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
Overall, yes, it was worthwhile. I learned a lot about myself and how I deal with problem solving on the fly, from interesting travel experiences to how to get home when a metro line is down. A student - DePauw University View Entire Review
It was so worthwhile! I learned so much about the language, the people, the culture, and myself on this program. Alyssa Lang - George Washington University View Entire Review
Yes, it was worthwhile. You learn what it means to be an 'other' and learn a lot just by interacting with your new surroundings. Nicole Mazurova - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I became a more confident traveler and student, and became more self-sufficient as a person in general. It was absolutely worthwhile, and a truly life-changing experience. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned to be more independent. Mia Edelstein - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Too much to list here. Yes! vanessa a - Brandeis University View Entire Review
the friends i made at my climbing gym and what i learned there/from them was great. i'm glad i studied abroad Jessica S - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Overall, I learned more about French language and culture in Paris than I ever could have in the United States. For that reason alone, studying abroad was worthwhile. But there are also many other reasons study abroad was an amazing experience, such as the personal growth, the new friends, the opportunity to travel, and so much ... A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
It was incredible and absolutely worthwhile. I greatly improved my proficiency in the language I was there to study, met fun local friends, made a potentially lifelong friendship with another student in the program and traveled to more places than I ever thought possible. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
. Emily S - George Washington University View Entire Review
I learned independence, a language, and how to deal when things go wrong. Everyone should study abroad. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about being independent and thriving in a city by myself. I would absolutely do it again and encourage others to study abroad. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
. A student - Austin College View Entire Review
Although I had traveled before, this was the first time I really understood what it meant to be in a foreign country, speaking another language all day, every day, and learning to be humble for that. Because of APA, I feel confident in my language abilities, and I was able to take what I learned there to write not one, but two t... Breana - Bennington College View Entire Review
My French improved so much. I had a lot of firsts in Paris, buying tickets on my own, travelling by myself, etc. I've grown/matured and become more independent. No challenge is too big after what I've been through this semester... A student - George Washington University View Entire Review
My French got exponentially better and I really learned a lot about French culture. It was definitely worthwhile. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned French! The reason I went to Paris in the first place was to improve my French language skills, and I can confidently say that I achieved that goal. Though my time abroad was extremely challenging, I learned more than I ever have in the span of 5 months. Abroad is really what you make of it, and I worked very hard to m... Molly Winer - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Not scared to speak French anymore; French improved; made a lot of friends; travelled a lot, did some solo traveling as well which were amazing It's definitely worthwhile A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I was worth it, but really hard. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Live through with an new foreign experience Hanyuan Z - Brandeis University View Entire Review
My experience abroad was definitely worthwhile. My comprehension in French is much improved, and more importantly, I am a more confident French speaker. I made many amazing friends through APA and traveled to places I'd only dreamed of seeing. Through study abroad, I learned a lot about myself and about the world outside of my ... A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
i gained a sense of independence. i also profited from a reevaluation of my life plans after graduation. i would now like to live and work in paris after i finish my four years at brandeis. A student - Anonymous University View Entire Review
I gained independence and improved my french. Maitri Rose S - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I think the biggest takeaway from this program was self confidence. This program was challenging, but after completing it, I feel like returning to English classes will be a breeze! esther.lee.7777019 - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Too much to sum up here...absolutely worthwile 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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