Academic Programs Abroad (APA): Paris - Immersion for Intermediate & Advanced French Speakers
- Hosted at: Sorbonne University
- Location(s): Paris, France
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad, Gap Year
Academic Programs Abroad (APA)
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Improve your French through an immersive academic experience while choosing courses across nearly any academic discipline in Paris. For 40 years, APA's Paris Immersion Program has helped intermediate and advanced French speakers build fluency thro... read more
All Reviews
I gained experience in French culture, and I would totally do it again. Noah R - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned French, the ability to be independent and adapt, and the ability to be able to rely on myself and only myself for all aspects of life and academics. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I met amazing people, I integrated into a local community, my french is better and I have memories for the rest of my life. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
My time abroad was absolutely worthwhile, and I learned some extremely valuable lessons. One is - and I know it's cliché - independence. I had more autonomy than I have in my life, and I feel that I learned to take initiative more in academics, my social life, and in my experience in general. I wanted to make the most of my time... A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
It was definitely worthwhile. I learned a lot about myself, I developed my independence, and I improved my French language skills a lot. It was an incredible experience going abroad, and I would recommend it to everyone, no matter where they choose to go. You learn a lot about your place in the world as an individual and as an A... A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Absolutely utely I have a new look on live A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned about the culture, food, cheese, food, language and other ways of living! It was incredible and definitely worthwhile Alex K - Brandeis University View Entire Review
It was 100% worthwhile. I challenged myself so much and learned so much about myself, it was awesome! A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I improved my french enormously, I was able to genuinely integrate into a different culture and country, and I built all of these skills of open-mindedness, resilience, confidence, and others. I was supported at all times, and APA gave me the tools to feel at home in this new city, with constant excursions, shows, and workshops.... Colin Howell - Swarthmore College View Entire Review
For one thing, I achieved a much higher level of proficiency in French. Beyond that, I gained new friends, a broader cultural perpective, more independence, and of course, wonderful memories. This semester was absolutely worthwhile. Sophia McDaniel - George Washington University View Entire Review
I had a wonderful time in France with APA! The language immersion really improved my skills. The events we had planned such as neighborhood visits, and weekend excursions were super fun and gave a lot of great historical overview. Academics were not too challenging but I still had some work to do with the language on a college l... Chris Precise - Swarthmore College View Entire Review
Absolutely! I am a big traveler, but after flying solo for 5 months and relying on a second language was the most incredible experience. I am so much more confident in my abilities now, not to mention fluent in French. Keyler Fulton - Southern Methodist University View Entire Review
Cultural experience Language integration Native expressions Broaden horizon A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
My language skills improved immensely. I became a lot more comfortable listening to and speaking with native speakers. My classes at APA made use of the location to deepen our learning. Ardelia D - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I had an amazing time with APA! The program is run by a kind, considerate and detail-oriented program that emphasizes cultural immersion. We had multiple cultural events that were included with the program including concerts, tastings, as well as overnight stays in French regions. I also opted to stay in a homestay which was a w... Anya C - Swarthmore College View Entire Review
I learned independence in a way I hadn't quite experienced before, travel skills and confidence, my French improved greatly, and I met some truly incredible people. I am very grateful for this experience and all the ways in which I grew. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Absolutely. I learned so much about different cultures with all my traveling, got to experience independent life in a city, improved my French skills, and just generally loved my time. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I improved my French skills, gained independence, learned all about French culture, and met amazing people. It was absolutely worthwhile. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
appreciation for the world Anna M - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I got to understand myself in a way that just was not possible in the US. Being an ocean away from my family and all of my friends made me get to know myself, and how to be and exist in a completely different context with completely different people. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I gained independence, french-skills, and a push out of my comfort zone. Lainey - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I experienced a significant improvement in my french language skills. A student - George Washington University View Entire Review
I learned how to speak French in many registers. I learned a lot about myself in tandem with learning valuable information about the history and lifestyle of the city. Taylor Lanier - Sewanee: The University of the South View Entire Review
My semester abroad was easily one of the most amazing semesters of college. My french significantly improved, I was able to take very interesting classes and was able to fully immerse myself in the french culture. A student - Franklin & Marshall College View Entire Review
I gained am immense amount of confidence in my French language skills and had endless opportunities to use and improve upon them. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
About
Improve your French through an immersive academic experience while choosing courses across nearly any academic discipline in Paris. For 40 years, APA's Paris Immersion Program has helped intermediate and advanced French speakers build fluency through a unique direct-enroll hybrid model that combines rigorous academics, personalized support, and meaningful cultural immersion. Develop advanced language proficiency, expand your global perspective, and gain the intercultural skills valued by employers and graduate schools.
Based on your language level, which will be evaluated during the pre-departure period, you'll build your schedule by choosing four courses in nearly any field of study. During APA's unique course shopping week, you'll have the opportunity to sit in on up to ten courses during on-site orientation before registering only for the classes you wish to take. This flexible approach allows you to explore your options, find the best academic fit, and create a semester that aligns with your academic interests and personal goals.
Build Your Academic Experience
Customize your semester by choosing a combination of courses that align with your academic interests, major, and French language level. Students may select from:
- Courses at APA's university and higher education partner institutions across a wide range of disciplines, allowing you to take classes for your major or explore new academic interests.
