First Year Abroad in Paris
Unique Experiences
Cultural Immersion
Visit iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre while embracing the culture and charm of Paris
College Credits
Stay on track with your 4-year graduation requirements and earn up to 13 credits per semester
Lifelong Skills and Friendships
Jump right into independence, far away from home, and bond with other U.S. and international students
The Destination
Paris hosts unforgettable sights from the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe and the Sacre Coeur Basilica. Both France’s capital and largest city, Paris offers peaceful parks, lively nightlife and innumerable cobblestoned neighborhoods to wander around.
Iconic stone Haussmann buildings line bustling boulevards and contrast the impressive modern glass and steel structures in La Défense, Paris’ financial district. Open-air markets with fresh food and flowers are scattered around residential areas and a bakery is never more than a short walk away.
With Paris’ practical metro system, it’s easy to discover each of its diverse districts or arrondissements. The Château of Versailles and Monet’s Gardens in Giverny are only a train ride away.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with marginalized identities might encounter in Paris.
Students may study in Paris for a maximum of 12 weeks (two 6-week blocks, fall or spring).
Excursions & Activities
Ample activities and day-trips will be offered to immerse you in France’s culture and historical heritage. Each block typically includes two day-trips or one overnight trip.
- Test your skills as a nose at the Fragonard Perfume Museum and learn about the history of perfume making in southern France
- Learn about the champagne industry in Reims and visit the cathedral where French kings were coronated
- Visit the region of Normandy to learn about World War II history and local agricultural industries, tasting regional delicacies along the way
- Check out famous landmarks: Take a stroll in the Montparnasse neighborhood, learning about the area’s influence in the arts and literature and stop for a crêpe at the end of the visit
- Learn more about about cheesemaking from a local cheesemonger and taste a variety of their products
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when revising itineraries is always to enhance your experience. Every activity is designed to provide you with a deep immersion in your topic, local culture and sights.
Housing & Meals
Housing
All housing is within a 30-45-minute commute to CIEE Paris.
Homestays: Live with a French host family, with or without another CIEE student, and immerse yourself in the city’s language and culture. Each student has an individual room.
Residence Halls: Students live with a mix of CIEE students. If local health and safety regulations permit, students live in double, or triple rooms.
Housing is on a first-come, first-served basis. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we’ll let you know before you arrive.
Meals
Homestays: Students living with host families have breakfast and either lunch or dinner at their homes. Host families and students arrange their own meal schedules. Students are responsible for the remaining meals, either preparing them at home or eating in one of many restaurants and cafés throughout the city.
Residence Halls: Meals are not included. Students have the option to purchase meal plans on their own if offered by the residence hall. Students can also use the shared kitchens or their own kitchenette, depending on the residence hall, or eat in one of many restaurants and cafés throughout the city.
Academics
First Year Abroad offers foundational college courses taught by CIEE local instructors to start your four-year college degree. We combine rigorous intro-level academic courses with unforgettable experiences outside the classroom to create a curriculum fostering academic, intercultural, and professional skills that help you succeed in college and the world beyond.
Our curriculum includes general education courses from major disciplines that offer you college credits to stay on track. Choose lecture and lab courses from the Arts and Humanities, World Language, Natural and Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Social Sciences, as well as courses specifically designed to help you develop organizational, writing and study skills to thrive in college.
Course Information
In the Fall semester, the courses below will be listed as available in Blocks II & III, rather than Blocks I & II. This is because the First Year Abroad program runs during the final two blocks of the Fall semester which is otherwise split into three blocks on CIEE’s Academic Calendar.
For information about how these courses will be transferred back to Dean College, please refer to the course equivalency chart.
FYA Block I
- French Language - Beginning I
- Introduction to Biology I (Lab Course)
- Introduction to Composition I
- Principles of Microeconomics
FYA Block II
- Art History I
- French Language - Beginning II
- General Psychology
- Introduction to Political Science
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, you will pay your CIEE program fee (fee varies by location) and Dean College tuition and fees ($2,900 total for all locations) directly to Dean College.
Federal financial aid and state aid (Massachusetts residents only) is available through Dean College. Students applying for need-based financial aid from Dean College must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using the FAFSA School Code for Dean College: 002144.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Program Fee = $20,800*
Total Fees = $20,800Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
*CIEE Fees: $17,900; Dean College Fees: $2,900
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Program Fee = $20,800*
Total Fees = $20,800Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
*CIEE Fees: $17,900; Dean College Fees: $2,900
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Get Started
1
Start a CIEE FYA Application
You’re one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! You need to apply and be accepted by both CIEE and Dean College to join FYA. Don’t worry! We’ll help you through the process!
2
Complete the Dean College FYA Application
You will receive an email with a unique link to your personalized Dean College application after completing your CIEE FYA application.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to the FYA program.