Paris is without doubt one of the most beautiful European cities and continues to rank among the top five tourist destinations in Europe. The abundance of art and culture found throughout Paris provides an ideal setting for learning French. Each of the 20 arrondissements of the city has its own unique charm and character. Whether you find yourself wondering through the Latin Quarter, the Marais, St. Germain or Montmartre, every day will bring you something new to discover. Although Paris has a seemingly endless selection of museums, exhibits and monuments to visit, perhaps the most pleasant pastime is to sit at a table outside a café and watch the world go by. For the price of a café crème, you may linger as long as you like - read the paper, have a meal, or plan your next move.

The program is open to students from around the world and includes 20 hours of instruction per week. Classes are held every afternoon at an accredited language institute on the west side of Paris within an easy commute to the city center. In addition to the regular afternoon courses, every Wednesday morning the school organizes a lecture on French Culture & Civilization. The faculty is made up of native French professors experienced in teaching French as a Second Language. All classes are taught in French. Class size varies from 8-12 students. Groups are set up by levels (Beginning to Advanced), which are determined by proficiency tests given the first day of each session. Monday mornings are reserved for final registration and placement exams.

The school is equipped with a resource library, audio/video laboratory, computer lab, and self-service snack bar. Internet access is available at the school or at local cyber cafes. Course certificates are awarded upon successful completion of each program and must be requested directly from the admissions office in France. Official transcripts are processed by the host institute through the FAE office. Students must submit a Credit Transfer Request form to the FAE office in Virginia to receive a transcript. One transcript is provided at no cost to each student. A fee of $20 is charged for each additional transcript.

A weekly schedule of activities and excursions is available from the institute at final registration in France. Additional services, excursions and local information are available through the Office du Tourisme in town.

Fall 2007 Trimester: September 30 - December 22.
Winter 2008 Trimester: January 06 - March 29.
Spring 2008 Trimester: March 31 - June 21.
Academic Year: September 30 - June 21.

Note: : Short-term intensive 4-week sessions may also be added to any trimester to extend your program for an additional month. For more information, visit the Summer Study Abroad Programs in Paris.

Housing is arranged by the host institution in the home of a local resident or in student residence. Daily breakfast and dinner are included with both housing options. Students living with a local resident have a private room and share the bath with their host. Students living in a residence have a single room with private bath, with meals serviced in the cafeteria. Linens are provided for all housing options. Please indicate your first and second choice of housing on your FAE Application Form.

Daily lunches are not included with room & board. Although there are student cafeterias available in several locations throughout Paris serving lunch and dinner, you will find many inexpensive options at any of the local cafés. Reduced meal tickets for the student cafeterias may be purchased at any CROUS office in town. The school admissions office can assist you in locating the various addresses.

* A refundable security deposit is required for all apartment rentals.

Note: Expenses may vary with fluctuating exchange rates.

A list of regularly scheduled activities and excursions is provided by the institute. These activities require an extra fee. Students sign up for the activities of their choice once in France. Ask for a complete list of options at final registration. In addition to the activities and excursions organized by the institute, the Office du Tourisme offers a wide selection of guided tours and events. A sample selection of activities includes a narrated coach tour of the city, a boat ride down the Seine River, a guided visit of a museum, or half-day excursions to the Cathedral of Chartres or nearby Palaces (Versailles, Fontainebleau, Vaux LeVicomte). Wherever your passion lies, you will find just the right place in and around Paris to make your Trimester Study Abroad Program an experience you will want to repeat!