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
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It was definitely worth it. I learned how to adapt to different situations and how to be spontaneous. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned not only the language and about the culture but about myself and grew much more confident in my own abilities to do things. After living, surviving, and thriving in such a strange place, I now know that I can succeed in my endeavors back home. A student - Austin College View Entire Review
Language Culture Yes A student - Fordham University View Entire Review
I learned all about many aspects of French culture--politics, education, gender, food, immigration, general outlook,etc.-- and the differences between America. This experience was incredibly worthwhile I am so so so glad I did it. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I gained independence. I learned about many social issues that exists in France including immigration, gay rights, and health care. The experience was worthwhile. Janette M - Brandeis University View Entire Review
It was definitely a worthwhile experience and I learned a lot about the culture and way of life of the French people and I also learned a lot about myself. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Living in a foreign country, i got to be more independent than I've ever been in my life. I learned to speak a foreign language (a skill which I believe to be invaluable). I also gained 10 pounds but it was absolutely worthwhile. Have you seen their pastries? Most importantly, I learned to seize the day, no matter where you ... Natalie S - Brandeis University View Entire Review
It was worthwhile. I can't easily describe everything I gained and learned while abroad. But rest assured it was very worthwhile Sujin S - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned to take advantage of every opportunity presented to me. You never know where something will lead, so go to that cafe, meet up with that friend, or see that museum exhibit. This experience was definitely worthwhile, and I would recommend it to everyone. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
YES!!! Nicole K - DePauw 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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