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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
French Language & Liberal Arts
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Location
Paris
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Host University
Institut Catholique de Paris
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Term
Spring 2A 2025
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Program Dates
Jan 03, 2025 - May 23, 2025
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
Oct 10, 2024
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Oct 15, 2024
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Credit
228 - 312 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$18,950
- This session is closed and is no longer accepting applications.
Study Abroad Program Description
Designed to hone your knowledge of French language and culture, this program offers courses to international students in all levels of French, from beginning to advanced.
French language courses are taught in French, while culture and civilization courses (covering topics such as art, literature, communications, gastronomy, fashion, and politics) are taught in either French or English. The higher your language level is, the more opportunity you will have for taking culture and civilization courses (see academic information section for more details). All courses are taught by host university faculty at the Catho's Institut de Langue et de Culture Française (ILCF).
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
There is no language prerequisite for this program.
To participate in this program, you must be 18 years of age or older.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception*
Airport Reception*
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
*Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs, as well as programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. Housing in Paris is not included during the winter break and/or the break between the fall and spring semesters for those students completing the full academic year. Housing is also not included between intensive month sessions and the semesters. Please contact your ISA Site Specialist if you would like to add ISA housing for an additional cost during these periods.
For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Meals and Laundry Service*
Meals and Laundry Service*
*The possibility for included meals and/or laundry services vary per location and housing option. Meals and laundry services are provided with most homestays to a degree. For more details, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions*
Excursions*
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
*Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, some summer sessions, as well as some programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
Contact Hours
228 - 312
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
18 - 24
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
27 - 36
Academic Information
Description of Term:
- This program is the Catho's January Intensive Month session + the standard spring semester. In January you will take an intensive French language course, followed by your regular semester of coursework.
Course Availability and Scheduling
- The course list below indicates the proposed courses for the upcoming term. The host university has not yet confirmed the current course list at this time. This site will be updated once ISA receives the updated list of courses, along with a notification of the change to currently accepted students.
- Culture & Civilization courses are typically in the afternoon, and French language courses are in the morning. You will very likely need to take a French language course to fill your schedule and to avoid course scheduling conflicts.
Course Selection and Language Requirement
- Most students will take one French language course which counts as the majority of their total credits/hours. You may then fill the remainder of your schedule with culture courses in French or English, described in more detail. The below structure is subject to change based on enrollments and course offerings at the Catho each semester.
- All French Language courses will be 126 contact hours and 9 credits. The language courses will run Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
- If you place into the Beginning French courses (A1-A2), you will be required to take a French language course. You are strongly encouraged to take Written and Oral French as your electives.
- If you place into B2.2 or C1 French, your class will consist of students in either level.
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
- Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or prerequisites.
Course Credit
- Credits earned vary according to the policies of your home institution. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, you must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by your home institution while on the program.
- The contact hour at the Institut Catholique de Paris is 60 minutes. The ISA Cover Letter that will accompany your transcript upon completion of your program will reflect the adjusted U.S. 50-minute contact hour. Please discuss credit transfer with your home university prior to departure.
Transcripts
- The transcript from the Institut Catholique de Paris will reflect contact hours for each course listed below. Please be in touch with your U.S. University regarding credit transfer for this program.
Language Placement
- Enrollment in French courses is determined by the results of a language placement exam administered by the Institut Catholique de Paris. Please note that your performance on the placement exam may not reflect the number of semesters of language instruction you've already completed at your home university. We strongly suggest that students who are trying to place into any level of language beyond true beginning prepare for the language placement exam by reviewing previous coursework.
Courses
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Course Disclaimer
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Support & Funding
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
SUPPORT TEAM
Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.
Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.
U.S. Team
Kiri Johnson
Program Manager, France, South Africa & EuroScholars
Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Kiri graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.A. in International Studies and a minor in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Science. She studied abroad in Paris with ISA, where she fell in love with the culture, food, and the fashion. Having experienced firsthand how impactful studying abroad is to an individual’s growth, she is enthusiastic to help students plan their study and ease any stress or nerves that may come up. Happy to be back with ISA as a Program Manager this time around, Kiri aims to ensure everyone’s study abroad has the same impact as hers. In her spare time, she loves to sew and craft and be with her cat, Beignet.
PARIS TEAM
Annamaria Antonopoulos
Resident Director, France
Annamaria Antonopoulos
Resident Director
A longtime resident of Paris, Annamaria Antonopoulos is an ideal Resident Director. From personal experience, education, and professional background, she is keenly familiar with all aspects of the study abroad experience. Her degrees include a Bachelors in French Literature and a Masters in French For Foreigners. Before joining ISA, Annamaria did similar work, teaching French Language, Culture, and History to Hungarian and Romanian professors and American students living in Paris. Her current position allows her to further demonstrate her ability to work with people by coordinating a meaningful ISA program. When interacting with students, her characteristics shine through: passionate, organized, methodic, hardworking, enthusiastic, easy-going, fun, and always smiling!
