Language & Culture Summer Program
North American university students can spend 4 weeks in the City of Lights and earn 4 university credits by participating in MICEFA’s summer programs. Our programs welcome all levels of French and is an excellent way to experience French culture by studying in one of the most attractive cities in the world!
Program Overview
Program Dates :
30 June
to
29 July 2026
This program is for all levels of French, no French experience necessary!
This would mean departure from the United States or Canada on June 29th to arrive on Tuesday the 30th in Paris, France. Please aim for arrival time between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Housing Check in is between 2:30pm and 4:30pm.
The Language & Culture program focus on Oral comprehension and expression for francophone environments. In short: Live in the Heart of Paris, Earn 4 credits of French Language and culture classes, Enjoy Cultural activities through your stay, 24/7 Emergency Phone
French Language Course (4 credits)
Credit Hours: 60 hours total / 4 weeks (4 credits).
Institut Catholique de paris
The Institut Catholique de Paris was founded in 1875 and is located in the 6th arrondissement in a beautiful red brick building near the Luxembourg gardens. Students take 60 hours of classes (4 credits) at the Institut des Langues et Cultures Française (ILCF), the language institut at the University.
Students take an online French language test before arrival and then are given an oral exam on the first day of classes to verify their results. Students are assigned to a class level based on the results of these exams. Levels go from A0 to C1. No prior French experience is necessary.
Cultural activities
Activities and excursions are organized and accompanied by MICEFA staff. These activities include tours and visits, ateliers and plays and performances as well as a picnic and a dinner at a typical French restaurant.
Here are some examples of excursions we usually organize:
- The Louvre or Musée d’Orsay
- Musée Rodin
- Atelier des Lumières
- Seine River Cruise
- Château of Versailles
- Musée du Parfum
Housing options
Foyer International des Etudiantes
While in Paris, students stay at the historic Foyer International des Etudiantes located in the 5th arrondissement. The dormitories offer wifi access, shared bathrooms and kitchens as well as common areas for students to relax and a dining hall on site.
Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris
The Atome Homestay option pairs students up with a French family living in Paris. Students live in a private room and have access to the rest of the house. This is a great option for students looking for an authentic cultural experience and who are hoping to boost their language skills during their stay. This option comes with an extra fee based on options and preferences.
Estimated cost
Program Costs and Options
-
Basic Program Fees (billed directly to the student or through the Study Abroad Office) €3700*
This fee includes the housing, local transportation pass (Navigo), Cultural Activities, French Language Course (4 credits) at the Institut Catholique de Paris, and all fees included.
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*Housing Supplement €600
This fee applies to students interested in a homestay option through Atome*. Includes private room in a family home, access to kitchen. Meals with the family can be added for an extra fee.
Estimated Additional Expenses (Not covered in the Program Fee)
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Airfare to and from Paris €1000
This price could vary depending on where you are coming from and how early you buy your tickets
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Passport and Photos €115
Please note that you must have a valid passport for your complete time in Paris. You do not need a visa for the program.
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Materials & Books €50
Students may need to buy a book for their courses, this course book is not as expensive as books in the U.S. and Canada. This price estimate includes notebooks and pens etc.
-
Meals €400
Kitchens are available at the Cité U and in a homestay. This estimate includes an estimation for a few meals in restaurants and the purchase of cooking utensils not provided by the Cité U.
-
Phone Plan €25
This could include getting a French cell phone plan or buying international coverage and data
-
Additional Daily Living Expenses €200
This could include getting a French cell phone plan or buying international coverage and data
-
Shopping and Personal Travel €200
This could include getting a French cell phone plan or buying international coverage and data
Deadline
FAQ
Where do I send the MICEFA application?
If you are a student with one of our partner universities, please contact your study abroad office to apply for the summer program. Students from non-partner universities are welcome to apply directly by sending us an email.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Be enrolled in a University in the United States or Canada. You DO NOT have to be enrolled in a MICEFA partner University.
- If you are at a MICEFA partner University you must contact your Study Abroad office to apply
- No French experience necessary, beginners welcome!
- American students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and Canadian Students must have a minimum of 63%
Application Deadlines?
Application Deadline
Priority: April 1st, 2026
(April 1st, 2026 on rolling admissions)
Program Down Payment (2000€)
April 1st, 2026
Program Final Payment (1700€)
May 10th, 2026
What should I do in case of an emergency in Paris?
In case of an emergency in Paris, please contact the MICEFA emergency phone and dial the appropriate French emergency numbers: Police (17), Firefighters (18), European emergency number (112), Ambulance (15), Pharmacy on Call (3237), SOS Doctors (3624).
What are the costs of the program?
The program cost of 3,700€ includes: basic housing options, local transportation pass, cultural activities and the French Language Course at ICP.
Do I need to be able to speak French?
French proficiency is encouraged but not required. Zero level French students are accepted on the MICEFA Summer Program.
Documents & Downloads - Language & Culture Summer Program
You will find below direct links to all the downloadable documents on the site concerning the Paris Summer Program.
This page gives you quick access to download any document that you may need for your program. Documents are organized by theme.
