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)
91 reviews
for
18 programs
Request Info
(For American Students)
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
My language skills improved a lot, I met some great people, did some great traveling. Definitely worthwhile! A student - Swarthmore College View Entire Review
I felt at home in the Parisian culture after my semester. I got a taste of what it's like to be a French student, I made new friends, and I perfected my language skills. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Lindsey Welp - DePauw University View Entire Review
My French improved drastically and it was fun to explore a major city on my own. I learned a lot about myself and other cultures. A student - DePauw University View Entire Review
Language, culture, food, friends! Ferial Berjawi - Swarthmore College View Entire Review
I learned how to be independent and self-sufficient. In the beginning, I had trouble being academically confident in myself. However, I did not give up and by the end I was succeeding in my classes. I also learned how to problem solve on many different levels, especially by traveling between countries, oftentimes by myself. Sarah D - Brandeis University View Entire Review
i learned a lot about myself. i know it sounds cliche but it takes so much bravery to go abroad for a year, and i got to make the most out of my sejour in paris, as well as explore the rest of europe. i feel like i really was able to get to know paris as a city, and by the time my program end date rolled around, it felt like i w... A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
The programme organised a show to go to each week, so I was really exposed to the art scene and saw a lot of art I hadn't seen before k - Swarthmore College View Entire Review
I learned how to immerse myself in a different culture and be more comfortable in doing things by myself and discovering new places. Kat Galvis - Swarthmore College View Entire Review
APA was the study abroad experience I had always dreamed about. Especially if you are interested in improving your french, this is the best way to go. APA offers a true immersion experience that other programs don't. Additionally, the cultural program gave us tickets each week for a show, whether it be dance, opera, or a "cirque... Claire - George Washington University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about myself, French culture/people, and Europe in general. It was definitely a worthwhile experience that I would recommend to any undergraduate student. A student - Bryn Mawr College View Entire Review
Autonomy A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I improved my french language skills and also cultural sensitivity. Not only living in Paris but attending cultural events exposed me to other ways of thinking and the French culture in ways I hadn't before. A student - Fordham University View Entire Review
Yes yes yes! Learning to live in a different country teaches you a lot about yourself. I wouldn't be where I am today without APA- (seriously, I have to speak French all the time in my current job) Mary Devlin - George Washington University View Entire Review
My language skills increased immensely and I learned how to integrate into a new culture Autumn Buerkett - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Ellen - George Washington University View Entire Review
I gained french skills, local friends, a new understanding of the francophone world, and confidence. Very worthwhile. A student - Princeton University View Entire Review
Very worthwhile! For language improvement, there is no substitute for total immersion. I also became more confident living and traveling on my own. Hannah S - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I believe that my French speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension skills were significantly improved while in Paris. My university classes were very challenging but Emma Hanselman - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about how to deal with setbacks and how to move forward as well as how important it is for others to feel understood and validated during a social interaction. A student - Amherst College View Entire Review
There were only ten students in the program which made the experience very personal. It was just what I needed to improve my French. The two classes that they offered were very interesting and included weekend study tours to other countries. They were taught by dedicated professors who enjoyed working with international stude... Rachel - Bryn Mawr College View Entire Review
I gained such a deeper understanding of not only French culture, but European culture. Going abroad was such an amazing experience that has cemented my love of travel. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
My language skills improved, obviously, which was the whole reason I went to France in the first place. I felt so much more confident when speaking French by the end of the program, and my experience was worthwhile for that reason alone. Sage Farha - Bryn Mawr College View Entire Review
I learned more about myself, the way of life in Paris, the focus on art and intellectualism, and how to be a smart traveler. A student - George Washington University View Entire Review
Through APA I made lifelong friends, learned how to speak French fluently, and was able to get to know the city of Paris inside and out. It was very worthwhile! A student - George Washington University View Entire Review
One hundred percent worthwhile. Micaela Kelly - Bucknell 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
Take me there!Statistics
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.
Videos
Featured Program Providers
