This program offers courses at all French language levels. Beginning and intermediate level courses focus primarily on French language skills. Starting at the intermediate level, courses are also offered in Culture and Civilization areas such as art, theater, literature, communications, history, and culture. All courses are taught in French and all participants are in the classroom with American and other international students.

Students enrolled in the French Language, Culture, and Civilization semester/year program at the Catholic University of Paris who place into the superior language level (fluent or nearly fluent) during the official placement exam have the option of replacing a portion of their curriculum with up to two or the equivalent of two classes with French students. On a case by case basis to be determined by the French university, students with advanced level proficiency may be offered this opportunity as well.

Minimum GPA

Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.

Minimum Admissions Prerequisites

For beginning, intermediate, high intermediate, advanced, and superior level French speakers. Students must have a 2.5 GPA and must be at least 18 years of age. All students must take a two part French language placement exam, one portion before departure for the program and the other 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. Students who arrive in France having completed less than one year of college-level French will likely place into beginning level courses. Students who arrive in France having completed one year of college-level French will likely place into intermediate level courses. Students who arrive in France having completed one year and a half of college-level French will likely place into high intermediate level courses. Students who arrive in France having completed two years of college-level French will likely place into advanced level courses. Students who are fluent or nearly fluent in French will likely place into superior level courses.

Please note that a student's French language level in France is based on the standards of the French university.

Course Disclaimer

Course placement is often based on a placement test administered on-site.

There may be mandatory prerequisites for some of the courses offered. For a specific list of course prerequisites, please refer to the course listing/course descriptions for this program.