Description

The Contemporary French Studies study abroad program in Paris, France is geared to students who have completed a minimum of two semesters of French study (or the equivalent) and wish to continue improving their language skills while also taking courses on French culture and contemporary France taught in English and/or French.

Students at all levels will achieve substantial, measurable improvement in French language skills and will achieve a clear understanding of the political, social, and cultural complexity that characterizes contemporary France. This includes diversity, multiculturalism, cultural mixing (metissage), and "national identity," as well as religious diversity and secularism (laicite). Students will analyze culture - art, architecture, literature, popular culture, film - in a social context in order to characterize their own experience in cultural terms. Students will communicate with peers about cultural differences and come to understand the French educational system.

Academic Program
The Contemporary French Studies (CFS) program, which began in 1999, offers strong French language instruction and a broad range of French-taught and Englishtaught courses about contemporary France. Qualified students have the option to design a French-only program and may audit or enroll in classes at the Universite de Paris. The program accommodates students at many levels from low-intermediate to advanced French, and with varying majors.

Students participating in the Contemporary French studies program have three options:
1) Students with five or more semesters of college-level French or the equivalent can choose an all-French program and can also enroll in courses at the Université de Paris (French-only option)
2) Students with four or five semesters of college-level French or the equivalent may choose a mix of courses in both French and English (Language and Culture option). Qualified students may audit or enroll in courses at the Universite de Paris.
3) For students with two or three semesters of college-level French, English-taught courses are available (Learner's option).

Courses use a variety of materials - texts, both literary and philosophical; film; art; the educational system; and the architecture of the city itself - considered in the context of society and culture. Contemporary social issues are discussed in courses about politics, Francophone cultures, and Muslim communities in Europe. Many courses include outings, whether to observe and learn about the streets and neighborhoods of the city, or participate in conferences, classes, and debates in French educational institutions.

Academic Culture
French language study begins with an intensive week-long program. Following this, French language classes meet twice a week. Language classes have a maximum of twelve students. Tutoring and speech therapy sessions are available for students with demonstrated need. Language instruction uses a variety of materials (newspapers, magazines, films, and videos), and classes are taught entirely in French.

Content courses typically meet twice a weekfor 1.5 hours per session, or once a week for 3 hours per session. Film courses entail an additional two-hour film screening to prepare for class discussions. Group screenings are organized.

Students studying at the Universite de Paris take a required CIEE class, the Workshop on Fench Academic Writing and Reasoning, designed to facilitate students' understanding of French academic culture. At the Universite de Paris, French students take a prescribed set of courses which does not allow for many electives; they specialize in a particular discipline and are expected to acquire in-depth knowledge very early in their academic career. French students are expected to be self-motivated, to analyze the professor's presentations, to delve into the bibliography, and judge the important aspects of the reading. This is in contrast to the U.S. educational system where students are expected to express their opinions, and are given very precise guidelines about what is expected of them in terms of readings and homework. Teacher-student relations tend to be more hierarchical and formal in France than in the U.S.

Highlights

• Expand your interest in contemporary French society and culture on this program uniquely adapted to the intermediate and advanced student
  
• Take content courses in both English and French, with a French-only option and participate in cultural outings integrated into classes
  
• Share housing with French speakers and volunteer with French youth
  
• Audit or enroll in a class at the Université de Paris if you meet the qualifications

In addition to outings within Paris, there is one weekend trip. Previous destinations have included the Loire Valley, Burgundy, Normandy, and Alsace. Day trips to sites such as Chartres and its cathedral, the château and gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte, or Reims, are also organized. Volunteer opportunities, including after-school tutoring of French youth, are arranged by CIEE staff.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, daily breakfast and one dinner per week, orientation, cultural activities, day trips, excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 3.0
• Minimum 2 semesters of college-level French or equivalent

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• Other

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947