CCFS’s 12 week French Language & Civilization program offers SAI students a rich immersion experience, based on techniques developed by the school over more than a century of language instruction. Courses include classroom work, as well as work in the phonetics lab to help students improve grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. In addition to language classes, students are invited to attend between two and eight lectures per week. These lectures, or conférences de civilisation, are taught in French and are designed for students at varying levels of proficiency. Each lecture addresses an important cultural topic and helps students deepen their appreciation of French society.
Application open until: May 15, 2024
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Official transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
EU privacy consent form
Highlights
- Join an international cohort of students studying in the center of Paris
- Enjoy access to world-class language and culture instructors in a small classroom environment
- Experience cultural and language immersion with a family homestay
Program Dates
September 10, 2024 – December 21, 2024
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: Sophomore (2nd year) or above
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Cumulative GPA:* 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)
French Language: Students must have completed at least one semester of college-level French before applying for this program.
The course includes 10 hours per week of classroom work (for 12 weeks), plus five hours per week of lab work (for 6 weeks). Total contact hours = 150
The course includes 10 hours per week of classroom work (for 12 weeks), plus five hours per week of lab work (for 6 weeks). Total contact hours = 150
The course includes 10 hours per week of classroom work (for 12 weeks), plus five hours per week of lab work (for 6 weeks). Total contact hours = 150
The course includes 10 hours per week of classroom work (for 12 weeks), plus five hours per week of lab work (for 6 weeks). Total contact hours = 150
The course includes 10 hours per week of classroom work (for 12 weeks), plus five hours per week of lab work (for 6 weeks). Total contact hours = 150
The course includes 10 hours per week of classroom work (for 12 weeks), plus five hours per week of lab work (for 6 weeks). Total contact hours = 150
The course includes 10 hours per week of classroom work (for 12 weeks), plus five hours per week of lab work (for 6 weeks). Total contact hours = 150
Courses & Credits
This program requires students to have completed at least one semester of college-level French (or equivalent) before applying.
Students register for a single French Language class, which consists of 120 hours of classroom instruction (10 hours per week for 12 weeks) and 30 hours of work in the phonetics lab (5 hours per week for six weeks). Based on the number of contact hours, students earn a total of 10 language credits during the term.
Language Placement Test
Upon being admitted to the program, students will complete an online French placement exam. Their level of proficiency will be determined by this exam and they will be placed accordingly (CEFR levels A1 – C1). Once students arrive in Paris, they will also take an assessment of their phonetic skills.
French Civilization Lectures/ Conférences de civilization
Students choose from two and eight lecture series per term. Lectures in a particular series meet once per week for 1.5 hours, allowing students to earn one (1) credit for each series successfully completed. Students who wish to earn credit for their attendance at lectures will take a final exam for each the end of the term. Please note: these lectures are taught in French for students at varying levels of proficiency, from beginner/intermediate through advanced.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| May 15 2024 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| May 1 2024 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. Either 50% or 100% of Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
| May 29 2024 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| June 1 2024 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for a SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
| June 15 2024 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification forms to SAI by this date. |
| July 1 2024 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| September 10 2024 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport. SAI airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 12:00 noon, and students are transferred to their SAI housing. |
| September 11 2024 |
SAI Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation is held at the SAI Paris office and introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| September 13 2024 |
CCFS Academic Orientation |
| September 16 2024 |
French Language Classes Begin |
| Coming soon |
French Civilization Lectures Begin |
| Coming soon |
Fall Break (no class) |
| Coming soon |
French Civilization Exam Period |
| Coming soon |
French Language Classes End |
| December 20 2024 |
French Language Exams End |
| December 21 2024 |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| 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). |
$12,750 |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*prices are subject to change
Note: certain SAI-affiliated US universities require specific payment arrangements. These may require that some fees are paid by the student directly to SAI, and other fees are paid to SAI by the affiliated university on behalf of the student. If you attend a SAI-affiliated university please contact your study abroad office or speak with your SAI Admissions Counselor for details.
| Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare to/from Paris |
$900 | $1,200 |
| Visa |
$350 | $450 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees |
$25 / course | $75 / course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$400/ month | $800 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $350 / month | $450 / month |
| Transportation within Paris Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$125 / month | $150 / month |
| Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student. |
$300 / month | $1,000 / month |
This is a SAI 360° Services Program; it includes our full services!
- Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
- Accommodation in carefully selected student housing
- Airport pickup on arrival day
- Welcome reception and events
- Orientation to the host city and school
- On-site staff who foster a welcoming community and provide assistance when needed
- SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- 24-hour on-site emergency support
- Farewell event
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
- Knowledgeable Admissions Counselor dedicated to you, providing friendly assistance
- Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
- Parent & family resources
- Online student groups to acquaint you with other SAI students
- Student visa advising
- Assistance with financial aid processing
- Need-based SAI scholarships
- Alumni Ambassador Program, with paid internship opportunities
- SAI alumni network
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.
Welcome Activity: Orientation & Bus Tour
Students gather at the SAI office for a Welcome Orientation program, after which they embark on a bus tour to take in the splendor of the city and a few of its magnificent landmarks.
Montmartre Walking Tour
Take a guided tour through the Montmartre district and glimpse the nooks and crannies of the most bohemian district of Paris, once home to artists such as Renoir, Picasso, Edith Piaf and others.
Maison Européenne de la Photographie Visit
Students spend an evening with SAI exploring the Maison Européenne de la Photographie, located in the trendy neighborhood of the Marais.
“Ghosts, Legends, & Mysteries” Evening Tour in Paris
Have you ever wondered about the mysteries and dark stories that Paris holds? Just in time for Halloween, join SAI for a two-hour walking tour exploring the city’s mysterious past. Our expert, English-speaking tour guide will recount tales as we tour sites such as the Louvre, Tour Saint Jacques, Ile de la Cité, and many more.
Open Market Tour & Tastings
Join SAI for a tour of one of Paris’ celebrated open food markets, Le marché d’Aligre. We’ll learn about the neighborhood and the history of the market. We’ll also receive tips on how to select the best fruits and vegetables, according to the season and purchase them. The visit will be followed by a picnic lunch in a local park.
Day Trip: Lyon
Spend the day exploring the city of Lyon and learning about its history. This culturally rich city is famous for its historical and architectural landmarks dating as far back as 2000 years! The group will tour this magnificent city on electric bikes, during which an expert tour guide will teach about the history of the city. After our tour, students will have time to explore Lyon independently, until the evening train back to Paris.
Hot Cocoa Bombs Workshop
Students enjoy the cozy-weather fun of preparing their own hot cocoa bombs! During this 1-hour culinary experience, an expert pastry chef will teach the art of creating delicious, hand-decorated confections. (This workshop is vegan friendly!)
Day trip: Reims Marché De Noël
The group will spend the a day exploring the beautiful city of Reims (only 45 minutes outside of Paris by train). While there, we’ll pay a visit to the Marché Noël (traditional open-air Christmas market), a quintessential European holiday experience, while taking in the sights, sounds, and perfumes of the holiday season in France.
Picasso Museum Visit
This museum houses the largest Picasso collection in the world! This tour will not only explore the museum’s permanent collection, but also a special exhibition of Maya Ruiz, Picasso’s daughter. A member of the SAI team will be at the museum to greet you with your ticket and audioguide. Afterwards, join our team for coffee, cakes, and tarts at one of the coolest and coziest restaurants in the Marais, Le Loir dans la Théière.
Farewell Dinner
Students celebrate the end of a successful semester abroad and say their goodbyes over a delicious French meal.
Standard Housing: Family homestay
Standard housing includes a private occupancy bedroom in a family homestay. Students are placed with a local family, which could be an older couple or a family with children. Homestays offer a wonderful opportunity to deepen cultural and language immersion. SAI homestay families are thoroughly screened and are accustomed to welcoming visiting students into their homes. Wifi is included, as is access to laundry facilities. Daily breakfast and 3 dinners per week are included in the cost.
Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Europe.
Student Visas
In accordance with French law, students studying in France for 91 or more days are required to obtain a student visa. Those with French/EU citizenship are exempted. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.
Students must appear in person at a VFS Visa Processing Center to present their student visa application. Visa applicants living in the United States are able to set up their appointment at one of the nine visa centers regardless of their location. VFS Global Centers are located in Washington DC, Boston, New York, Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. In some cases the nearest processing center may be in a neighboring state, which might necessitate air travel. Please plan and budget accordingly. Our Student Visa Office is available to assist students in getting ready for their appointment; SAI provides student visa consulting for all our students at no cost.