Gabriel Antonopoulos
Assistant Director, France
Gabriel Antonopoulos
Assistant Director
Gabriel Antonopoulos Originally joined ISA Paris team in 2003 to assist with technical operations and coordinate Customized Programs.Today he’s Assistant Director, Director of Student Services, Paris Customized Programs Manager and also in charge of the administrative tasks.He have a Master's degree in Mathematical Sciences and Data Processing from the University of Paris with an undergraduate degree in Business and he have taught Computer Science courses in vocational training programs. Prior to joining ISA he was Director of Marketing and Commerce for High Tech Solutions. Gabriel he’s a French citizen fluent in French and Greek with working knowledge of English.He traveled throughout several countries and he is in Paris since 1973.
Delphine Lechevalier
Homestay & Student Services Coordinator, France
Delphine Lechevalier
Homestay & Student Services Coordinator
Delphine was born and raised in the Parisian region. At Panthéon-Sorbonne University, she studied Art History and Tourism. As an intern, she had the opportunity to be a guide, and now she is very happy helping students discover Paris. She loves Paris and is very excited to be able to share the French culture and patrimony with her students. She also plays the flute in an orchestra, and she is always happy to bring students to musical concerts or cultural activities -especially the ballet at the Paris Opéra Hall!
Sylvanie De la Victoire
Student Services Coordinator, France
Sylvanie De la Victoire
Student Services Coordinator
Having traveled a lot during her childhood, Sylvanie has always been keen meeting new people. She has a bachelors degree in Applied Foreign Languages (English and Spanish) and a masters degree in cultural management. She loves the quiet hidden streets of Paris as well as the vibrant avenues. She enjoys reading, going to the movies and good food! Sylvanie is fluent in both French and English and is very curious about different cultures.
Identity Resources
Accessibility & Accommodations
With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.
Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
Destination Information
Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.
Identity Blog
ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.
Funding
All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!
If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.
Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org
Housing
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the French lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor to Paris. Uncovering the uniqueness of your "quartier" (neighborhood) and the surrounding areas will help you to feel right at home. No matter which type of housing you choose, you will commute to class as most Parisians do, via métro. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations, however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Homestay
Host families are best option if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA's resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays will provide breakfast seven days a week, dinner four days a week (Mon - Thurs), and laundry service once a week. Some homestays will house multiple students while others may house one. They will be located throughout Paris and the surrounding areas. Single rooms may be guaranteed for an additional fee.
Apartment
Apartments are a great housing option if you are seeking a great deal of independence during your time abroad. There is an extra cost for the apartment housing type; please contact your ISA Paris Program Manager for more information.
The apartments are furnished and may be individual or shared rooms. Meals and laundry service are not included. Spots are limited, first come/first served, and placement is not guaranteed. Apartment types/set-up are subject to change based on availability of housing providers in Paris.
You will pay a $300 refundable security deposit if living in this ISA housing option. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the event of damage to property, or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.
Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
ISA excursions allow you to explore the diverse, distinct, and gorgeous landscape of France (and potentially surrounding countries) that you may not be able to visit on your own. While abroad, you will have the chance to go on one overnight trip, two day trips, and one optional excursion to Morocco. The destinations shown below are a sample of some of the possibilities, which are finalized in the time leading up to the start of your program.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-provence (or simply "Aix") is one of the most well known and beloved regions of Southern France. Aix is known for its distinct Romanesque architecture, colorful, buildings, and the beautiful fountains speckled throughout the city. While on this trip, you will go on a guided tour and a visit to the seaside town of Cassis, winding your way through the lovely provincial countryside.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-provence (or simply "Aix") is one of the most well known and beloved regions of Southern France. Aix is known for its distinct Romanesque architecture, colorful, buildings, and the beautiful fountains speckled throughout the city. While on this trip, you will go on a guided tour and a visit to the seaside town of Cassis, winding your way through the lovely provincial countryside.
Bordeaux
The first thing that likely comes to mind when you think about Bordeaux is wine, and with good reason. Bordeaux is the world's major wine industry capital and is home to the "Vinexpo", the world's most popular wine fair. Half of this port city is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with over 362 historical monuments. While in Bordeaux, you will take a guided tour of the city, have a wine tasting at one of the local wineries, and visit the famed Great Dune of Pyla.
Bordeaux
The first thing that likely comes to mind when you think about Bordeaux is wine, and with good reason. Bordeaux is the world's major wine industry capital and is home to the "Vinexpo", the world's most popular wine fair. Half of this port city is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with over 362 historical monuments. While in Bordeaux, you will take a guided tour of the city, have a wine tasting at one of the local wineries, and visit the famed Great Dune of Pyla.
