paris photo
The Paris program equips eager students with wonderful language skills and Paris graciously provides a culture and a lifestyle that helps students learn more about the world and even more surprisingly about themselves.
– Jennifer Carrier
Central College

academic affiliate institutions

The Paris program is designed so that students can choose from one of three programs, for an experience that best suits their language level and academic interests. Students can choose a core program at one of two affiliated institutions: the language institutes of either the Sorbonne or the Catholic Institute of Paris, or choose the incredibly unique internship program. All courses at the affiliated institutions are taught in French.

Depending on the program selected, language level and the semester of study, students earn 10-19 credits per semester through their core program. Full-year students may combine a fall semester at either the Sorbonne or the Catholic Institute with the spring semester through the internship program. Course work is available in the following areas:

Catholic
Institute		 Sorbonne Internship
Program
  • Art
  • Business
  • Communications
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Philosophy
  • Sociology
  • Theatre
  • Art
  • Economics
  • French literature
  • History
  • Philosophy
  • Political science
  • Sociology
  • Economics
  • Fashion
  • French for business
  • French language
  • Phonetics
  • Political science
  • Tourism and leisure

Catholic Institute of Paris

The Catholic Institute of Paris is a private university located in the heart of the city in the Latin Quarter. In 1948 the Catholic Institute of Paris inaugurated its French Language and Culture Institute, and Central College Abroad students enroll in The Language and Culture Institute alongside other international students. This option is available to students of all levels, including beginners. The language program of the Catholic Institute boasts small class sizes and hands-on instruction from French faculty, and is a popular choice for students who prefer a smaller, more personal learning experience.

The Language Institute campus features a small cafeteria, library and internet facilities, among other student services — including informal French conversation group open to all interested students.

While the Catholic Institute program is for students of all levels, we feel it is best suited for beginning, elementary and intermediate speakers. Please use our French language guide to see if the Catholic Institute is right for you.

Catholic Institute courses, at a glance

Beginning
Students enroll in beginning level French language, phonetics, and spoken French courses.

Elementary
In addition to required elementary level language and phonetics courses, students choose one elective from a variety of areas. Please see the course catalog for a list of electives.

Intermediate or advanced
Students at this level may choose from the language and culture track, or the language and business track. In addition to required intermediate or advanced level language and phonetics courses for both tracks, students choose from electives in a variety of areas. Please see the course catalog for a list of electives.

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Sorbonne

The Sorbonne is the oldest institute of higher education in France and one of the oldest in Europe. Central College’s program in Paris began in 1965 and is one of the oldest continually operating American programs at this historical university.  Central College Abroad students enroll in the language institute of the Sorbonne alongside other international students. 

This option is popular for students who are looking for a more traditional French educational experience, with elective courses taught in large, lecture-style format.  This program is for students at the advanced level or above.  Please use our French language guide to see if the Sorbonne is right for you.

Sorbonne courses, at a glance

Advanced or above
Students may choose from the language and culture track, or the language and business track. In addition to required language and phonetics courses, students choose from electives in a variety of areas. Please see the course catalog for a list of electives.

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Internship program (high intermediate level or above)

Overview
The Internship program allows students to take French language courses, with the opportunity for addtional electives, while working alongside locals in a semester-long internship placement. This unique option prepares students to use their French in a professional setting after graduation. French language courses and electives are taken at the Catholic Institute and students can expect to intern two to three days a week.

Read more about possible internship areas in the internship and service-learning section.

Interested students must contact a Central College Abroad adviser early in the application process to discuss language level and course options.

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