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Immerse into French language at one of France’s most well-known language schools. Attend class with other international students at the Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne, a center dedicated to teaching French to students from around the world. Semester and academic year programs are designed for students who speak French at the high-intermediate level and above. Along with language classes, choose from elective courses that increase your proficiency while deepening your understanding of French culture. The summer program is designed for students at all language levels and incorporates two components: language (cours pratiques) and phonetics. All courses are taught in French and according to the traditional French instruction method.
Founded in 1919 by la Société des Amis de la Sorbonne, the Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne is today an independent institution of higher education in France with institutional ties to Sorbonne Université. Students from around the world come to take courses in French language and civilization taught by trained FLE (French as a foreign language) instructors.
When you study abroad in Paris, you can choose CEA CAPA housing or arrange your own independent housing. CEA CAPA housing assignments are based on availability and confirmation date; we make every effort to match your housing requests, but we can’t guarantee housing preferences. Housing assignments in the Early Start portion of the program (Fall semester only) may differ from the housing assignments for the remainder of the semester.
Program Structure
Enroll in 1 language course and 2 - 4 elective courses. Language courses meet for 174 contact hours/10 credits; elective courses each meet for 20 contact hours/1 credit. You may earn 12 - 14 credits (up to 254 contact hours) per semester; academic year students may earn 24 - 28 credits (up to 508 contact hours).
Language courses meet 5 days per week, Monday-Friday. The language (cours pratiques) component meets 2 hours per day and the phonetics component meets for 1 hour per day, every other week. Elective courses meet once a week for 1.5 hours.
You'll take an online language placement exam before you leave for Paris. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability and the result of your placement exam. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home school pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for France. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings may not be finalized until the start of the term; we’ll post an updated list when the host institution finalizes its offerings.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs*. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions
during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
Bruges, Belgium
Board the high-speed train Thalys and cross the northern border to discover the delights of the city of chocolates, waffles, and French fries. Observe the colorful architecture of the Bruges townhouses, climb to the top of the Belfry, and try to catch a glimpse of the North Sea. Listen to the rhythm of horse shoes as a horse-drawn carriage passes nearby. Discover the last brewery still operating in town and sample the local cuisine. End your journey relaxing in a tea room with the best whipped-cream-topped hot chocolate for the ultimate chocolate experience, before returning to Paris with a huge smile on your face…and a full tummy!
See Details
Bruges, Belgium
Board the high-speed train Thalys and cross the northern border to discover the delights of the city of chocolates, waffles, and French fries. Observe the colorful architecture of the Bruges townhouses, climb to the top of the Belfry, and try to catch a glimpse of the North Sea. Listen to the rhythm of horse shoes as a horse-drawn carriage passes nearby. Discover the last brewery still operating in town and sample the local cuisine. End your journey relaxing in a tea room with the best whipped-cream-topped hot chocolate for the ultimate chocolate experience, before returning to Paris with a huge smile on your face…and a full tummy!
Avignon and Provence
Hop on the high speed train to Avignon and visit the Palais des Papes, one of Europe’s largest, most important medieval Gothic buildings. We’ll take a private coach to discover the Alpilles of the Provence region on the way to Roussillon, a beautiful village on top of a hill that’s known for its ochre trail. Follow the trail among ochre cliffs, a landscape that inspired Cezanne and Van Gogh. The next day, we’ll visit one of the most beautiful villages in France: les Baux de Provence and its castle. On the way back to Avignon, we’ll visit the open air "Provencal" market in Saint Remy de Provence, and stop at a wine cellar to sample "vin de provence" and local delicacies.
See Details
Avignon and Provence
Hop on the high speed train to Avignon and visit the Palais des Papes, one of Europe’s largest, most important medieval Gothic buildings. We’ll take a private coach to discover the Alpilles of the Provence region on the way to Roussillon, a beautiful village on top of a hill that’s known for its ochre trail. Follow the trail among ochre cliffs, a landscape that inspired Cezanne and Van Gogh. The next day, we’ll visit one of the most beautiful villages in France: les Baux de Provence and its castle. On the way back to Avignon, we’ll visit the open air "Provencal" market in Saint Remy de Provence, and stop at a wine cellar to sample "vin de provence" and local delicacies.
Strasbourg, France and Fribourg, Germany
Discover the eastern region of Alsace. The excursion starts with an in-depth walking tour of the center of Strasbourg, where you’ll immediately notice the strong Germanic influence in the architecture and way of life. We’ll enjoy a cruise down the Ill River that carries us through the Petite France district and to European Parliament, the central institution of European integration. The regions of Alsace and Lorraine have been the object of much conflict over the centuries, with France and Germany fighting for ownership. The mix of two cultures has produced delicious food such as "choucroute" or "flammekueche," and fine local beers you can sample during a traditional Alsatian meal. Before leaving, we’ll cross the border to Germany and enjoy a glimpse of the black forest and the city of Fribourg. You’ll also have the pleasure of tasting Alsatian wine in a small, family-run vineyard.
