American University of Paris

Fall Semester Elective 2027

12 – 18 credits

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Fall Semester 2027
Fall Semester 2027
Paris, France

Program Overview

Join students from around the world in the heart of Paris to spend a semester challenging yourself in courses across an array of disciplines including Art History, Business, Film, Communications, Politics and Psychology. SAI semester students at AUP select 3 – 5 courses from the range of subjects offered for a total of 12 – 18 credits. Motivated students have the option of adding a SAI Global Leadership Certificate to their AUP semester program.

Highlights

  • Earn a SAI Global Leadership or International Service Certificate
  • Get involved with AUP student clubs and associations
  • Choose from 200+ courses offered each semester in a range of subjects
  • Experience the wonder and elegance of Paris

Key Details

Application Deadline
May 15, 2026
Program Fee
Coming soon
Program Dates
Late August – Mid December 2027
Enrollment Deadline
May 29, 2026

Requirements

Age
18+
Academic Year
Freshman (1st year) or above
Cumulative GPA
3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
Application Materials
SAI application
Personal statement
Transcript
Digital photo
Passport scan
Visa Required?
Yes

Academics

As a US-accredited university, AUP offers a wide variety of courses designed to offer a rich and well-rounded education, blending classroom learning with hands-on experiences. Students can explore everything from creative disciplines and cultural studies to professional fields and innovative programs, all while engaging with the vibrant history and community of Paris.

AUP courses run Monday – Friday. SAI students are free to enroll in any combination of elective courses, but prerequisites must be demonstrated through students’ transcripts.

Please note that listed course options are not final until days and times are posted; until then, course options should be treated as tentative.


Explore Courses More Details

What’s Included

This is a SAI 360° Services Program; it includes our full services!

  • Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
  • Comfortable and safe student housing
  • Airport pickup on arrival day
  • Orientation and welcome reception
  • Welcoming on-site staff
  • Student health insurance
  • SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
  • 24-hour on-site emergency support
  • Farewell event

Pre-departure and Re-entry services

  • Knowledgeable Admissions Counselors
  • Helpful pre-departure resources & groups
  • Student visa advising
  • Assistance with financial aid processing
  • Need-based SAI scholarships
  • Alumni Network & Ambassador Program

Financial Details

Program Fees
Application Fee $120
Security Deposit
Refundable at the end of the term.
$300
Program Fee
Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included).
coming soon
Optional / Additional Fees:  
Optional Private Room Housing Supplement
Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom.
coming soon
Optional Homestay Housing Supplement
Homestay housing in a private room. Includes daily breakfast and 3 or 5 dinners/week.
3 dinners/wk – TBA
5 dinners/wk – TBA

*prices are subject to change

Please see SAI Policies for SAI cancellation & withdrawal deadlines.

Note: Some US universities have a special payment arrangement with SAI, where your university covers part of your fees on your behalf, and you pay the remaining fees directly to SAI. Not sure if this applies to you? Check with your study abroad office or your SAI Admissions Counselor.

Financial Deadlines
Within 1 week of acceptance
SAI Deposits Due
$500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee)
$300 Security Deposit (refundable)
May 1 2027
50% of Total Program Fee Due
(Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 business days after submitting the deposit.)
May 15 2027
Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline
Applicable to students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment process. (Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 business days after the deposit.)
June 1 2027
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline
Complete application due by 11:59pm Pacific Time.
June 15 2027
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline
Applicable to students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment process.
July 1 2027
Balance of Total Program Fee Due
Budgeting
Airfare to/from Paris $980 – $2,000
Student Visa
Visa and Permit to Stay fees (incl. possible travel fees–varying based on consulate location and student’s residence).
$350 – $450
Books, Supplies & Course Fees $30 – $80 / course
Meals
Includes groceries and eating out.
$650 – $1,000 / month
Personal Expenses $350 – $450 / month
Transportation within Paris
Public transportation with some taxi rides.
$150 – $200 / month
Weekend Travel
Cost varies greatly by student.
$300 – $1,000 / month

SAI Housing

Apartment shared bedroom

Standard Housing:
Student Apartment | shared bedroom

(included in program fee)

SAI student apartments offer a comfortable, community-focused living experience in fully equipped spaces. Apartments typically house 2 – 5 students and feature a mix of shared-occupancy and private bedrooms, along with kitchen, bathroom, and a common area. Each unit is move-in ready with essential furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens, towels, and wireless internet. Housing is arranged as female, male, and, in select locations, gender-inclusive. SAI’s on-site staff are available to promptly assist with any maintenance needs throughout the program.

