Gap Year Abroad in France
Why Choose This Program?
Explore
Have fun traveling across France's diverse landscapes and experiencing the culture of Paris, Toulouse, Nice.
Network
Meet new friends and locals. Learn from the community about local practices, cuisine and more.
Develop Skills
Build a strong foundation in the core components of intercultural learning. Come home with a better understanding of the world and skills for a globalized workforce.
96%
of alumni said their language skills improved
94%
said they learned to interact with different cultural backgrounds
89%
said their level of independence increased
The Destination
Paris dazzles with its timeless charm, from bookstalls along the Seine River to the Gothic towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Neighborhoods like Montmartre, once called home by artists like Claude Monet, still carry a bohemian spirit, while the Latin Quarter buzzes with student life. The local café culture has long served as a gathering place for writers, artists, and thinkers, shaping the city’s creative spirit.
In Toulouse, discover a unique blend of history and innovation with its distinctive pink-brick facades. Narrow streets wind past Renaissance-era mansions and lively squares frequented by local students. Musical traditions run deep, from the past when medieval troubadours performed to the present when modern live music echoes through the streets.
Nice offers a slower pace of living on the Mediterranean coast. Local life is centered on the seaside Promenade des Anglais and the Cours Saleya market, filled with stalls selling fresh produce and flowers. Once ruled by Sardinia, Italian influences are still visible in the food, architecture, and culture. These three iconic destinations promise an unforgettable journey through France.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Day Trip to Normandy for World War II History
The windswept sands of Normandy’s D-Day beaches will stretch before you, each marked by the history of June 6, 1944, when Allied forces landed to begin liberating Europe. Walk along the shores, imagining the courage and sacrifice of soldiers as memorials and cemeteries pay tribute to those who fell. Visits to museums and bunkers provide detailed accounts of strategies, battles and personal stories, showcasing the longstanding connection between the U.S. and France.
A special meeting with the U.S. ambassador to France offers firsthand insight into the ongoing cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations. This day trip transforms abstract lessons from textbooks into tangible experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of France’s World War II history while creating lasting memories alongside your Gap Year Abroad peers.
Art-Filled Day Trips to Arles and Aix-en-Provence
Dive into the art history of the region with day trips to Arles and Aix-en-Provence, the birthplaces of some of the most iconic French artists. In Arles, Provence’s golden light and Roman heritage inspired Vincent van Gogh. Strolling through its ancient amphitheater and charming streets, you encounter the scenes that appear in some of the painter’s most famous works. Local markets, quaint cafés and sunlit squares give a sense of daily life in both Van Gogh’s time and today.
Aix-en-Provence, the birthplace of Paul Cézanne, reveals the landscapes and urban scenes that shaped the artist’s distinctive style. Fountains, tree-lined boulevards and colorful markets bring the city to life, while an outdoor painting class encourages you to capture the rolling vineyards and vibrant cityscapes firsthand. This immersive experience provides a deeper connection to Provence’s artistic legacy and offers memorable creative moments alongside your gap year abroad peers.
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Eligibility
- Be between the ages of 15 and 17 when the program starts and cannot turn 18 while on program.
- Be in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th year of schooling.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Demonstrate, through the application process, flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$50
Priority deadline discount
Apply to a fall semester or academic year program by June 1 and automatically get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by October 1 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from the final balance.
Insurance
The program fee includes iNext travel insurance. Additional information about insurance can be found on the FAQ page.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall Blocks I, II, III 2026 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring Blocks I, II, III 2027 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
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.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Ready to change your life?
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