Spend a transformative semester in Paris, one of the world's most captivating cities, studying French language and culture at the renowned Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne (CCFS). This AIFS Abroad program runs from January 20 to May 22, 2027, and welcomes students of all levels—no prior French experience is required. You'll be based in the 17th arrondissement, known for its elegant tree-lined avenues and the beautiful Parc Monceau, providing an authentic Parisian setting for your studies.

The academic core of the program requires all students to take French language courses, available from beginner through superior levels, with placement determined by an online test before departure. Semester students complete 150 contact hours of French instruction (2 hours daily, Monday–Friday, plus phonetics) earning 10 semester credits. You can then choose either two electives taught in English (3 credits each) or one English elective plus up to three 1-credit French History and Culture lectures taught in French, allowing you to customize your experience based on your language proficiency and interests. The program offers up to 16 semester credits total, though AIFS recommends a maximum of 14 credits for optimal learning.

Your housing options include a Parisian homestay—widely considered the best way to truly learn French and integrate into local culture—or an optional student apartment shared with other AIFS participants. The homestay provides daily breakfast plus one meal weekly, kitchen access for evening meal preparation, and invaluable cultural immersion. All housing includes internet access. You'll navigate Paris using the efficient Metro system, with most students commuting 30–45 minutes from home to class, a normal part of Parisian student life.

Beyond the classroom, you'll participate in a rich cultural calendar of weekly activities and social events included in your program fee, from visits to Monet's Garden in Giverny and the Palace of Versailles to museum tours (Rodin, Picasso, Marmottan), walking tours of iconic neighborhoods like Montmartre, ballet performances, and concerts. Optional excursions deepen your cultural knowledge—a two-day Normandy and Brittany tour includes the Peace Memorial, D-Day sites, Mont Saint-Michel, and St. Malo (estimated $345). You may also arrange volunteer opportunities with local organizations such as Les Restos du Coeur and Emmaüs, and a cooking course is available for an additional fee, allowing you to explore Paris's world-renowned culinary scene.

The inclusive program fee of $18,490 covers tuition for up to 16 credits, housing in a homestay, meals, excursions, cultural activities, 24/7 emergency support, comprehensive insurance, and access to professional development resources like the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment. AIFS provides pre-departure preparation, on-site support from the Program Director (Jane Downs, an experienced educator and Paris resident of three decades), and visa guidance for the required French student visa. Optional round-trip flights from 25 U.S. gateways range from $1,680 (New York area) to $1,960 (Denver), with airport transfers included. The program is open to first-year through senior undergraduates and non-students with a minimum 2.5 GPA, making it accessible to motivated learners eager to gain language fluency, cultural understanding, and unforgettable memories in the City of Light.