Study Abroad in Paris, France

Paris

Program Information

The city of Paris (population 2.15 million) offers an incomparable wealth of history, art, architecture, literature, philosophy, music, and dance to the students who choose to make it their home abroad. The richness of cultural life extends from opera to jazz clubs, through beautiful public gardens to museums and cafes. The Seine Rive bisects the city into its north (River Droite) and south (River Gauche) areas, and the two districts have distinct personalities which contribute to the diversity of this magnificent city. Most students agree that their most disappointing experience in Paris was having to leave.

Students fly into Paris, where they are met by the resident staff and taken to their host family's home or the residence hall (airport reception and transfer is not included in the Intensive Month program). On-site staff will provide students with a brief introduction to the French lifestyle and culture, while also letting students know what to expect with regards to living with a host family or in a residence hall, taking classes, and adjusting to life in Paris via orientation meetings and a walking tour.

Curriculum

The goals of program at the prestigious Catholic University of Paris (ICP) are to provide linguistic and cultural immersion. students may combine language study with liberal arts coursework. Students who place at the superior level in their language placement test can elect to study alongside their French peers in up to two classes at the Faculte de Sciences Sociales et Economiques (FASSE) of the ICP.

At the intermediate level and higher, language courses are supplemented by a variety of offerings in areas such as art, theater, literature, communications, history, and culture. All courses are taught in French and all participants are in the classroom with American and other international students. Superior level students can also substitute part of the standard curriculum with up to two regular courses taken with native students. Placement at a given level will be determined finally by an exam administered. It is recommended that all applicants, in consultation with language faculty and/or academic advisors, prepare tentative schedules at the appropriate level. Applicants and their advisors should also devise a second schedule to follow in the event final placement is not at the anticipated level.

Housing and Meals

All housing assignments are based on space available and are coordinated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Homestays will provide breakfast and dinner seven days a week and laundry service once a week. Residence hall arrangements typically include 2 meals per day five to six days a week and laundry facilities are usually available at an additional cost.

Each home stay and residence hall has been carefully selected by in order to accommodate students' specific needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Each option provides the opportunity for students to experience aspects of the French lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor of France, not to mention the in valuable opportunity to practice the French language. 

Activities

An important aspect of the program is the inclusion of cultural activities and excursions shared by the group and designed to develop a fuller understanding and appreciation of the breadth of French and Parisian culture. The excursions vary from year to year, but have included trips to Chartres, the Loire Valley, and Normandy.

Requirements

Minimum GPA : 2.75

Language : Must have completed level 102* of college French.

*For students fulfilling the requirements of a language major or minor, or the International Studies major, the completion of 202 or equivalent in the appropriate language and a 3.0 GPA average in language classes are required prior to beginning the program. 

Must have attended Pacific University full-time for at least one semester.

Important Dates

  • Advising Appointment : During Fall Semester
  • Application Deadline : February 10

Program Dates :

  • Fall: end August/early September until mid-December
  • Spring: mid-January /early February until May

More Information

Paris Program

API information for Pacific students