versailles and Chartres.

Location and Housing

French students should inquire with the program advisors for details about the American experience. Housing would be provided by host families and coursework would include language courses as well as specialized arts and science courses that would be taken for credit towards a degree at AUP.