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CIEE Paris Liberal Arts Program

Fast Facts

Sessions Offered:

Fall, Spring, Academic Year

Location:

Paris, France

Credit:

Resident

Eligibility:

2.75 GPA, 4 semesters of college-level French (or equivalent), good academic and disciplinary standing

Application Due:

Fall & Academic Year:
Mar. 1

Spring: Sept. 20

Program Cost:

Click the Application tab.

The Paris Liberal Arts program is a French language intensive program for students looking to improve their French language skills. Courses will involve experiential learning opportunities to help students apply their language skills and immerse themselves in the local culture. Students will take all French-taught courses alongside local and other international students. Courses focus on topics and areas of study such as communication, literature, architecture, and history.

For more details, visit CIEE’s website.

Academic Program

Arc de Triomphe

Students receive University of Iowa resident credit for the courses taken on this program.

With CIEE Paris Liberal Arts, students will pursue all French-taught courses. Students will enroll in 12 s.h. to 18 s.h. per semester with the option of taking 2-3 classes with CIEE and 2-3 classes at Universite de Paris Sorbonne Nouvelle (Paris 3).

CIEE offers courses that focus on culture, writing, and art history. Additionally, students have the opportunity to pursue a credit-bearing internship in French or conduct a credit-bearing independent research project.

Courses at the Sorbonne Nouvelle focus on literature, language, cinema, and theater.

The list of current courses can be found here: CIEE’s website

Cultural Activities

Luxembourg Gardens

If you’re looking to spend time in one of the world’s most prominent centers of culture, finance, and commerce, look no further than Paris. The capital of France - and the country’s most populous city - is a top tourist destination. You’re destined to fall in love with its historic landmarks, exquisite dining, and charming architecture.

Improve your French! Students make the CIEE Community Language Commitment to speak French at all times, which fosters language proficiency and helps you better understand local culture.

  • Go on a weekend study tour of Bordeaux to learn about the history of the slave trade, sustainability, and the culture of wine
  • Explore the hidden corners of Paris culture, art, and society through two extra-curricular activities a week.
  • Practice your French through a vibrant language exchange with Parisians, volunteer with one of our community service partners, or live your own passion with an interest group in music, sports, art, or film

Program Dates

Fall: Mid-August to mid-December

Spring: Mid-January to mid-May

For more information

Steps to Studying Abroad

  1. Before initiating an application with CIEE, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa. 
  2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
  3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.
  


Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email: study-abroad@uiowa.edu

Université Sorbonne Nouvelle (Paris 3)

Study space at CIEE Paris Center

The CIEE Paris Center is newly located in the lively Sentier neighborhood in the 2nd arrondissement, less than a minute away from the passages and cinemas of the Grand Boulevards, a 10-minute walk from the Palais Royal, and a 15-minute walk from the Opera Garnier. The Sorbonne Nouvelle is a 20-minute bus ride away.

Universite Sorbonne Nouvelle (Paris 3) is a branch of the University of Paris (UP), the second oldest university in Europe. This university is the alma matte of many historic individuals and hosts nearly 20,000 students.

Courses at Paris III taken by program students are typically taught in the Censier buildings, easily accessible by metro from any point in the city.

Paris

Eiffel Tower

Paris, one of the great cultural and intellectual centers of the Western world, is also one of the world's most majestic and beautiful cities and displays proof of a long and vigorous past, from the ruins of an ancient Roman bath to the Cathedral of Notre Dame to the innumerable monuments built to reflect the glory of France and its rulers. The city is known for its cafés (one for every 200 inhabitants), its parks (Bois de Boulogne, Jardin de Luxembourg, Bois de Vincennes), its street life, and its markets. It remains a center for culture, art, fashion, gastronomy, and intellectual life.

France

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

For as long as the United States has existed, France has been considered a center of culture within the world and has had a significant impact from contributions to food, art, fashion, and sciences. The largest country in the European Union is also one of the greenest, with stunning natural views and iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Lourve and the Palace of Versailles. The French people are passionate about their country and their way of life. Explore a rich history by visiting classic churches, dive into French cuisine, and enjoy a glass of wine or latte at any of the wonderful French cafes.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

Standard housing is included in the study abroad program fee. CIEE offers single rooms in a homestay, double-occupancy rooms in a shared apartment, and double-occupancy rooms in a residence hall. All of these housing options are located within 50 minutes via public transportation of CIEE Paris.