Bruges
Bruges has been called the "Venice of the North" because of its stunning canals and beautifully preserved buildings. While on this excursion, you will take a guided boat tour through Bruges, highlighting the main sights in the city. You will have plenty of free time to explore many of the city's famed attractions, including the Beguinage, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Bruges belfry.
Bruges
Bruges has been called the "Venice of the North" because of its stunning canals and beautifully preserved buildings. While on this excursion, you will take a guided boat tour through Bruges, highlighting the main sights in the city. You will have plenty of free time to explore many of the city's famed attractions, including the Beguinage, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Bruges belfry.
France Discovery Day Trip
Visit one of the many notable destinations outside of Paris on this day trip. The change of scenery from the bustle of Paris is a great way to gain a different perspective on French culture and history. Visits vary from term to term and have included trips to Giverny, Versailles, Chantilly, Reims, Fontainebleau, or Chartres.
France Discovery Day Trip
Visit one of the many notable destinations outside of Paris on this day trip. The change of scenery from the bustle of Paris is a great way to gain a different perspective on French culture and history. Visits vary from term to term and have included trips to Giverny, Versailles, Chantilly, Reims, Fontainebleau, or Chartres.
Ghent
Ghent is a wonderful city in Belgium that is known for being "historical without being fossilized". It's a lively student city that still maintains its medieval charm. While visiting the city, you can see St Bavo's Cathedral, the Ghent Belfry, and the many canals that wind their way through the town.
Ghent
Ghent is a wonderful city in Belgium that is known for being "historical without being fossilized". It's a lively student city that still maintains its medieval charm. While visiting the city, you can see St Bavo's Cathedral, the Ghent Belfry, and the many canals that wind their way through the town.
Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is also known as the "the Garden of France" since it is filled with vineyards, fruit orchards, and gardens. You will have the chance to visit a few of the over forty châteaux that are scattered this beautiful countryside, such as Chambord and Chenonceau, while staying overnight in the city of Tours.
Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is also known as the "the Garden of France" since it is filled with vineyards, fruit orchards, and gardens. You will have the chance to visit a few of the over forty châteaux that are scattered this beautiful countryside, such as Chambord and Chenonceau, while staying overnight in the city of Tours.
Mont St Michel
This spectacular site remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of France, second only to Paris. You will perform "La Traversée", the crossing of the Bay between San Malo and Mont-Saint-Michel to get to the Mont Saint Michel Abbey and surrounding areas. From a distance, one can see the "pre-sale" sheep (a gastronomic specialty thanks to their naturally salty meat) grazing on the salt marshes. The Mont St Michel Abbey is connected to the mainland by an improbably thin stretch of land, and you will hear all about its history and significance on a guided tour.
Mont St Michel
This spectacular site remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of France, second only to Paris. You will perform "La Traversée", the crossing of the Bay between San Malo and Mont-Saint-Michel to get to the Mont Saint Michel Abbey and surrounding areas. From a distance, one can see the "pre-sale" sheep (a gastronomic specialty thanks to their naturally salty meat) grazing on the salt marshes. The Mont St Michel Abbey is connected to the mainland by an improbably thin stretch of land, and you will hear all about its history and significance on a guided tour.
Normandy
While exploring the region of Normandy, you will have the chance to visit the beautiful walled port city of Saint Malo. You will also spend time at the famous D-Day beaches and trek to Le Mont Saint Michel, the gorgeous ancient abbey that is one of France's most recognizable landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Normandy
While exploring the region of Normandy, you will have the chance to visit the beautiful walled port city of Saint Malo. You will also spend time at the famous D-Day beaches and trek to Le Mont Saint Michel, the gorgeous ancient abbey that is one of France's most recognizable landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Morocco * Optional
This multi-day, optional excursion takes you across Morocco, one of the most colorful and diverse countries in the world. It encompasses direct cultural encounters with locals, guided tours through the medina, and opportunities to learn the ins and outs of haggling with Moroccan vendors. You will have unforgettable experiences in the Sahara desert riding camels and waking up to see the spectacular views of the sunrise.
Morocco
This multi-day, optional excursion takes you across Morocco, one of the most colorful and diverse countries in the world. It encompasses direct cultural encounters with locals, guided tours through the medina, and opportunities to learn the ins and outs of haggling with Moroccan vendors. You will have unforgettable experiences in the Sahara desert riding camels and waking up to see the spectacular views of the sunrise.
Cultural Activities in Paris
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Paris. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Paris special. These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included cooking classes, a night at the Opera, a "How to become Parisian in one hour" comedy show, tea at the Grande Mosquee de Paris, and museum visits (Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou, etc.).
Cultural Activities in Paris
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Paris. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Paris special. These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included cooking classes, a night at the Opera, a "How to become Parisian in one hour" comedy show, tea at the Grande Mosquee de Paris, and museum visits (Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou, etc.).