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APA Paris: Immersion for Intermediate & Adv. French Speakers

$19,500Program Costs
4.4 / 5Overall Rating
10Reviews
1986Year established

Program Overview

Improve your French through an immersive academic experience while choosing courses across nearly any academic discipline in Paris. Designed for intermediate and advanced French speakers, this program combines the academic freedom of a French university experience with personalized support from APA's Paris team through a unique direct-enroll hybrid model.

Study subjects ranging from STEM and economics to political science, history, art, film, gender studies, and more through APA's university and higher education partners, APA electives, or independent research opportunities. Build a personalized schedule based on your language level and academic interests, with the flexibility to explore courses before final registration through APA's signature Course Shopping Week.

Beyond academics, experience daily life in Paris through immersive housing with a French host or student residence, cultural activities, performances, and excursions throughout France. With dedicated language support, expert academic advising, and a supportive Paris-based team, you'll gain the confidence to thrive in a French-speaking environment while developing lifelong skills and memories.

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Program Highlights

DIVERSE ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES: Choose courses across disciplines including STEM, economics, political science, history, art, film, gender studies, and more through APA's academic partners.
ALL-INCLUSIVE CULTURAL IMMERSION: Experience Paris like a local with included housing, metro access, airport pickup, cultural activities, performances, and excursions throughout France.
DEDICATED LANGUAGE & ACADEMIC SUPPORT: Strengthen your French and typically advance one CEFR level through personalized language support, methodology workshops, and guidance from French faculty.
EXPERT PRE-DEPARTURE PREP: Begin your journey with personalized guidance on course selection, housing, visa preparation, and transitioning confidently to life in Paris.
COMPREHENSIVE STUDENT SUPPORT: Thrive throughout your semester with APA's dedicated team providing resources, guidance, and individualized academic and personal support.

What's Included

Language Lessons
Tuition & Fees
In-Country Orientation
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Emergency Support
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Public Transportation Pass
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Some Program Activity Costs
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Welcome Dinner
Pre-Departure Orientation
Academic Advising
Academic Credit

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Paris, France

Fields & Subjects

  • Anthropology
  • Art & Fine Arts
  • Art History
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • French
  • History
  • Humanities
  • International Relations
  • Languages & Linguistics
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science & Politics
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology
  • Women's Studies
  • Literature
  • Culture
  • Music - Vocal Performance
  • Visual Arts
  • Arts
  • Theater
  • International Business
  • Government
  • Natural Sciences
  • Management
  • Science
  • European Studies
  • International Policy & Diplomacy
  • Independent Study

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • 2026, 2027, 2028
  • Terms Available
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Academic Year

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • French
  • Education
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)
  • University 5th Year or More

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Home-stays

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18-25

Starts At

  • Semester: $19,500

Refund Policy

Other

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Academic Programs Abroad (APA)

4.4
10 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
4
4
6
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Cultural Immersion
4.9
Academics
4.6
Program Administration
4.6
Community
4.5
Living Situation
4.4
Health & Safety
4.3

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-10 of 10 reviews

Sophie RothUnited States · December 2025

Immersive and Supportive

APA Paris is a wonderful program. I felt supported and challenged in all the right ways. From start to finish, I was surrounded by some of the kindest and most patient program coordinators who helped me seamlessly navigate life in a foreign country. The academics offered by the program are engaging and well-tailored to multiple levels in French, and the cultural events and excursions were some of my fondest memories here in Paris. The group of students the program attracted were some of the loveliest people to have spent a semester in Paris with, and the program did an excellent job facilitating a welcoming environment for us to bond. While I felt fully independent and immersed in French culture, the APA office was always there, offering support and a strong community. I could not have asked for a better study abroad experience. Merci APA!

Lucia SwanerUnited States · December 2025

Wow wow wow

I had such a blast and I was especially impressed with the extra curricular offerings of APA in comparison with other study abroad programs my friends were doing at the same time! 😁❤️🥳🥐🗼🏠😊🫂🍫🌿

Photos

Kanoelani SillsUnited States · December 2025

Immersive

I felt fully immersed in French culture from the moment I arrived. I believe that the combination of attending a Parisian university and living in an apartment building with other Francophone young adults really helped me feel like I was having a true Parisian experience. I felt supported by the program, but I also had a lot of freedom to live my life independently as much as I liked. I think that the best part for me was my living situation, just because it introduced me to all my closest friends and forced me to speak French frequently. I think I felt like I integrated well into French culture and life without staying within the confines of being an American on an exchange.

