Overview
The Paris Exchange program is partnered with the American University at Paris (AUP) and offers applicants a fall semester or year long term in Paris or America.
Experience a new culture. Delve into the heart of France. The Paris Semester 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. The American University at Paris (AUP) offers a variety of classes for students wishing to obtain credit for courses taken while abroad. Program options include a 3-3.5 month semester or a full academic year.
Courses
The French language component of this program is very strong; students applying should be serious about learning French. Four levels of intensive French language courses are offered at the Sorbonne program; each 9-credit course meets for two hours, five days a week, with additional language lab work for one hour M-F for the first month. Students are placed in their appropriate level by means of a placement test at the Sorbonne. 
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. The American University at Paris (AUP) offers a unique opportunity to learn global business, management, marketing, and humanities. 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.
Course credit hours for classes taken at AUP may not be considered full-time student status at your home institution. Please review this matter carefully and make sure you are in compliance with the regulations of your home institution.
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.
Additional Information
French students should inquire their program advisors for details about the American experience. Housing is provided by host families and coursework includes language courses as well as specialized arts and science courses that would be taken for credit towards a degree at AUP.
Here is a photo journal from Lisa Kessler, one of our Paris Exchange alumni.
