Paris Semester Abroad Programs for International Students: An Immersive Experience

Paris, the City of Light, has long been a global hub of intellectual thought, politics, art, and social change. Its rich history, combined with its modern and diverse culture, makes it an ideal destination for international students seeking a transformative semester abroad. Home to high fashion, world-renowned cuisine, and some of the world’s best museums and galleries, Paris draws thinkers, artists, writers, and thousands of students from around the world. Over 17,000 US students study abroad in France every year, making it a popular destination for those seeking international experience and cultural awareness. Studying abroad in Paris is a life-changing event for many students, offering opportunities for learning outside the traditional classroom setting.

Why Choose Paris for Your Semester Abroad?

Paris offers limitless opportunities for students from various academic backgrounds, from business and finance to cultural studies and fashion. The city itself becomes an integral part of the learning experience, with its dynamic cultural and historical landscape serving as an extended classroom.

Cultural Immersion: Living in Paris provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, experience French cuisine, and meet people from all over the world, expanding your network and making lifelong friends.
Academic Enrichment: Paris boasts a number of prestigious universities and institutions, offering a wide range of courses and programs tailored to international students.
Personal Growth: Studying abroad fosters independence, adaptability, and a broader global perspective, making you a better student, a better employee, and a better role model.
Career Advancement: International experience is highly valued in today’s globalized world. Studying abroad in Paris can enhance your résumé and provide you with valuable skills and knowledge that will set you apart in the job market.
Explore Europe: As a central hub in Europe, studying abroad in Paris provides the opportunity to travel to other countries, expanding your horizons and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Program Options and Opportunities

Several programs cater to international students seeking a semester abroad in Paris, each offering unique features and benefits. These programs often combine in-class work with group projects, co-curricular activities, and excursions, all designed to foster a deeper understanding of the local language and culture, as well as a broader global perspective.

Academic Programs Abroad (APA)

APA offers a term overseas that aims to make you a better person-a better student, a better employee, and a better role model to those around you. With APA, students can rapidly improve their French language skills, understand inclusive cross-cultural competency hands-on, and parlay everyday experiences into global acumen critical in today’s world. The skills you refine with APA will stay with you for a lifetime. The APA team is small but incredibly knowledgeable and efficient.

CEA CAPA Paris Center

Located in the heart of the Marais district, the CEA CAPA Paris Center offers an exceptional study abroad experience steeped in history and culture. Housed in the Hôtel Lièvre de la Grange, an 18th-century historical monument, the center is just steps away from iconic landmarks like Hôtel de Ville, the Seine River, Centre Pompidou, and Notre Dame Cathedral. This prime location makes the city itself an integral part of your learning experience.

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Since its founding in 2005, the Paris Center has provided study abroad students with a curriculum tailored to the city’s unique character, featuring courses in art history, political science, communication, international business, and more. The faculty incorporates Paris as an extended classroom, encouraging you to connect your academic studies to the city’s dynamic cultural and historical landscape.

The program emphasizes more than academics. It prepares you for a globalized world, offering opportunities to explore how Paris operates as a hub of art, politics, and commerce. The supportive environment fosters connections with fellow students, staff, and faculty, creating an enriching, collaborative experience.

Courses taught at the CEA CAPA Paris Center have been designed in conjunction with, and approved by, the University of New Haven (UNH). In addition, faculty appointments have been approved by UNH. After the successful completion of a session at the CEA CAPA Paris Center, you will receive credit for your work from UNH.

Institut Catholique de Paris (ICP)

Founded in 1875, Institut Catholique de Paris is a private French university that has welcomed international students to its campus since 1948. Courses are held on the Institut Catholique campus in the 6th arrondissement, the heart of historical Paris. You’ll attend class just a stone's throw away from the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Montparnasse.

You’ll enroll in courses with other international students at the Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises (ILCF), the Institut Catholique’s center for French Language and Culture. The professors at ILCF specialize in teaching French as a foreign language to students of all language levels.

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Paris College of Art (PCA)

For the students of Paris College of Art the city around them is their campus, library, research center and laboratory. PCA partners with the best study abroad options to provide you with the best experience while getting ready to join us, and once settled in Paris.

CIEE Paris

Centrally located in Paris' 12th arrondissement, CIEE Paris sits at the foot of subway line #1, making it easily accessible to the rest of France's iconic capital! The study center features one main classroom, a student lounge and study space, an onsite academic advising office, and complimentary Wi-Fi and printer access. Nearby CIEE Paris, students will find various conveniences and amenities, including ample grocery stores, organic supermarkets, cafés, bakeries, and famous landmarks. Our Center in Paris is part of the CIEE Open Campus Block Network.

Other Institutions

EDC Paris: Created in 1951, EDC PARIS is one of the oldest business schools in France. Owned by its alumni for more than 20 years, in 2017 it joined the Planeta Group which provides training to more than 100,000 students on three continents. It is located in La Défense business district.
ISC Paris: Located in the 17th arrondissement, ISC Paris Grande École is one of the top 20 French Grandes Écoles that belong to the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles.

