Deadline
Days
Hours
Minutes
Program Dates:
1 June 2026
-
27 June 2026
Application deadline:
1 May 2026
The Summer Program in Public Health and Medicine in Paris is limited to 10 participants.
Public Health and Medicine
Summer Program – 1 month
The Public Health and Medicine Summer program in Paris is open to both Undergraduate and Master’s students interested in doing a comparative study of the North American and French models. This program is open to all majors but will be of particular interest to students in the areas of pre-med, pre-nursing, public health, health science and social work.
Program Highlights
Program Dates :
1 June 2026
to
27 June 2026
This would mean departure from North America on Sunday May 31st in order to arrive in Paris on Monday June 1st. Check-in to housing is between 4:00pm and 5:00pm. Rooms will be available at 4:30pm.
The Public Health Summer Program offers an in-depth exploration of key public health topics, including healthcare and poverty, women’s and children’s health, mental health, emergency medicine, and infectious diseases like HIV and STDs. Led by Dr. Melissa Kenzig, a seasoned public health expert with nearly 20 years of experience, the program combines engaging lectures with field visits to local hospitals and renowned organizations such as OECD, Médecins du Monde, and the Pasteur Institute, providing a unique perspective on French healthcare practices.
Earn 4 university credits*
Classes and visits with specialists in the field
Housing in the center of Paris
Course Descriptions
- Health Systems Overview:
- French Health System
- Public Health vs. Medicine
- Health Behavior Theory
- Maternal & Child Health
- Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs)
- Health Research
- Social Determinants of Health
Practical Experiences & Observations
- Hospital Visits:
- Mental Health Services
- Medicine in Times of War
- Public Health Conference
- Up to 3 course credits
Cultural Activities
- Visits to medical museums (e.g., Musée des Moulages, Musée d'Histoire de la Médecine).
- Seine River Cruise and cultural immersion in Paris.
Projects & Presentations
- Capstone Project: Develop and present a public health project addressing a key issue.
- Interactive Discussions: Engage with public health experts, including Dr. Robert Sigal and Allison Meston Bunting.
Orientation & Farewell
- Orientation: Program introduction and overview at FIE.
- Goodbye Picnic: Celebrate program completion with fellow students and faculty.
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
While in Paris, students stay at the historic Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris located across the street from metro Cité Universitaire on line RER B, which goes directly to Charles de Gaulle Airport and Tram T3a.
Students will stay in single occupancy rooms with a shared bathroom and kitchen on each floor. The dormitories offer wifi access, shared bathrooms and kitchens** as well as common areas for students to relax and a dining hall on site.
**Students must bring or purchase their own cooking materials. Cooking packs available for a small fee at the MICEFA Office.
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
Estimated Additional Expenses (Not covered in the Program Fee)
-
Airfare to and from Paris €1 300
This price could vary depending on where you are coming from and how early you buy your tickets
-
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.
-
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
-
Shopping and Personal Travel €200
This could include getting a French cell phone plan or buying international coverage and data
FAQ
Where do I send the MICEFA application?
If you are a student at one of our 65 partner Universities in the United States or Canada you must first go through your Study Abroad Office to get approval for the program. Download the form and bring it in to start talking about MICEFA to your advisor!
What are the eligibility requirements?
Approval by your home institution
- Be at least in your 3rd or 4th year of your Undergraduate Degree (1st or 2nd year of Nursing Degree), Medical students welcome!
- Recommended to have taken at least 3-4 semesters of college-level French (B1 level), but not mandatory! Course will be taught in English, visits in French & English with staff to help if you don’t understand.
- B2 level in French required for observership, guided research project proposed for participants not at this level.
Can I receive University credits?
Yes, please talk to your home university or have them contact us by email.
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). or French as a foreign language you may write your essay in English.
What are the costs of the program?
The program cost of 2,550€ includes: basic housing options, local transportation pass, cultural activities and Course taught by a MICEFA instructor.
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.