For an additional fee, students can opt for a double-occupancy room in a shared apartment located within 20 minutes of CIEE Paris or a single room in a shared apartment located within 50 minutes of CIEE Paris.

For additional details, refer to housing information on the CIEE program webpage.

Passport

U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens who do not have a passport should apply for one as soon as possible. More information about how to apply for a passport is available on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. US citizens who need to renew their passport can find more information on the US Department of State’s website. The passport must be renewed before applying for the Spanish visa required for semester or academic year programs.

Expedited processing service is available at an additional cost. UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-U.S. Citizens

Students who are not U.S. citizens should contact UI Study Abroad (study-abroad@uiowa.edu) for information on how to ensure that their passport is valid for the duration of their time abroad.

Travel Arrangements

Students will work with their program provider to make travel arrangements to their program site. The cost of travel is not included in the course fee. UI Study Abroad will not arrange a group flight to your study abroad destination.

Do not purchase plane tickets until you have received instructions on how to do so from your program provider.

Local Transportation

Within your host city and around the country, students will utilize public transportation such as buses and trains. Excursions and general travel require a lot of walking, so bring some comfortable shoes!

Eligibility

This program is open to University of Iowa students who fulfill the following requirements:

  • Minimum 2.75 GPA: Students must have at minimum a 2.75 cumulative GPA to participate in this program.
  • Minimum of four semesters of college-level French: Students must have completed at least 4 semesters of college-level French or equivalent.
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who, even after being accepted into a program, are put on either academic and/or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad. In these cases, students must forfeit their acceptance, will not be allowed to study abroad, and are wholly responsible for any and all financial expenses incurred.

Costs

The most recent cost sheet for the program is included below. The cost sheet outlines the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid and planning purposes. It includes fees charged on students’ U-Bill (CIEE program fee, Study Abroad Administrative Fee, and mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Travel Insurance), as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic. Please see the respective websites for further details. Contact your Study Abroad advisor with questions regarding the cost sheet.

Cost Sheets

PDFCost Sheet for CIEE Paris Critical Studies, Spring 2023

PDFCost Sheet for CIEE Paris Critical Studies, Fall 2022

How to Apply

Interested students should make an appointment with the designated UI Study Abroad advisor to discuss the program and the application process. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 319-335-0353. During the appointment, the advisor will provide full application instructions. Note: Application materials will not be reviewed unless a student has already met with the advisor to discuss the program.

The application process consists of the following steps:

• Complete the UI Online Application for Study Abroad. Applicants will be charged a $50 non-refundable application fee. As part of the UI Online Application for Study Abroad, applicants will need to upload a copy of their passport picture page and a list of courses to take while abroad.

• Complete the CIEE Online Application.

Post Acceptance

Acceptance into the applicant's chosen study abroad program is made by CIEE directly via an email to the applicant. This acceptance notification will refer the applicant to additional documents posted to the myCIEE account.

Application Deadlines

Fall and Academic Year: Mar. 1

Spring: Sept. 20

Health & Safety Planning

All students preparing to study abroad should review the following:

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travelform with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Visa

U.S. passport holders must obtain a student visa from France in order to participate in the semester or academic year program. U.S. passport holders should follow the batch processing visa application instructions provided by CIEE. If students do not participate in batch visa processing, they must apply for their student visa independently and present their application by appointment at the appropriate French Consulate. Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining the necessary visa to enter France.

Non-U.S. passport holders should consult with CIEE regarding their visa requirements.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs online “Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation” course distributed through ICON prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.

There are no photos available for this program yet. Do you have any photos to share with us? If you do, please contact us at:

1111 University Capitol Centre
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1802
USA

Phone: (319) 335-0353
Fax: (319) 335-0343
E-mail: study-abroad@uiowa.edu