Overview
Experience a new culture. Delve into the heart of France. The Paris Abroad Program provides an opportunity to continue education while experiencing a new way of life. See one of the most beautiful cities in the world through your classroom window. Take a chance to explore a new country. What are you waiting for? Paris (population 2.15 million) is a city enveloped in history, culture, academia, and tradition. This diverse and inviting city awaits your arrival.
Courses
All students take a 3-credit orientation course called "Paris Today" that introduces students to life in Paris and to current issues. Students also choose one or two of the following 3-credit courses: "French Art and Literature," "Contemporary French Politics," and "History of Cinema" (either French or European). These courses are taught mostly in English, but may require assignements like readings and papers to be done in French; tours may also be in French.During the Semester and Academic Year programs, students may take beginning, intermediate, and advanced French language culture classes. Other areas of interest may be art, theater, literature, communications, or history. Students learn in an international setting with classmates from all over the world. Courses are available from beginning to advanced levels of French language. All courses, with the exception of French language courses, are taught in both English and French by a diverse staff of international professors and guest lecturers. All students must take a placement exam upon arrival in Paris. The exam will indicate each student's language proficiency level, and will determine the courses in which the student is eligible to enroll.
Excursions
Several of the courses involve excursions in Paris and beyond. Trips in past semesters have included visits to l'Assemblee Nationale, the Musee Picasso and the Musee Rodin, a ballet performance of Romeo et Juliette, a weekend trip to the Loire Valley, and excursions to Versailles and Chartres.
Itineraries will be made 3 weeks prior to departure. Not all excursions are mandatory. The optional excursions offer a choice between 2 different locations. One excursion will comprise a day-trip to such places as wineries, villages, battle grounds, religious facilities, and the list goes on. The second excursion will be a weekend trip where all costs are included for travel, accommodations, and food. Please be prepared for multiple types of terrain and various weather conditions. All excursions will remain on schedule unless there are severe weather threats. Be advised, you are required to sign the Liability Statement during the application process to relieve Terra Dotta University from any responsibility in injuries during an excursion.
