Program Description

Did the Summer 2024 Olympics in Paris make you dream about visiting this mythical city? Do you love (or love to laugh at!) the TV series Emily in Paris and want to discover the ‘real’ city behind the post-card surface? Have you heard of the French New Wave or the fact that Paris is the most filmed city in the world and are eager to learn more about its rich film history? Then welcome to Paris on Film! A combined online and site-specific 3 week Study Abroad course, Paris on Film will provide students with an overview of milestones in French cinema through the lens of diverse cinematic representations of Paris and the evolving cultural and social relationship between the city and cinema.

The first week will be conducted via zoom (when students will watch and discuss classics of French cinema) and the second and third weeks will be conducted on site in Paris where students will visit key neighborhoods and cultural institutions connected to cinema. Assignments might include a daily blog, a photo-essay, and a final reflective essay.

Academic Program

Taught by Paula Amad, Associate Professor of Cinematic Arts and Direct of Graduate Studies, this course carries three (3) semester hours of resident credit and is taught in English (no foreign language proficiency is required).

This course is a great fit for students with a love and curiosity about French film, the city of Paris, and learning while abroad! This course will count towards general elective credit for the Ciematic Arts major. Non-Cinematic Arts students interested in the program should talk to their academic advisor to see how the course could apply to their degree plan

A note from Prof. Amad:

Hi, I’m Professor Paula Amad! I’m a specialist on French cinema and have been researching in Paris for over twenty years, so I know this city like the back of my hand. I’m teaching this course as I’m so excited to share my passion for and knowledge of this amazing city and French film history with you!

Program Activities

While in Paris, each day, students will expand their understanding of a French film with a visit to a related location or museum or site. For instance, to explore the film Amélie students will go on a walking tour of Montparnasse and a vist to the Musée d’Orsay to view a famous painting that features in the film. Students will also dive into the French pioneers of cinema with a deep dive into film history at the Cinematheque Francaise and the Albert Kahn Museum and gardens. Students will also experience Hotel du Nord, a classic of the golden age of French cinema, with a visit to the location depicted in the film and enjoy a picnic along the Canal. The group will also learn about one of the most important women filmmakers in film history, Agnès Varda, visiting the street where her studio still exists and sites that feature in several of her renowned films. There may even be some Emily in Paris location tourism!

Program Dates

The dates for the summer 2025 program will be May 26 - June 15. The course will be held virtually from May 26 - May 29. Students will depart for Paris on May 30 and remain there for the duration of the program until June 15.

For More Information

Prof. Paula Amad, Faculty Director
UI Department of Cinematic Arts
Email: paula-amad@uiowa.edu
More information: Website

Lindsay Budde, Study Abroad Program Coordinator
International Programs
Email: lindsay-budde@uiowa.edu

Paris

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

France has long been considered a center of culture for 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 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

Students will be housed in apart-hotel accommodations. Students will be in double rooms with en-suite bathrooms and kitchenettes. WiFi internet access is included

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.

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

A suggested flight itinerary will be shared with students accepted to the program. Students are strongly encouraged to book the suggested flight itinerary or an alternative itinerary that arrives in Paris at approximately the same time. Transportation from the airport to the hotel will be provided for those who arrive with the group.

Participants who are unable to meet onsite staff at the group arrival point in the airport are responsible for checking in at the designated arrival point at the appointed date and time and are responsible for all transfer arrangements and costs.

Local Transportation

Participants will be provided with public transit passes for all program activities in Paris.

Eligibility

This program is open to UI students who fulfill the following requirements:

• 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 will not be allowed to study abroad, and are wholly responsible for any and all financial expenses incurred.
• Minimum 2.75 GPA: Students must have at least a 2.75 UI & cumulative GPA. Applications from students who have a GPA below 2.75 may be considered for the program on a case-by-case basis. Students who have below a 2.75 should consult the faculty leader before applying.
• Major program of study: Preference will be given to Cinematic Arts majors, but the course is open to all majors
• Sophomore standing or above: Students must have completed two semesters of college-level study.
• Demonstrated preparedness and maturity: Students must meet entry requirements for the countries and venues visited by the program. Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel and demonstrate a commitment to behave responsibly abroad while respecting cultural differences. Students are expected to obey both local laws and program directives conveyed to participants before and during the program. The University of Iowa Code of Student Life applies to all program participants while abroad.
• Approval by faculty director and UI Study Abroad: Applications will be reviewed by the program’s faculty director, and students will be accepted based on their eligibility and application materials.
• Attendance at mandatory orientation programming: Students must attend all in-person and online pre-departure orientation programming.

There is no French language requirement for participation in this course.

Costs

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 (course 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. Please see the respective websites for further details. Contact the UI Study Abroad advisor with questions regarding the cost sheet.

The course fee does not include the Study Abroad Administrative Fee, CISI Travel Insurance, or out-of-pocket expenses, all of which are listed in the cost sheet.

Cost Sheet

Paris on Film- Cost Sheet- Summer 2025

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Most financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) is applicable to study abroad programs. Please check the Study Abroad website for information on financial aid and how it may be applied to studying abroad. You are also encouraged to speak with someone at the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore financial aid options.

Scholarship opportunities exist for study abroad participants. Please explore Study Abroad’s websites for UI Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities and Non-UI External Awards.

How to Apply

The application for the Summer 2025 program opens on January 1, 2025 and will close on January 29, 2025. The application process consists of the following steps:

• UI applicants complete the UI Online Application for Study Abroad. Applicants will be charged a $50 non-refundable application fee.
• Once the application process is complete, application materials will be reviewed by the program director, Prof. Paula Amad. All applicants will receive official notification of their acceptance status shortly after the final application deadline. Accepted students will also receive information about how to confirm their place in the course.
• Details about flights and orientation will follow soon after accepted students confirm their place in the program in February.

Application Deadline

Summer 2025 program: January 29, 2025

Acceptance & Confirmation Materials

Acceptance and confirmation materials will be distributed after the next application deadline.

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 do not need to obtain a visa for a stay in France of less than 90 days. Non-U.S. passport holders should consult with their local embassy.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These are in addition to orientations provided by the provider upon arrival in France. See below for more information.

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

During this in-person orientation, students will receive information on registering for their program in MyUI, payment and billing, course approvals and other practical matters. Students will also have the opportunity to ask the faculty leader, questions about the academics of the program.