Join an international student body on ICP’s historic campus, located in the heart of central Paris. The school champions open-mindedness, dialogue across borders, and academic rigor in a range of subject areas. This program gives visiting students the opportunity to experience the French educational system first-hand and to integrate into classes alongside degree-seeking ICP students. Students select their courses from the Liberal Arts department at ICP, earning up to 12 US credits.
Application open until: May 15, 2025
Apps accepted on a rolling basis
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
- Central Paris campus located in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of the city.
- A perfect program for students who want to experience France’s educational system.
- Integrate into French student life.
Program Dates
September 2, 2025 – December 20, 2025
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: Sophomore (2nd year) or above
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Cumulative GPA:* 3.33 (on a 4.0 scale)
English Language:* Non-native English language speakers must submit proof of a minimum B2 level, or proof of attending school in English for 3+ years.
Academic Structure
This program is designed for students who wish to experience French university courses in English. As such, participants should be aware that the academic structure is somewhat different from what students are accustomed to in the United States. For example, ICP awards academic credits according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Each ICP course will award between 2 and 5 ECTS each (equivalent to 1 and 2.5 US credits). Because the number of credits associated with each class is fewer than most US university courses, students should expect to enroll in more classes per semester in order to achieve the minimum required 12 US credits / 24 ECTS.
To achieve 24 ECTS per semester, SAI students are required to enroll in a minimum of three 5-ECTS courses (for 15 ECTS), after which they may select the appropriate number of supplemental courses to bring them up to the minimum 24 ECTS / 12 US credits required.
If you have questions about how credits work at ICP, please contact SAI Admissions.
Classes at ICP are split into two categories: “lectures” and “tutorials.” Lectures generally involve a professor offering prepared remarks to a larger group of students. In addition, lectures tend to last around two hours per session. Tutorials, on the other hand, generally consist of small-group discussions facilitated by a teaching assistant allowing for active engagement with the subject matter. Tutorials are generally shorter, lasting about one hour per session. In some cases, lectures and tutorials are offered in the same subject during the same term and students are welcome to enroll in both concurrently.
Courses & Schedule
ICP courses run Monday – Friday. Students choosing intermediate or advanced level classes must be prepared to prove that they meet the prerequisites by showing their current transcript. Please note that listed course options are not final until days and times are posted; until then, course options should be treated as tentative.
Course Registration
SAI students complete their course registration directly through an ICP student portal. Upon confirming their intention to pursue the SAI program at ICP, students receive login information for their ICP student account directly from the university. SAI’s Paris Admissions Counselor will help guide students through this process. Enrollment in ICP 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. ICP’s drop/add period occurs during the first week of semester classes.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| May 15 2025 |
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 2025 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. 50% of the Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
| May 15 2025 |
Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment must complete the Financial Aid Agreement form and submit the Financial Aid Program Deposit by this date. Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 days after the deposit. |
| May 29 2025 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| June 1 2025 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for an SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
| June 15 2025 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification form to SAI by this date. |
| July 1 2025 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due (For students utilizing SAI financial aid payment deferment, any balance not covered by aid is due) |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| September 2 2025 |
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 SAI housing. |
| September 3 2025 |
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 9 – 11 2025 |
ICP Academic Orientation ICP holds a day of orientation activities. In addition to the mandatory orientation, students have the opportunity to tour the campus. |
| September 15 2025 |
ICP Classes Begin |
| December 6 2025 |
ICP Classes End |
| December 19 2025 |
ICP Finals End |
| December 20 2025 |
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). |
$15,750 |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$2,600 |
| Optional Homestay Housing Supplement Homestay housing in a private room. Includes daily breakfast and 3 dinners/week |
$50 |
| 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
Please see SAI Policies for SAI cancellation & withdrawal deadlines.
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 | $1,800 |
| Visa |
$350 | $450 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees Course fees may be imposed to cover field trips and/or materials. |
$150/ course | $450/ course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$650 / month | $1,000 / 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: Visit to the Montparnasse Tower
After the SAI welcome and safety orientation, the group travels to the famous Montparnasse Tower and to enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of Paris and her famous monuments.
Fragonard Perfume Museum Guided Tour
Located in the Opéra Garnier quarter of Paris, the Musée du Parfum Fragonard unveils the manufacturing secrets of perfume and its extraordinary history from antiquity to the present day.
Day Trip to the Château de Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau is known to be the only castle that has been the temporary residence for all monarchs from the 12th to 19th century, and is surrounded by forests and lakes. Students visit the castle and its beautiful surroundings, then lunch together at a classic French brasserie.
“Ghosts, Legends, & Mysteries” Evening Tour in Paris
What better time of year to delve into the mysteries of the illustrious City of Lights? Students learn about the darker history of Paris, along with the mysteries and ghost stories that still haunt the streets of the city today. A private guide leads the group through hidden alleys and showcases the darker legends of several famous landmarks and monuments.
Nature Hike in the Fontainebleau Forest
Students escape the city for a fun hike in the forest of Fontainebleau! After a short train ride, students follow a beautiful trail through the old hunting grounds of French kings. This excursion is a great way to get away from the city and get some fresh air!
Ceramics Workshop
Students gather at a local workshop for a fun ceramic class where they create their own ceramic keepsakes.
Farewell Dinner
Students celebrate the end of a successful semester abroad and say their goodbyes over a delicious French meal.
Standard Housing: Student apartment or residence
Standard housing includes a shared occupancy room in a shared student apartment or a student residence (option to upgrade to private bedroom, if available). All SAI housing in Paris is fully furnished and comes equipped with towels, bed linens, and wireless Internet. Students have access to kitchen facilities, comfortable common areas, and washing machines. SAI on-site staff is available to respond to any housing needs that may arise.
Optional Housing: Family homestay (additional fee applies)
Students choosing the homestay option will be placed 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 3 dinners per week.
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.