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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From its establishment during the Middle Ages, through its restructuring in the late 1960s, Sorbonne Université (Paris IV) has remained a prestigious institution, attracting scholars from around the world. The "Faculté des Lettres" department is open to IES Abroad students who have tested into the required French language level (FR 401). A wide range of classes, including, but not limited to musicology, philosophy, history, French literature, sociology, English, geography, art history and linguistics are offered by the university. First year art history classes are not available for enrollment and students should remember that credits may vary per course. Sorbonne Université classes are taught across a range of sites located throughout the city of Paris.
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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
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.
Most courses at ICP are 3 credits. You can select from French-taught courses in:
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.
*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
Language Requirements
French:
English:
To prove your language proficiency, you can use any of the following:
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.
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.
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.
See France on screen, improve your language skills, and discover some of France’s best movies when you’re a student abroad.
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.
Travel to a historic Renaissance château renowned for its art galleries, gardens, architecture, horse stables, and world-famous whipped cream, la crème Chantilly!
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.
Tour the D-Day beaches, the Mémorial de Caen, and the American Cemetery.
Experience history in this fortified medieval town that hosted trading fairs, markets, and jousting tournaments for centuries in the heart of the Brie region.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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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.
