Discover Paris, France this Summer!
The heart of french culture and politics
Discover the charm and magic of Paris this summer on an adventure of a lifetime! Be inspired by delicious food, fantastic art, amazing architecture, and the enduring splendor of this elegant city. Paris (“The City of Lights”) is renowned throughout the world as a tourist destination, and has captivated the hearts and minds of people for centuries! France and its capital city of Paris, hold a treasure trove of the world’s greatest monuments and museums, both artistic and experiential. Experience all that Paris has to offer, from the early Enlightenment era to modern day! This and much more await your exploration this summer. Of course, we will show you the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower, among others, but you will also be free (within our safety guidelines) to enjoy the city’s famous café scene and shopping districts with your good friends & classmates in tow. Who knows, you just might even take a dinner cruise on the river Seine! Apply today to join us for a summer in Paris, a city of elegance, history and art.
You will live in upscale, comfortable student apartments or hotels, in the very center of the city. You’ll be just a short walk from the Eiffel Tour, the Champs Elysees, and the center of Paris! Our accomodations are rented and controlled by World Class Programs and you will only live with other World Class students. The accomodations have living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and 2-3 bedrooms. Each bedroom is shared by two to four students with staff members housed in a fully separate accomodation in the same location. Each program, if it is large enough, will also have a dedicated World Class Programs Security Officer staying in the building, who will be on-call to the needs of the students 24/7.
Every student on the program chooses two classes as their academic focus in Paris: a major focus and a minor focus. Major classes meet every morning, Monday through Friday, while minor classes meet three afternoons a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday. All classes can be chosen as either a Major or a Minor.
Electives and Workshops
Fine Art & Drawing Philosophy Photography European History Fashion Design French language (beginner) French language (Advanced/Immersion) French Cuisine Art History & Architecture
Fine Art & Drawing
Introduces basic drawing, and painting skills, as well as continues advanced techniques based on student skill level. This course emphasizes direct observation. A variety of museum tours, like the Louvre, are included so the student can engage in studio drawing, critical evaluation of aesthetics, critique sessions and side lectures based on our Experiential Learning Method.
Philosophy
Known for its rich cultural heritage, France has always been at the center of the development of western philosophy. During the period known as ‘the enlightenment’, French philosopher Rene Descartes redefined western philosophy, and completely reshaped the way use philosophy today. In this course, we will learn the ancient philosophical concepts of the Greeks, which will act as a foundation to study and understand more deeply the work that Rene Descartes did and the impact her had of Philosophy today.
Photography
Introduces and expands on the exploration of digital camera function, digital image editing software and digital printing technology. This course will emphasize student's development of individual artistic voice while engaging with technological, aesthetic, and conceptual issues in their work while abroad. Students are required to supply their own Digital SLR camera for this course.
European History
While out in the city participating and living in a place rich with history, students will investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in specific historical periods from approximately 1450 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians while in the field: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical comparisons; and utilizing reasoning about contextualization, causation, and continuity and change over time. This particular course provides students with excellent preparatory skills needed to thrive in their high school A.P. European History or A.P. World History class.
Introduction to French Language
Introduces basic language skills. Development of listening comprehension, reading, speaking, and writing skills to become proficient at the appropriate level. French culture will be learned through guided speaking with natives that are introduced to develop cultural understanding and sensitivity. This class will have an emphasis on interpersonal communication with native French speakers throughout the trip to fully immerse students into the language.
Advanced Immersion French Language
Builds upon Introduction to French Language Course.
French Cuisine
In this hands-on class, our instructor will show you how to transform local ingredients into a delicious French meal. We’ll walk you through the steps for baking traditional French baguettes, chocolate souffle, preparing the authentic French soup like Soupe à l'oignon, and other French dishes. Students will visit local French markets to learn how to buy fresh and cook even fresher. While learning how to prepare French dishes, students will be sampling from local restaurants to get a taste for how the native French cooks prepare food.
Art History & Architecture
Introduces students to the rich and diverse art venues throughout all of France, various museum display practices, and the complicated politics of exhibiting cultures. Explores the visual arts of a wide range of peoples, cultures, styles, movements, and media, as well as the various cultural, religious, economic, and political factors related to their creation. Major works of painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts from prehistory to the present will be studied. While in Paris, students will learn about its art while visiting the Louvre and seeing the Mona Lisa as well as other famous French paintings.
Fashion Design
supplemental class
This class is a workshop and will be taught based on availability while on the trip. Note: This does not count as a World Class Programs Major or Minor class.
One of the most valuable (and fun!) parts of our Paris Summer Program is the weekend day-trips to all of the most celebrated and “lesser known” cultural sites around France! While we extensively explore “The City of Lights” throughout the weekdays through our classes and activities, the program allows you to explore cities throughout France each week. From the hilly streets of Chartres to the quiet French countryside villas, you and your new friends will be able to explore some of the legendary sites that make France legendary.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Immerse yourself in French culture and explore the historic streets
- Eat crepes while walking through the gardens in front of the Louvre
- Explore breathtaking historical landmarks
- Make lifelong friends to share this experience with
- Grow as a person and become an independent world traveler
- Explore the catacombs beneath the Paris streets
- Be inspired by the gothic architecture towering above
- Taking the time to sketch the Façade of Notre Dame as part of the art class taught by our faculty
- An evening of coffee and music in a local cafe
- Admiring the legendary archaeological finds and Renaissance masterpieces (like the Mona Lisa!) at the Louvre and countless other Parisian museums
- Visiting the various French cities and experiencing all of France
- Iron Chef culinary competition at our residence judged by the staff
- Our “Night Photography” adventure activity
- Shopping along the Champs Elysees (of course!)
- Playing a game of “Pas d’anglais” in a local café as part of our French classes