IES Abroad Paris Academic Program in French Studies

Academic
Globally Recognized
Delivery Method:
In-Person

If you go to college/university in the United States and are interested in this program, check it out on the IES Abroad website—designed for students like you looking to study or intern abroad outside of the United States.

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. 

Study at a Local University

And experience what life is like for French students.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Add international work experience to your résumé.

Attend Cultural Events & Activities

Enjoy plays, museums, and performances around France.

Volunteer in the Community

Make a difference in the local community.

Fall 2024 Academic
Program dates:
August 28 - December 18
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
18,000

Program Advisor

Saffyが挨拶をしているイラスト
Student Counselor SAFFY
Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests.
Schedule a Consultation

At a Glance

Language of Instruction:
French
Language Prerequisite Level:
Intermediate
GPA Requirements:
2.75
Academic Level:
Undergraduate
Academic Strengths:
Language, Linguistics & Cultural Studies
Housing:
Apartment, Homestay, Residence Hall
Part-Time Internship (Optional):
Included in Program Fee
Visa Required:
Required
Credits:
15 to 19 per Semester

Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad

About IES Abroad Paris Center

IES Abroad Paris French Studies Center is on the left bank of the River Seine in the heart of laidback Montparnasse. Along with modern classrooms and a library, this Paris center has its own garden where you can take your books to study or practice your language skills with friends. Step outside to explore this bohemian Parisian neighborhood and artistic hub filled with creperies, brasseries, cafés, and galleries. 

Academics

The 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. IES Abroad's world-class professors and course options at prestigious local universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class. 

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

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)

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  account. Additionally, SAF and IES Abroad reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (12)

Art History (3)

Course name Term Language Credits
AH/FP 315 - From Impressionism to Surrealism: How Japan, Africa and Islam Influenced Major 19th and 20th Century French Art Movements Fall French 3
AH 325 - History of Photography Fall, Spring French 3
AH 275 - Paris Museums Spring French 3

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 1 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

Application Requirements

When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements of the program—and SAF is here to set you up for success.

The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by the program, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You will need to supply additional information throughout the process, and our helpful team will alert you via email or your MyIESAbroad Student Portal whenever this is necessary.
  • Language Proficiency
  • Academics & GPA
  • Application Documents & Materials

Language Test Score Requirements

To prove your language proficiency, you can use any of the following:

  • IELTS: 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: 60
  • TOEFL pBT: 498
  • Duolingo (DET): 95
  • iTEP: 3.5
  • 4 semesters of college-level French or equivalent 
  • Enrolled in a French course within the year prior to the program start date 

Learn More About Language Requirements

Program Dates

When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.

The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.

Spring 2024

Program dates:
January 08 - May 03
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
18,010

Fall 2024 Academic

Program dates:
August 28 - December 18
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
18,000

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.

About Paris

paris general

The City of Light, Paris is a place of revolutions and romances where culture and history is reflected in the iconic architecture and famous café terraces. Get a taste of Parisian life from your IES Abroad Paris French Studies Center in Montparnasse, where art déco cafés once hosted Jean Cocteau, Salvador Dalí, and Ernest Hemingway. Artisan bakeries, antique shops and the hauntingly beautiful Paris Catacombs are right here, and it’s a short metro ride to the Eiffel Tower.

Learn more about Paris

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: SAF / 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.

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

Student Health & Safety

We champion health, safety, and security. As part of IES Abroad, the largest study abroad organization in the United States, we have set the standard for health and safety in study abroad for decades. We plan for the ‘what if’, so you can get on with the experience of a lifetime.
International Health Insurance

International health insurance included in the cost of your program

24/7 Emergency Phone Support

Total coverage to support you while traveling and in your new city

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information prepared based on your destination

Health In Your Language

Highly trained multilingual staff to connect you to healthcare providers

Secure Housing

Quality, safe, secure housing within close proximity to your classes

Dedicated Expertise

Protection by a Dean of Students Office advocating for your interests

Orientation

Before You Leave

Your study abroad experience starts well before you travel. We talk through your program choices, guide you through application, and support your preparations for leaving

On Arrival

We’re by your side from the moment you arrive, for campus orientation, getting you to your accommodation, and helping settle

Home Sweet Home

We transfer you from the airport to your university campus or nearby accommodation and help you settle in

Settling In

Talk to SAF Staff on the ground whenever you need support. Living in another country can be disorientating – we have the answers you need

Find Your Way Around

Where to shop, what to eat, how to see a doctor or a dentist, which bus or train to catch – ask us. We’re your friendly locals

Keeping You Safe

We enroll you in the SAF emergency alert system, so you hear safety concerns relevant to you

In The Classroom

The IES Abroad Center has classroom, computer labs, and academic facilities to support your coursework and academic development

Get Social

We arrange social and cultural events, so you meet other international SAF Scholars and local students

Advising and Support

The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it. 

Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.

Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Commonly Asked Questions about IES Abroad Programs

Commonly Asked Questions About Academic & Concurrent Programs

Student Blogs

Why Travel With SAF?

Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.

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