High School Semester in Paris
Spend a semester abroad in Paris, mastering French and diving into art, science, and café culture.
Picture yourself in Paris — café tables spilling onto cobblestone streets, the Eiffel Tower glowing against the night sky, and centuries of history layered into every boulevard. Live with a French host family, build friendships in a close-knit cohort, and immerse yourself in Parisian life.
You’ll begin your semester in London, spending the first three weeks with fellow students in CIEE’s Global Gateway Academy. Prepare for a successful semester by forming lasting friendships, building strong intercultural communication skills, and connecting with the local community through impactful service projects.
In Paris, you’ll take in-person classes like Smart Cities, Mixed Media Arts, and French Language & Culture alongside online courses through ASU Prep Global. Classes are small and collaborative, and weekly activities take learning beyond the classroom—into hidden museums, local markets, and beyond. French immersion happens naturally through day-to-day life, community engagement, and conversations with your very own language buddy.
You’ll have plenty of time to make Paris your own, from late-afternoon picnics by the Seine to finding “your” café for morning chocolat chaud. Take excursions to history-rich Normandy, the soaring abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, and the walled port town of Saint-Malo. Your semester will leave you speaking French with confidence and ready to take on college with a fresh sense of independence and possibility.
Why Choose This Program?
INDEPENDENCE & RESILIENCE
Experiencing life abroad shifts how you see the world—and yourself. You’ll return home with a broader perspective that shapes how you approach challenges and opportunities.
COLLEGE READINESS
Studying abroad gives you the kinds of life skills that can’t be learned in a classroom — and shows college admissions reps that you’re already one step ahead in terms of initiative, maturity, and independence.
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
After immersing yourself in unfamiliar practices and customs, you’ll become better equipped to interact with people from other cultures — in school, on the job, or in your personal life.
93%
said their experience made them more aware of global issues.
79%
said their experience with CIEE helped shape their college applications.
96%
said they regularly use the knowledge and skills they acquired while abroad with CIEE.
The Destination
Welcome to Paris—where elegance, history, and everyday life unfold on every corner.
Paris feels like both a storybook scene and a bustling modern capital. The city stretches along the Seine River, its 20 distinct arrondissements linked by leafy boulevards and graceful bridges. Layers of the past meet innovation, from the medieval towers of Notre-Dame to the sweeping symmetry of Haussmann’s 19th-century redesign. Artists like Monet and Picasso found endless inspiration here, shaping Paris into a global hub for art, literature, and ideas.
Wander from the bohemian charm of Montmartre to the chic boutiques of the Golden Triangle, or from the grand museums of the 1st arrondissement to the vintage bookstalls of the Left Bank. Fashion shows, concerts, gallery openings, and open-air markets keep the city’s creative pulse beating year-round. With the Metro, buses, and bike paths, exploring every corner is nearly effortless.
Paris is famous for its food, and living here means you’ll taste it all! Savor buttery croissants, warm crêpes, and tangy cheeses from open-air markets. Every day brings new scenes, flavors, and discoveries that make Paris an unforgettable place to spend your semester abroad.
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Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
From art museums to the Eiffel Tower, there’s no shortage of things to do in Paris! Spend your time abroad strolling the city streets, exploring iconic sites, and marveling at world-famous masterpieces. Grab your friends and savor fresh pastries at a corner café or browse bustling markets filled with antiques and local treasures. Every neighborhood offers its unique charm, inviting you to slow down and take it all in.
Palace of Versailles
Stroll the gilded Hall of Mirrors, explore lavish royal apartments, and wander manicured gardens once walked by kings and queens. Picture the opulent life of the French court and imagine the history unfolding around you. Explore every aspect of the Palace, admiring the intricate details and breathtaking views that make every room a masterpiece.
Seine Boat Tour
Cruise the Seine River past Notre-Dame, the Grand Palais, and under elegant bridges. Your tour captures the perfect snapshot of Paris life as it unfolds along the riverbanks. Chat with friends, take photos, and see the city’s most beautiful landmarks from a whole new, river-level perspective.
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.
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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
Priority deadline discount: Apply to a fall semester or academic year by February 15 and get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by July 15 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from final balance.
High school abroad participants are NOT authorized to volunteer, take jobs, or seek employment during their stay.
Additional information about insurance can be found on the FAQ page.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall 2026 16 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2027 15 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.
*Dates for this program are tentative. 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?
Our Staff
Delphine Mauny
Center Director
A born-and-bred Parisian, Delphine has extensive experience in international education, having worked with American high school students, college students, and adults traveling to France.
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Improve your language skills as you soak in the richness and diversity of French culture.