Apartment private bedroom*

Optional Housing:
Student Apartment | private bedroom

*additional fee applies

Private bedrooms in student apartments offer a private bedroom with a shared bathroom. SAI student apartments offer a comfortable, community-focused living experience in fully equipped spaces. Apartments typically house 2 – 5 students and feature a mix of shared-occupancy and private bedrooms, along with kitchen, bathroom, and a common area. Each unit is move-in ready with essential furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens, towels, and wireless internet. Housing is arranged as female, male, and, in select locations, gender-inclusive. SAI’s on-site staff are available to promptly assist with any maintenance needs throughout the program.

Family homestay*

Optional Housing:
Family Homestay | private bedroom

*additional fee applies

Homestay housing places students with a local family, which could be an older couple or a family with children. SAI homestay families are thoroughly screened and are accustomed to welcoming visiting students into their homes. Homestays provide a private bedroom in the family home with basic furnishings. Wifi is included, as is access to laundry facilities. Students opting for this more immersive housing get breakfast included as well as the option of a certain number of dinners per week (cost varies).

Academics & Certificates

Course Registration

SAI students complete their course registration directly with AUP through their AUP student account. Upon confirming intention to pursue the SAI program at AUP, students receive login information for their AUP student account. SAI’s Paris Admissions Counselor will help guide students through this process. Enrollment in AUP courses are processed on a first-come/ first-served basis and students should complete their course requests as early as possible.

After students receive their course registration confirmation, no changes can be made until students arrive on-site. AUP’s drop/add period occurs during the first week of semester classes.

Optional Certificates

SAI Global Leadership Certificate (GLC)
The SAI Global Leadership Certificate (GLC) enhances a semester abroad through focused exploration of global issues, research, and engagement with local experts. Students develop critical thinking and leadership skills while gaining a deeper understanding of their host community. This credential highlights academic initiative and a global perspective.

SAI International Service Certificate (ISC)
The SAI International Service Certificate (ISC) offers students the opportunity to engage directly with their host community through volunteer service. Working with local organizations and supported by SAI staff, students build practical skills, cultural awareness, and meaningful connections. This certificate recognizes a strong commitment to service abroad.

SAI Viva Experience

SAI offers all students the Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities, at no extra cost, for participants to get to know their community, city and country. Following is a sample of the activities included in this program. Please note that actual activities may differ.

Orientation & Cultural Integration
A young woman sits in a large cutout heart next to the letters PARIS.
Wellness & Outdoor
A young woman and man row a boat on a sunny lake.
Food & Drink
A large flat dough sails through the air as it is passed between participants at a boulangerie workshop.
Walking Tours & City Exploration
Three people look up at an ivy covered building.
Food & Drink
Four students pose on the street with pastries.
Wellness & Outdoor
A girl feeds a horse while another student photographs it.
Orientation & Cultural Integration
Students in a classroom practicing French.
Day Trips
Students pose in a large chateau.
Food & Drink
A high-angle view of young adults clanking wine glasses.
Arts & Culture
The ceiling of the Paris Opera house with a chandelier and colorful painting by Marc Chagall.
Day Trips
Students pose in front of a pink house covered in ivy, behind a tulip garden.

Passport & Visa

Passports
Passports should be valid for at least 1 year after planned departure from Europe.

Student Visas
In accordance with French law, U.S. students studying in France for 91 or more days are required to obtain a student visa. Therefore U.S. students are required to obtain a student visa for this program. Those with French/EU citizenship are exempted. Non-US nationals should consult their local consulate for information on student visa requirements.

The SAI Student Visa Office is available to assist students throughout the visa application process; SAI Student Visa Consulting is part of the SAI 360° Services included in the program fee.