Mei de LaperouseUnited States · December 2025

It was really helpful in getting better at the language.

When I arrived to Paris, I had forgotten a lot of my french. Because I was forced to constantly hear and speak french, I really was able to improve my skill and now I am able to understand majority of what is said in french and be able to speak in a conversation.

Sadie RothsteinUnited States · December 2025

A truly immersive program

APA gave me the cultural immersion I needed to really improve my French. I thoroughly enjoyed my classes and the APA administration was so helpful and supportive. The cultural program was great as well. You get to see all sorts of performances and engage in french culture

Anya ChuUnited States · December 2025

Study abroad with APA

I had an amazing time with APA! The program is run by a kind, considerate and detail-oriented program that emphasizes cultural immersion. We had multiple cultural events that were included with the program including concerts, tastings, as well as overnight stays in French regions. I also opted to stay in a homestay which was a wonderful experience; I really clicked with my host mom and lived in a beautiful Parisian apartment. My French has improved greatly thanks to tutoring and language offerings and I fell in love with Paris. I highly recommend APA to anyone wanting to study abroad in Paris!

Diva ShahIndia · December 2025

The best semester ever!!

I loved my semester with APA. My French has improved tremendously! The teachers, advisor, and administrative support is amazing. I loved that we had the opportunity to take classes with multiple universities based on our interests and the courses at APA are also very well taught. The cultural program is unlike any other, and it gave me a great opportunity to have experiences I never would have had otherwise! I highly recommend this programme!

Ernesto EstelaUnited States · December 2025

Phenomenal experience!

Academic Programs Abroad was definitely the way to go! The level of immersion and cultural offerings that you get are unlike any other, and everything is well organized—yet still personalized, to feel responsive. I highly recommend this program to someone that wants to immerse themselves in the city and have a good time with others.

Jillian Dufault United States · December 2025

I love APA and I love Paris

The academics were a little difficult because everything was in French but that is to be expected. APA was amazing and provided such great support. My advisor was amazing and I met such good friends here.

Senan PolUnited States · October 2024

Wonderful Year Abroad

I decided to study abroad in Paris with APA due to it offering the rare chance to immerse oneself in the French language through the day-to-day operations of the program alongside the option to stay with a host family. I opted to stay with a host family for the entire academic year and it was the best choice I could have made. Aside from greatly improving my French, I also developed deep relationships with my host family that will last forever. At APA, I similarly developed these connections. With it being a small team, you have the unique opportunity to develop personal relationships with the staff who truly know and understand you. Additionally, the program offered endless outings and events to attend, livening up every week with incredible opportunities.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about Academic Programs Abroad (APA).

What is APA?

APA provides immersive study abroad experiences in the Francophone world, offering students the chance to study at top universities, engage with local cultures, and improve their French language skills. Our programs are academically rigorous, culturally enriching, and designed to fit a variety of student needs.

Who can apply to an APA Program?

This program is open to gap year students and undergraduate students with sophomore, junior, or senior university standing or higher. 

Applicants should have an A2+ French language level (approximately 3–4 semesters of French or equivalent) and a 3.0 GPA. 

If your GPA does not reflect your current academic potential due to a challenging semester, change in major, or transfer, contact APA to discuss your eligibility.

When are the application deadlines?

Deadlines vary by program and term. We recommend applying early to secure your spot.

Early Action: February 15 (Summer/Fall/Academic Year) and August 15 (Spring)
Summer, Fall, & Academic Year Programs: March 15
Spring Programs: October 15
Rolling Admissions: Applications are accepted after each deadline until programs are full.

Visit our website for the most up-to-date application deadlines.

Academic Programs Abroad (APA) Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Elise Monroe

Elise Monroe

Participated in 2023

Alumni

Elise, with a Studio Art and French background, is a wealth strategist at her family’s firm, pursuing art part-time. She’s traveled in Europe and the ...

I was always determined to study abroad because of the stories my dad told me about his own time living overseas. He once spoke French fluently, and I was determined to do the same.

Show Full Interview

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Gap Year Association Member New Logo
IIE Generation Study Abroad
NAFSA
Forum on Education Abroad

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