Central College Abroad in Paris is one of the oldest continually operating American programs in this European capital. CCA 's program is a true language immersion experience, open to students of all language levels. Even if you don't speak a word of French before you go, plan on courses and experiences in the CCA program that will quickly develop your language skills! Students follow language programs at the Sorbonne or the Catholic Institute of Paris. In the spring, intermediate and above students have the option to do an internship program through the Chamber of Commerce of Paris.
Students begin their French immersion experience in the city of Tours at the Institut de Touraine located in France's Loire Valley. Here students live with French families and take intensive language courses. After four weeks in Tours, students are acclimatized and well-prepared to move on to Paris, where they will begin their studies at different Parisian universities.
Personalized attention is a hallmark of CCA 's successful program in this legendary metropolis. Experience life as a Parisian, but yet still have the advantages of CCA resources and staff near at hand! Whether you are looking for a specific course for your major or an internship that will suit your professional goals, our on-site staff will guide you through your stay in the City of Lights.
Each of CCA 's international sites has an on-site program director, who is there to advise students during the academic experience, to orient them to the host city, to lead excursions, among many other things. All CCA directors also teach a hands-on seminar, where students learn about the host city and then experience it firsthand. Paris' on-site director, Shelley Cavaness, has been the director in Paris since 2006.
Students live in foyers (residence halls) throughout the city. French foyers provide a safe, quite and relaxing place in which to study, rest and best of all to interact with French students and native French speakers. Students gather at the CCA center (in the heart of the city) for the required seminar, to meet with the director, for wireless internet access, and to chat over a cup of coffee.
