Institut Catholique de Paris
Spring Semester Language 2026
12 - 15 credits

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
January 29, 2026 – May 24, 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.



French Culture Elective
French Language

French Culture Elective

3 Credits
| Course #: ILCF ELEC 302

The main objective of this course is to give a basic knowledge of French fashion history from the 18th to the early 21st Century.

Contact Hours: 45

Franco-American relations have continuously evolved since the first settlement by the French in Florida, as a haven for the Huguenots in 1564 – through exploration and colonization, respective revolutions and two world wars, to current relations between Presidents Biden and Macron. Beginning with first contact and exploration of the North American continent, French and Americans alike have always had close ties, whether they be political, economic, diplomatic, social, artistic, or literary, even though relations have been strained at times throughout our common histories.

Contact Hours: 45
3 Credits
| Course #: ILCF ELEC 300

This course is taught in French and is designed for students who have attained at least CECR level B1-B2.

Objectifs généraux du cours :
– Initiation à l’histoire de l’Architecture;
– Découverte des principaux mouvements architecturaux français de l’Antiquité à nos jours;
– Découverte des grands architectes français et de leurs oeuvres, en les situant dans le contexte historique, artistique
et socio-culturel de leur époque.

Contact Hours: 45
3 Credits
| Course #: ILCF ELEC 370

This course is taught in French and is designed for students who have attained at least CECR level B1-B2.

Objectifs généraux du cours :
– Initiation à l’histoire de l’Art et à l’analyse des oeuvres d’art ;
– Découverte des principaux mouvements artistiques français entre 1850 et 1900 (Académisme, Réalisme,
Impressionnisme, Pointillisme et Symbolisme);
– Découverte des grands artistes français et de leurs oeuvres, en les situant dans le contexte historique, artistique et
socio-culturel de l’époque.

Contact Hours: 45
3 Credits
| Course #: ILCF ELEC 340

This course is taught in French and is designed for students who have attained at least CECR level A2/ B1.1.

Objectifs généraux du cours :

-Souligner la place de la gastronomie dans la culture et la société françaises.
-Établir les liens entre l’histoire de France, l’histoire de la cuisine française et les grands chefs français.
-Se familiariser avec le vocabulaire « technique » et enrichir son vocabulaire sur le thème de la gastronomie.
-Découvrir les richesses gastronomiques régionales et des recettes traditionnelles.

Contact Hours: 45
3 Credits
| Course #: ILCF ELEC 330

This course is taught in French and is designed for students who have attained at least CECR level B1.

Objectifs généraux du cours :

-Découvrir le Paris de la mode et la richesse du patrimoine artisanal lié au monde de la mode en France.
-Acquérir quelques notions sur l’histoire de la mode à partir du 18ème siècle.
-Etudier l’histoire des femmes en France à travers l’évolution de la mode au XXème siècle.
-Découvrir la vie, l’oeuvre et l’influence des grands couturiers (Paul Poiret, Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent, etc).
-Apprendre à reconnaître et à décrire un style.
-Découvrir le domaine de la mode et son importance sur le plan économique et social.

Contact Hours: 45
3 Credits
| Course #: ILCF ELEC 360

This course is taught in French and is designed for students who have attained at least CECR level B1-B2.

Objectifs généraux du cours :
– Initiation à l’histoire de l’Art et à l’analyse des oeuvres d’art ;
– Découverte des principaux mouvements artistiques français du XVIIIe siècle et de la première moitié du XIXe siècle
(Rococo, Néoclassicisme, Romantisme, Réalisme) ;
– Découverte des grands artistes français et de leurs oeuvres, en les situant dans le contexte historique, artistique et
socio-culturel de l’époque.

Contact Hours: 45
3 Credits
| Course #: ILCF ELEC 310

This course is taught in French and is designed for students who have attained at least CECR level B1.2 - B2.

Objectifs du cours:

Comprendre une société, c’est-à-dire un peuple et sa culture, suppose de faire la synthèse de très nombreuses sources d’information et de connaissance.

C’est ainsi que le cours proposera la découverte de la société française à travers ses différentes représentations médiatiques (presse écrite, télévision, cinéma, internet…) afin que chaque étudiant.e soit à même de construire sa propre vision de la France.

