This program offers courses at all French language levels as well as certain electives taught in English. Beginning and intermediate level courses focus primarily on French language skills. Starting at the low-intermediate level, courses are also offered in Culture and Civilization areas such as art, theater, literature, communications, history, and culture. Electives in English are open to all levels. Any student taking a course in English must be enrolled in at least one French Language course, whose minimum hours of instruction per week will depend upon each student's language level placement. Participants are in the classroom with American and other international students.

Students enrolled in the French Language, Culture, and Civilization semester/year program at the Catholic University of Paris who place into the superior language level (fluent or nearly fluent) during the official placement exam have the option of replacing a portion of their curriculum with up to two or the equivalent of two classes with French students. On a case by case basis to be determined by the French university, students with advanced level proficiency may be offered this opportunity as well.

*Students may add an intensive month as a preface to any of the fall or year programs in Paris. Please see Intensive Month program.

*prices and dates are subject to change

Minimum GPA

Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.

Minimum Admissions Prerequisites

There is no language prerequisite for this program. This program is for beginning, intermediate, high intermediate, advanced, and superior level French speakers. Students must have a 2.5 GPA and must be at least 18 years of age.

*All students must take a two part French language placement exam, one portion before departure for the program and the other upon arrival in Paris. The exam will indicate each student's language proficiency level, and will determine the courses in which the student is eligible to enroll.

Please use the following only as a guideline to determine what each student's language level may be. Each semester/quarter is of COLLEGE-LEVEL French or the equivalent of:

0-3 Semesters/0-5 Quarters = Beginning level
4-5 Semesters/6-8 Quarters = Intermediate
6-7 Semesters/9-11 Quarters = High Intermediate
8-9 Semesters/12-14 Quarters = Advanced
Fluent/Native Speaker = Superior

Please note that a student's French language level in France is based on the standards of the French university.

*Because course placement is contingent upon on-site level placement, university scheduling and available offerings from semester to semester, ISA does not guarantee registration into any course.