Central College Abroad: Paris, France

Before settling in to Paris, students begin the semester in Tours, France, in the Loire Valley, for a language and culture program. Students take one required language course which meets in the morning at the well-known Institut de Touraine, and participate in excursions throughout the city and region in the afternoon. The following required course is taught in French during your time in Tours:

French Grammar and Civilization
Four weeks (fall semester)/two weeks (spring semester) of intensive language and culture preparation at the Institut de Touraine as well as further cultural orientation under the guidance of the resident director. The course is supplemented by informational meetings, comparative cultural discussions, visits and excursions.

Please see our section on Intensive Language and Culture in Tours to read more about this unique program highlight.

This course, taught in Paris by the resident director, is the foundation on which your academic program is built, providing an interdisciplinary approach focused on French history, politics, art and literature for a broader understanding of your overall experience. The following required course is taught in English:

Discovering Contemporary France
Designed to give students a better understanding of the French people and French culture. Students will explore aspects of French history, art, cuisine, sport, as well as contemporary issues. These topics are supplemented with readings, group discussions, journal writing, excursions and site visits to further examine what is being learned in the classroom.

This course is taught at the Central College Abroad center (in the heart of the city). This is also a popular place to meet with the director, catch up with other students, use wireless internet, and chat over a cup of coffee.

The Paris program is designed so that students can choose from one of three institutions, for an experience that best suits their learning style and personal interests. Choose from the language institute of either The Sorbonne or the Catholic Institute of Paris, or select the incredibly unique French internship program through the Paris Chamber of Commerce. Please see our affiliate institutions information to find out which program would best fit you.

On Central’s study abroad programs, learning begins in the classroom, but continues in many different settings outside the traditional educational environment — offering you a more in-depth cross-cultural experience. Students can choose from either a service-learning or an internship option, both for academic credit. Central College Abroad programs offer these experiences as a way to more fully immerse yourself in the language and culture. Please see our section on internships and service-learning to discover your hands-on options.