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. This program invites students to enroll in a 9 credit intensive French language course and two or three elective classes (12 - 15 credits total). This is an experience designed for students who want to improve their French and to immerse themselves in the richness of Parisian culture.
Application open until: October 1, 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 delve into French language and culture.
- Elective courses available in French or English.
Program Dates
Early January 2026 – Early May 2026
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.
Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises (ILCF)
The intensive French language program at ICP is hosted by the Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises (ILCF), which is the ICP department in charge of courses designed specifically for international students. While the ILCF is located on the same campus as ICP, students who choose this option attend courses with other visiting internationals, rather than with local degree-seeking students.
ILCF is renowned for its high-quality French language instruction and for classes which include conversational workshops, as well as cultural outings. Moreover, instruction is offered at all levels, from absolute beginner through advanced. Students choosing intermediate or advanced level classes must be prepared to prove that they meet the prerequisites by showing their current transcript and by taking a mandatory placement exam.
Courses & Schedule
ILCF language courses run Monday – Friday and are intensive in nature. 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
Students inform SAI of their French Language level and preferred elective courses, and SAI’s Admissions Counselor will complete course registration at ICP on the student’s behalf. Those choosing non-beginning level French Language will complete an online placement test prior to arrival, the results of which will be verified during the academic orientation period.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| October 1 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) |
| October 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. |
| October 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. |
| October 15 2025 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| October 15 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. |
| November 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. |
| December 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 | |
|---|---|
| Coming soon |
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. |
| Coming soon |
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. |
| Coming soon |
ILCF Academic Orientation ILCF holds a day of orientation activities. In addition to the mandatory orientation, students have the opportunity to tour the campus. |
| Coming soon |
ILCF Classes Begin |
| Coming soon |
ILCF Finals End |
| Coming soon |
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: 12 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
| Program Fee: 15 credits 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 dinners/week. |
Coming soon |
| 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.
Orientation Activity: Visit to the Marais
Explore the charm and hidden history of Paris with our walking tour through the vibrant Le Marais district, where centuries-old architecture meets chic boutiques and cafés. Then, we’ll visit the iconic Notre-Dame de Paris, where you can admire the stunning restoration efforts bringing this Gothic masterpiece back to life. Don’t miss this chance to dive deep into the soul of the city.
Croissant and Bread Workshop
Join us at a local boulangerie to make croissants and bread! This cooking class will go over the ingredients, time, and steps necessary to make the buttery viennoiseries we love so much.
Day Trip to the Flemish town of Lille
Join us for an exciting day trip to Lille, a vibrant city in northern France known for its rich history and stunning Flemish architecture. Wander through its picturesque old town, visit the impressive Palais des Beaux-Arts, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the bustling local markets. Lille is also home to delicious regional cuisine, offering the perfect opportunity to indulge in specialties like waffles and moules-frites. It’s the ideal getaway for a taste of both French and Flemish culture!
Wine and Cheese Tasting
Cheese and wine, what more do you need in Paris? We’ll learn all about wine and how to pair them with various regional cheeses.
Scavenger Hunt in Montmartre
Join us in the historic district of Montmartre for a scavenger hunt! This will take you around the most iconic sites and historical locations in the area. Upon completion, you also win a prize! Which of you will complete in record time?
Day Trip to the House and Gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny
Join us for a day trip to the beautiful town of Giverny. This quaint town is known for the house of gardens of Impressionist artist Claude Monet. Join us for a visit to this magical location, following a group lunch at one of the town’s local restaurants. You’ll have free time to explore the town afterwards.
Farewell Lunch
Join us for a memorable farewell lunch at the beautiful Lake Daumesnil in Paris, where we’ll celebrate the end of the program surrounded by nature’s springtime beauty. Before lunch, we’ll take a relaxing tour of the park, enjoying its lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere. To add a touch of fun, we’ll rent rowboats and glide across the lake, creating a perfect Parisian moment to remember. It’s the ideal way to say goodbye and reflect on our time together in this magical city!
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.