Housing Options

Choosing the right housing option is crucial for a comfortable and enriching study abroad experience. Paris offers a variety of housing options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Studios: Studios are located in student residences that house approximately 200-300 local and international students in single or shared studios. (with kitchenettes and bathrooms in-suite) and the environment of student living. The Studio residences are located in a several different neighborhoods across the city, including the 20th arrondissement, the 13th, 15th, and 17th, as well as in nearby St Mandé, Montreuil, Levallois, and Ivry. This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length.
Residence Halls: If you crave a taste of university life abroad, live in a Parisian Residence Hall with local, international and North American students. Located in some of the most popular residential neighborhoods in Paris, Residence Halls are lively places that each house 80 to 200 students.
Apartments: Located within the 20 arrondissements (districts) of Paris, CEA CAPA apartments are a great match for independent, do-it-yourself type students who want to experience Paris just as the Parisians do. In addition to a shared bathroom and kitchenette, apartments also have a common living room. This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length.
Homestays: Engage in a cultural and linguistic experience by living in a homestay with a local family. If improving your French and your knowledge and understanding of French culture are among your goals for your time in Paris, this housing option will complement your classroom study and give you insight into Parisians' daily lives. This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length.
Independent Housing: While CEA CAPA highly recommends that you choose one of our Paris housing options provided, you also have the option to arrange independent housing.

Safety and Practical Considerations

Paris is generally a safe city, but like all big cities, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety and well-being.

Safety: Paris is very safe for such a large city, but like all big cities, it does have its risks. Typically, crimes are those of opportunity, so it is important to take steps to make sure your experience abroad will be positive and you can enjoy all that Paris has to offer while on your program abroad. In general, most cities and towns in France are quite safe. In bigger cities like Paris, you'll want to watch out for pickpockets, so make sure to know where your belongings are at all times. Like in all cities, you may want to avoid walking alone at night.
Visa Requirements: If your program of study in France is 90 days or longer, you will apply for a long-stay student visa. If your program of study in France for under 90 days and you are a US citizen, you will not be required to apply for a student visa or complete the Etudes en France pre-consular application.
Language: If you're interested in studying abroad in France, it is not necessary to speak French. Requirements to study in France will vary depending on the program. Some schools or providers will have GPA or language requirements. Others might require that you study French once attending a university there.
Cost of Living: Paris is an expensive city to live in, and yet it consistently ranks near the top of the best cities in the world for students. Planning ahead can help cut costs; for example, buy the month metro (Navigo) pass instead of individual tickets. Having access to the metro can get you anywhere in the city for cheap - you can take a baguette and some cheese for a picnic in a park, explore a farmer's market, and so much more!
Transportation: The Paris Metro is by far the easiest way to get around the city -- just keep an eye out for pickpockets. If you are under 26, you can buy an Imagine R Pass, which allows for unlimited travel for €324 a year. There is also a bus network, which can be useful for getting around locally.
Cultural Immersion: Parisian culture and customs are centered around the arts, French cuisine, fashion, language, and so on.

Funding and Scholarships

Many students who choose to study abroad may be eligible for additional funding or scholarships. If you do need support, then there are several scholarships available for international students.

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CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Paris to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs.

NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS: Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS: Based on academic achievement.

Making the Most of Your Experience

Embrace the Culture: Engage with the local culture, try new foods, attend cultural events, and practice your French language skills.
Explore the City: Take advantage of Paris's impressive public transportation system to explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, museums, and landmarks.
Get Involved: Participate in extracurricular activities, join student organizations, and volunteer to connect with other students and the local community.
Stay Connected: Maintain contact with family and friends back home, but also make an effort to build relationships with people in Paris.
Reflect on Your Experience: Take time to reflect on your experiences, learn from your challenges, and appreciate the unique opportunity you have to study abroad in Paris.

Testimonials and Student Experiences

Hearing from students who have already experienced a semester abroad in Paris can provide valuable insights and inspiration.

"I studied and interned abroad in Paris with CEA CAPA and had the adventure of a lifetime! I picked this program to build my résumé and didn't want to sacrifice having a study abroad experience."
"Engineering in Paris is an incredible opportunity for students to complete engineering requirements and experience an amazingly rich and diverse culture."
"Studying abroad in Paris was an unreal experience. I studied at an American Study Abroad program (CEA CAPA) and at an international school (CCFS)."
"I have a major in French, so studying abroad in France was the perfect opportunity! Despite Paris' reputation, I didn't go in with any grand expectations. When I got there in summer 2022, I was blown away by the history, architecture, and culture."
"CEA CAPA succeeded and ensured students were safe, happy, and healthy while studying abroad. My Paris experience was life-changing and one that CEA CAPA made possible."
"This has been the best 4 months of my life!"
"The program made sure each student got a cultural experience through all of the planned outings! The apartments were very nice and comfortable too!"
"CIEE did an amazing job of giving us all the tools we needed to make the most out of our study abroad experience. We were provided with study trips, lists of activities and authentic restaurants, and opportunities to be physically and mentally active."
"It has been a great experience for me."

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