Academic Focus
The French Language Immersion program at the Catholic University of Paris offered during the summer is designed for students of all language levels who are interested in acquiring and improving their French language skills in a concentrated amount of time. You will choose your schedule from a combination of language courses and electives, all of which are taught in French. Catholic University of Paris is dedicated to teaching French to non-native speakers. Catholic University of Paris also offers you small class sizes which make the educational experience more personal and engaging. As you study and live in Paris, you will certainly perfect your French language skills.
All students will enroll in one language course. Language courses will focus on oral expression, vocabulary development, phonetics and listening comprehension. Students also have the option of enrolling up to two electives (or workshops). Electives available in the summer are limited, but give students the opportunity to further study the French language by taking a phonetics or composition course or study French culture by taking a civilization or literature course. The higher one’s language level, the more electives are available.
Each language course meets for 60 contact hours and is typically worth 4 credits in the US semester system. Each elective meets for 12 contact hours and is typically worth 1 credit in the US semester system. If students enroll in and complete 2 electives, they can earn up to 6 credits. However, it is up to the discretion of your academic advisor how much credit will be awarded. If you enroll in consecutive summer sessions, you will be tested at the end of each session and may move up to a higher level at the beginning of your next program. This allows students not only to earn credits for multiple language levels, but also to master a variety of French language concepts in a short amount of time.
Schedule Summary
Language classes meet 5 days a week, Monday thru Friday, for 3 hours each day. Electives meet once a week for 3 hours. Classes may be held in the afternoon or morning and will not be final until students arrive onsite.
Course Registration
Once you arrive in Paris, you will take a placement exam which will determine the level of your French language class. After this exam, registration will take place. To aid in the registration process, it is in your best interest to have courses, including alternates, approved by your academic advisor prior to departure.
