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Designed for students at all French language levels, this program allows you to acquire and improve French language skills while earning credit toward your major or graduation requirements. Your language courses focus on grammar, vocabulary development, listening comprehension, and oral expression, and consist of two required components: language (cours pratiques) and phonetics. Combine these intensive language courses at the Sorbonne’s Cours de Civilisation Française (CCFS) with a wide range of electives, taught in English at the CEA Paris Center. Choose elective courses from subjects such as history, business, art history, cultural studies, communication, and political science. An Early Start option in the Fall semester allows you to jump start your language learning before the semester begins.
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.
Located in the heart of the vibrant Marais District, the CEA Paris Center offers small class sizes and a wide range of electives taught in English. Choose the courses that best align with your academic, career, and personal interests. Through a grant program geared to local students, you'll have the opportunity to sit alongside French students in a few of your classes.
When you study abroad in Paris, you can choose CEA housing or arrange your own independent housing. CEA 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
Each semester, you'll enroll in 1 CCFS language course and 1-2 CEA courses. CCFS language courses meet for 145 contact hours/10 credits; CEA courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits.
You may earn 13-16 credits (up to 235 contact hours) per semester. If you choose the Early Start option, you may earn 16-19 credits (up to 280 contact hours). Academic year students may earn 26-32 credits (up to 470 contact hours); if you choose the Early Start option in the Fall, you may earn 29-35 credits (up to 515 credits).
The cours pratiques component of your CCFS language courses meets for 2 hours per day, Monday-Friday; the phonetics component meets for 1 hour per day, Monday-Friday, for a 5-week period. CEA elective courses meet 1-3 times per week, Monday-Friday. Early Start courses meet daily, Monday-Friday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.
Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses and take an online placement examination. Your course enrollments will be based on 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!
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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.
$20,395
$20,395
International Airfare & Transfers Cost varies depending on time of purchase, point of origin and time of travel.
$900
$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.
$455
$455
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.
$140
$380
Meals
Includes the average expected cost for food in addition to your meal plan, such as eating out at restaurants.
$4,662
$6,475
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.
$506
$1,488
Travel Expenses Includes additional travel outside of CEA excursions. This cost varies according to the spending habits of the student.
$2,072
$4,144
TOTAL EXPENSES
$29,130
$34,837
Sample Calendar
The calendar for this program is coming soon; please check back later.