Articulé autour de deux thèmes, l’art de vivre à la française et la vie citoyenne, il permettra de se pencher sur la vie familiale et sociale, l’importance du fait culturel (littérature, cinéma) mais aussi la vie politique (fonctionnement institutionnel, débats récurrents etc.)

Contact Hours: 45
3 Credits
| Course #: ILCF ELEC 390

This course is taught in French and is designed for students who have attained at least CECR level B1.2-B2.

Objectifs généraux du cours :
A partir de portraits de femmes exceptionnelles, ce cours propose de découvrir une histoire des femmes en France et ses particularités, ainsi que le féminisme tel qu’il a pu se définir en fonction des différentes époques. Nous commencerons au XVIIIème siècle et remonterons jusqu’à l’époque actuelle pour étudier les débats qui agitent la société française, comprendre les combats qui sont encore à mener.

Contact Hours: 45
3 Credits
| Course #: ILCF ELEC 350

This course is taught in French and is designed for students who have attained at least CECR level B1-B2.

Objectifs généraux du cours : Acquérir des repères pour situer les écrivains dans leur époque et dans l’histoire des idées. Comprendre des extraits d’oeuvres, les mettre en rapport avec leur époque et y déceler les thèmes et les caractéristiques des courants littéraires et artistiques auxquels ils appartiennent.

Contact Hours: 45
3 Credits
| Course #: ILCF ELEC 320

This course is taught in French and is designed for students who have attained at least CECR level B1.2 – C2.

Objectifs généraux du cours

-Introduction à l’histoire du cinéma français : découverte des grands mouvements, des films et des auteurs del’apparition du parlant à nos jours.
-Initiation aux concepts fondamentaux des études filmiques
-Lexique du cinéma / Glossaire technique
-Expression écrite et orale

Contact Hours: 45
3 Credits
| Course #: ILCF ELEC 380

This course is taught in French and is designed for students who have attained at least CECR level A2 - B1.1.

Objectifs généraux du cours :
Découvrir le Paris d’hier et d’aujourd’hui d’un point de vue artistique, historique et sociologique, à traversses quartiers, son architecture, ses oeuvres d’art et ses personnages célèbres.

Contact Hours: 45

French Language

9 Credits
| Course #: ILCF FREN 100

OBJECTIFS GENERAUX

 À la fin de ce degré, l’étudiant peut :

  • raconter sommairement sa journée, parler de son environnement quotidien, énoncer ses goûts de manière concise et caractériser une personne ; répondre à des questions sur ces sujets-là ;
  • interroger quelqu’un et communiquer avec lui (réservation d’une table au restaurant, d’une chambre dans un hôtel), à condition que l’interlocuteur parle et articule distinctement ;
  • comprendre des messages écrits et des notes simples dans un domaine familier ;
  • écrire un message et une carte postale.
Contact Hours: 135
9 Credits
| Course #: ILCF FREN 150

Prerequisite: successful completion of French level A1, or equivalent.

À la fin de ce degré, l’étudiant peut :

  • évoquer son parcours aussi bien personnel que professionnel, exprimer ses désirs, donner son opinion (sur un film, un livre, une exposition), formuler des hypothèses sur des sujets familiers;
  • comprendre l’essentiel d’une émission télévisée ou radiophonique ; les points principaux d’une biographie ;
  • saisir les informations principales des faits divers dans un journal ;
  • écrire une lettre en présentant son parcours professionnel et en employant quelques tournures formelles de base ; rédiger un récit narratif construit et cohérent.
Contact Hours: 135
9 Credits
| Course #: ILCF FREN 200

Prerequisite: successful completion of French level A2, or equivalent.