- APA in-house electives, including:
- Empire and Its Aftermath: Race, Gender, and Postcolonial France
- 19th-Century Painting & Sculpture
- French Language and Francophone Culture in Contemporary Cinema (required for students at the B1 intermediate level)
- Histoire de la Mode (coming soon)
- Independent study or research in place of one course, allowing you to pursue a topic of personal or academic interest.
Throughout the semester, you'll receive personalized academic support, including weekly one-on-one language sessions with APA professors and teaching assistants, as well as ongoing advising from the APA Paris team.
Cultural Events, Outings, and Excursions
Experience French culture beyond the classroom through a vibrant calendar of weekly activities and excursions. Attend performances ranging from theater and ballet to contemporary dance, take a French cooking class, enjoy a cheese tasting, visit world-renowned museums and art exhibitions, or cheer on a local football club.
Cultural Events, Outings, and Excursions
Experience French culture beyond the classroom through a vibrant calendar of weekly activities and excursions. Attend performances ranging from theater and ballet to contemporary dance, take a French cooking class, enjoy a cheese tasting, visit world-renowned museums and art exhibitions, or cheer on a local football club.
APA also organizes excursions that bring France's history, art, and regional culture to life. Past day trips have included Versailles, Monet's Gardens at Giverny, and a guided visit to the Louvre, while weekend excursions have explored Burgundy and Normandy in the fall and Marseille and the Loire Valley in the spring.
Housing
Choose between living with a carefully selected French host or in a student residence, each offering a unique way to experience everyday life in Paris. Whether sharing meals with a host family or building community with fellow students, you'll have countless opportunities to practice your French and immerse yourself in the local culture. Beyond housing, students are encouraged to get involved through volunteering, sports, music, and other community activities.
Start Early with an August Language Boost
Add APA's Paris: August Short-Term Program before your fall semester to jump-start your language learning and cultural immersion. This intensive three-week program helps students build confidence in French, become familiar with daily life in Paris, and develop the skills needed to succeed in a full semester of study abroad. Arrive for the fall semester already connected to the city, comfortable navigating French culture, and ready to take full advantage of your academic experience. Learn more: https://www.apaparis.com/program/paris-august-short-term/
Choose between living with a carefully selected French host or in a student residence, each offering a unique way to experience everyday life in Paris. Whether sharing meals with a host family or building community with fellow students, you'll have countless opportunities to practice your French and immerse yourself in the local culture. Beyond housing, students are encouraged to get involved through volunteering, sports, music, and other community activities.
Start Early with an August Language Boost
Add APA's Paris: August Short-Term Program before your fall semester to jump-start your language learning and cultural immersion. This intensive three-week program helps students build confidence in French, become familiar with daily life in Paris, and develop the skills needed to succeed in a full semester of study abroad. Arrive for the fall semester already connected to the city, comfortable navigating French culture, and ready to take full advantage of your academic experience. Learn more: https://www.apaparis.com/program/paris-august-short-term/
Gain Professional Experience Through a Summer Internship
Extend your time in Paris with an optional two-month, full-time summer internship after the spring semester. APA arranges placements across a wide range of professional fields, allowing you to apply your French language skills, gain international work experience, and develop valuable career skills in a global setting.
Extend your time in Paris with an optional two-month, full-time summer internship after the spring semester. APA arranges placements across a wide range of professional fields, allowing you to apply your French language skills, gain international work experience, and develop valuable career skills in a global setting.
To start your application, visit our website: apaparis.com/apply
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadGap Year
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
- Academic Year
Instruction Language(s):
- French
Language Requirement(s):
- French
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- French Studies
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
- Comparative Literature
- French Language, Literature
- Liberal Arts, General Studies
- Mathematics, Statistics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Global Studies
- Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Anthropology
- Economics
- International Relations
- Political Science and Government
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Drama, Theater, Theatre Arts
- Film, Video, Photographic Arts
- Fine Arts, Studio Arts
- Music
- Business
- International Business
- History
- Art History, Criticism and Conservation
Minimum GPA:
3.0Year Founded:
1986Website
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Academic Programs Abroad (APA) Scholarships
Become the voice abroad for APA with regular blog and social media postings. Semester awards begin at $500 and summer awards begin at $300. Eligible for bonuses at the end of term for outstanding work.
$300 - 500.00
Deadlines:
Fall Semester/Academic Year: March 1
Summer: April 1
Spring Semester: October 1
Guidelines/Requirements:
Previous scholarship recipients have had a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater, previous experience running social media accounts for a business or organization, shown a keen interest in engaging in French and Francophone culture, and have had a serious desire to take part in a full-immersion program.
Become your cohort’s photographic or videographic historian for your term abroad. Your photos and/or videos may be featured on the APA website or in future promotional materials!
$300 - 500.00
Deadlines:
Fall Semester/Academic Year: March 1
Summer: April 1
Spring: October 1
Guidelines/Requirements:
Previous visual media scholarship recipients have had a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater, experience in photography and/or videography, shown a keen interest in engaging in French and Francophone culture, and a serious desire to take part in a full-immersion program.
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