See Details
Strasbourg, France and Fribourg, Germany
Discover the eastern region of Alsace. The excursion starts with an in-depth walking tour of the center of Strasbourg, where you’ll immediately notice the strong Germanic influence in the architecture and way of life. We’ll enjoy a cruise down the Ill River that carries us through the Petite France district and to European Parliament, the central institution of European integration. The regions of Alsace and Lorraine have been the object of much conflict over the centuries, with France and Germany fighting for ownership. The mix of two cultures has produced delicious food such as "choucroute" or "flammekueche," and fine local beers you can sample during a traditional Alsatian meal. Before leaving, we’ll cross the border to Germany and enjoy a glimpse of the black forest and the city of Fribourg. You’ll also have the pleasure of tasting Alsatian wine in a small, family-run vineyard.
Giverny
Whether you’re a novice or a confirmed fan of the Impressionist art movement, Giverny is a don’t-miss destination. The day begins with a visit to a museum dedicated to Monet's life and works. From here, take a trail leading through lush gardens where a lily pond, bamboo patches, and flowers bursting with color (a.k.a. the beautiful scenery that inspired many of Monet's paintings!) wait to be discovered. Meandering through Monet's gardens will surely work up your appetite; be sure to try some traditional dishes from Normandy. During your free time, you may opt to explore the Impressionist Museum, which displays works from several famous artists who flocked to this remarkable place to visit Monet throughout his life.
See Details
Giverny
Whether you’re a novice or a confirmed fan of the Impressionist art movement, Giverny is a don’t-miss destination. The day begins with a visit to a museum dedicated to Monet's life and works. From here, take a trail leading through lush gardens where a lily pond, bamboo patches, and flowers bursting with color (a.k.a. the beautiful scenery that inspired many of Monet's paintings!) wait to be discovered. Meandering through Monet's gardens will surely work up your appetite; be sure to try some traditional dishes from Normandy. During your free time, you may opt to explore the Impressionist Museum, which displays works from several famous artists who flocked to this remarkable place to visit Monet throughout his life.
Sample Budget
This budget contains costs that you can take to your financial aid office. Please note that amounts may fluctuate; we’ve included a range of costs.
Federal law allows the use of financial aid to cover “reasonable” costs of study abroad including round-trip transportation, tuition and fees for the program, living costs, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and more.
Please note that all costs and charges listed below are subject to change without notice. With the exception of Program Price, all costs are estimates and may vary.
Program Fee Tuition and fees, registration, orientation, airport pickup, welcome and farewell receptions, housing, official transcript, cultural excursions/activities, student support services, CEA On-site Staff and administrative costs.
$14,995
$14,995
CEA Secure CEASecure™ is an optional refund plan that allows students to withdraw for any covered reason up to one week before the program’s start date
$0
$475
International Airfare & Transfers Cost varies depending on time of purchase, point of origin and time of travel.
$700
$1,500
Immigration Requirements Includes passport and additional requirements such as visa, entry and exit fees, French Carte de Séjour, French University Administrative Fee (if applicable), or Italian Permesso di Soggiorno.
$325
$325
Books, Materials and Supplies Includes books, school supplies, art supplies, and course fees. Does not include fees or supplies for optional courses. This cost varies depending on the course choices of the student.
$98
$210
Meals
Includes the average expected cost for food in addition to your meal plan, such as eating out at restaurants.
$4,221
$5,863
Personal Expenses Includes telephone, laundry, local transportation, personal necessities and upfront payments for potential doctor visits. Please note, certain locations may require deposits to secure spots in CEA organized activities and excursions (deposits are returned at the end of the program if student attends activities/excursions or cancels participation before set deadlines). Some of these costs vary according to the spending habits of the student.
$2,345
$5,863
Travel Expenses Includes additional travel outside of CEA excursions. This cost varies according to the spending habits of the student.
$1,876
$3,752
TOTAL EXPENSES
$24,560
$32,983
Sample Calendar
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA CAPA before purchasing airline tickets.
You will receive a finalized itinerary once you arrive onsite.
Note: Additional cultural activities/excursions or required course-related activities may be incorporated into your final itinerary. You are advised not to make personal travel arrangements until you have the final dates.
Official Program Start Date. Students must arrive at the Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) on this date in order to be eligible for airport pickup. Students will then be transferred to their assigned housing.
February 02 - 04
Orientation
Mandatory CEA Orientation will be held.
February 07 - 10
Cultural Activity
Student will participate in a French Culture & Language integration week with CEA staff members.
February 11
Orientation
Mandatory Sorbonne Orientation will be held (date to be confirmed)
February 14
Classes Begin
Classes begin at Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne (Sorbonne) on this day.
February 21
Classes Begin
Conferences begin at Sorbonne on this day.
February 25
Drop/Add Deadline
This is the last day to drop/add French classes at Sorbonne.
March 04
Drop/Add Deadline
This is the last day to drop/add Conferences at Sorbonne.
March 14 - 18
School Break
Sorbonne is closed for Winter Break. No classes will be held.
April 15
Course Withdrawal Deadline
This is the last day to withdraw from Sorbonne Conferences.
April 18 - 22
School Break
Sorbonne is closed for Spring Break. No classes will be held.
May 13
Classes End
Conferences end at Sorbonne on this day.
May 16 - 20
Final Exams
Final exams for Conferences will be held at Sorbonne.
May 20
Classes End
This is the last day of French classes at Sorbonne.
May 23 - 27
Final Exams
Final exams for French classes will be held at Sorbonne.
May 26
Holiday
National Holiday. No classes will be held.
May 28
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day.
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