Program Description

Offered through the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE), this program in France is co-sponsored with UW-Madison. Participants study and live in Paris, one of the world’s most intriguing cities and one of the leading destinations for travelers and scholars from across the globe. Divided by the river Seine, Paris has two temperamentally distinct areas, the Right and Left Banks. Characterized in part by the broad, tree-lined boulevards designed by Haussman in the 19th century, the Right Bank is the epitome of elegance, formality, and high style. The Left Bank is a tangle of narrow streets lined with cinemas, art galleries, book shops, music clubs, small family run restaurants, and bakeries.

Unique among U.S. programs in Paris, the Paris Center for Critical Studies offers a high degree of autonomy to students. Located near the Arc de Triomphe on Paris’ Right Bank, the Paris Center for Critical Studies offers students a unique opportunity to participate in the vibrant world of contemporary French thought. Courses in contemporary film, literature, philosophy, aesthetics, and critical theory are taught at the Paris Center for Critical Studies by well-known specialists and university professors. In addition to special courses taught in French by CIEE-hired faculty at the Center, students may take courses at the University of Paris.

Academics

During the academic pre-session that precedes semester courses, all students take the Intensive Language Program that meets three hours per day, Monday through Friday. Each student also meets with the professor once a week for a private tutorial. Class size does not exceed 10-12 students. In the fall, the pre-session is three weeks and in the spring, two weeks.

During the semester, participants typically take five courses: two to four CIEE courses and one or two courses at the University of Paris in areas such as Arab world studies, communications, literature, cinema/media, and theater arts. There are two required semester courses: the Writing Workshop and Theory and Method in Critical Studies. Academic year students take these two courses in the fall and may choose to continue the Writing Workshop in the spring.

Housing

Orientation housing, as well as permanent housing during the semester, is included in the program fee. The standard housing placement is in a studio or flat-sharing situation with a French person. The Paris center attempts to find housing situations for students that emphasize independence and student life in Paris.

Breakfast and some other meals, including a welcome dinner, are provided during the orientation period. Meals during the semester are not included in the program fee and are the responsibility of the student.

Excursions and Activities

Extracurricular activities and group excursions are organized throughout the semester and are included in the program cost. CIEE resident staff organizes local outings to cultural activities in Paris, such as special exhibits, film festivals, and lectures. Day trips to sites close to Paris such as Chartres and its cathedral, the chateau in Vaux-le-Vicomte, Reims, or Monet’s home and garden in Giverny, are also organized for all CIEE students. Weekend trips have taken students to the Loire Valley, Normandy, Burgundy and Brittany.

Students participate in a three day orientation including special lectures and walking tours around Paris. The orientation is designed to introduce students to the country, the culture, and the academic program, and to provide practical information about living in Paris.