À  la fin de ce degré, l’étudiant peut :

  • comprendre les points essentiels d’une discussion amicale sur un fait d’actualité, d’un enregistrement (radio, télévision) à l’élocution claire et lente, d’un texte (article de presse, lettre administrative, publicité, annonce…) court et simple sur des sujets de société (environnementaux, culturels, sociaux) ;
  • communiquer dans diverses situations courantes (conversations téléphoniques privées, professionnelles incluses) : expliquer un problème lié au quotidien ; exprimer satisfaction, mécontentement, énoncer souhaits et espoirs ;
  • raconter simplement et en continu des expériences personnelles ; donner brièvement les raisons et explications de ses opinions ou projets ;
  • prendre part sans préparation à une conversation sur des sujets familiers ;
  • rédiger un courrier formel sur des sujets quotidiens (réclamation…), des lettres « amicales » ; écrire un texte simple et cohérent.
Contact Hours: 135
9 Credits
| Course #: ILCF FREN 210

Prerequisite: successful completion of French level B2, or equivalent.

À  la fin de ce degré, l’étudiant peut :

  • comprendre les informations principales d’une courte présentation orale formelle (académique notamment), d’un enregistrement radiophonique ou télévisé de quelques minutes (interview) et d’un texte écrit officiel (document professionnel), d’actualité (article de presse), narratif (extrait littéraire) ;
  • dans une discussion, présenter ses opinions, les argumenter, solliciter l’avis d’autrui et commenter brièvement le point de vue de ses interlocuteurs ;
  • exposer oralement dans un langage clair et d’une manière structurée les raisons de ses projets et de ses actions ;
  • exposer oralement dans un langage clair et d’une manière structurée les raisons de ses projets et de ses actions ;
  • rédiger de simples textes argumentatifs (correspondance, courrier lié aux litiges) ; relier une série d’éléments courts, simples et distincts en une suite linéaire de points qui s’enchaînent (nouvelle littéraire) ; regrouper selon un plan l’essentiel de données issues de plusieurs sources.
Contact Hours: 135
9 Credits
| Course #: ILCF FREN 300

Prerequisite: successful completion of French level B1.2, or equivalent.

À  la fin de ce degré, l’étudiant peut :

  • comprendre des prises de parole de plusieurs minutes (émissions de radio ou de télévision) et des textes longs (quelques pages) sur des sujets complexes (domaines public, professionnel et personnel); percevoir la présence d’éléments implicites et de sous-entendus (ironie, humour) ;
  • aborder des œuvres littéraires courtes dans leur intégralité, saisir leurs nuances, les notions abstraites ;
  • identifier la construction d’une argumentation écrite ou orale ;
  • exprimer son point de vue dans des exposés oraux et des textes structurés en soulignant les points principaux et secondaires ; commenter, critiquer, réfuter les arguments d’autrui ; interagir dans un débat formel autour d’un sujet polémique, adapter ses propos à la situation (amicale, professionnelle, académique) ;
  • résumer les idées principales de textes courts.
Contact Hours: 135
9 Credits
| Course #: ILCF FREN 400

Prerequisite: successful completion of French level B2, or equivalent.

À la fin de ce degré, l’étudiant peut :

  • comprendre aussi bien à l’oral qu’à l’écrit des émissions de radio ou de télévision, des textes longs sur des sujets complexes (domaines public, universitaire et professionnel);
  • déterminer et comprendre la présence d’éléments implicites (ironie, humour, …) ;
  • aborder des œuvres (littéraires, sociologiques, philosophiques, …) dans leur intégralité, en saisir les nuances, les notions abstraites ;
  • exprimer son point de vue dans des exposés oraux et des textes structurés en soulignant les points principaux et secondaires ;
  • produire des textes en usage dans le cursus universitaire français : dissertation, synthèse de documents, commentaires de documents…
  • maîtriser les techniques de présentation orale propres au cursus universitaire
Contact Hours: 135

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
January 29 2026
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.
January 30 2026
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.
February 2 2026
ILCF Academic Orientation
ILCF holds a day of orientation activities. In addition to the mandatory orientation, students have the opportunity to tour the campus.
February 2 2026
ILCF Classes Begin
May 23 2026
ILCF Finals End
May 24 2026
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).
$15,900
Program Fee: 15 credits
Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included).
$16,500
Optional / Additional Fees:  
Optional Private Room Housing Supplement
Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom.
$2,500
Optional Homestay Housing Supplement
Homestay housing in a private room. Includes daily breakfast and 3 dinners/week.
3 dinners/wk: $50
5 dinners/wk: $125
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.