Summer Study in Paris

• French language classes at all levels—beginning to advanced—either at the Institut Catholique de Paris or ESA’s Survival French program
• Lodging in central Paris in dorm or in families
• Pass for unlimited bus and metro use in the Paris region
• Outstanding civilization and cultural activity program
• Tickets to the opera or ballet
• Guided visits to the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay
• College credit available through college partners
• Weekend in Alsace with scenic Colmar

Los Angeles Valley College, East Los Angeles College and the European Studies Association [ESA] invite you to participate in an exceptional educational experience: Summer Study in Paris 2025.

Since the Middle Ages, Paris has drawn students from around the world for university studies, its culture and the experience of its cosmopolitan lifestyle. Celebrating our forty-third annual program, we have the faculty, the background and the knowledge to make your month in Paris worthy of one of the world’s great capital cities. In addition to language classes, you will improve your knowledge of French culture through our rich civilization course—visits, lectures and walking tours. We include the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the newly renovated Carnavalet Museum and Parisian neighborhoods, as well as an introduction to French history.

On weekends we will also visit Alsace spending two nights in charming Colmar, Monet’s home and gardens at Giverny. We won’t neglect daily life in Paris either. Additional activities include visiting the newly reopened Notre Dame de Paris, gourmet meals, ballet, opera and more. The quality of our program is shown in the number of participants who repeat it!

ESA offers you two language program choices in addition to the civilization course and cultural activities:

15 hours of French class per week at the Institut Catholique de Paris (see below)

OR

Survival French: A French culture and basic language program with thirty hours of language training during the month, taught by ESA faculty. In this course, you’ll learn the basic French you’ll need to speak with storekeepers, café personnel and others in order to feel at ease in the Parisian environment, as well as an introduction to French life—music, food, etc. We recommend this choice for those with no background in French. Intermediate classes are dependent on demand.

The Institut Catholique de Paris, a private French university of international reputation, will provide your French language instruction. Universities world-wide recognize and regularly grant credit for its excellent language courses. The Institut is located in the St.-Germain-des-Prés area in central Paris, very near our dorms. There you will meet students from around the world, who, like you, have come to Paris to take advantage of the Institut’s fine teachers, up-to-date materials, and small classes. Like many private universities in the US, the Institut has a religious affiliation, but instruction is non-sectarian. ESA, the largest group at the Institut summer session, will handle pre-enrollment formalities. A placement test will determine which course is most appropriate for you.

(highly recommended for intermediate and advanced students)

French language courses, elementary to advanced:

9am-12pm Monday through Friday [3-5 semester units]*

These classes offer high quality language instruction in conversation, grammar, culture, and reading. Classes average 20-25 students and use up-to-date materials.

*Credits are given as a guideline only—see academic credit section.

• 
• June 30: Departure from LAX.
• July 1:  Arrive Paris; settle into your dorm.
• July 2: Orientation; Neighborhood Walks; Seine Boat Ride.
• July 3: Classes begin; Lunch at university cafeteria; Movie night.
• July 4: Virtual Reality Eternal Notre Dame
• July5:  Visit Monet’s Giverny garden and the Bizy Castle.
• July 6: Museum Visits: • Orangerie • Arts & Métiers • Cluny.
• July 7: Latin Quarter Walk Opera preview.
• July 8: Luxembourg Garden Art Class; Opera: Barber of Seville.
• July 9: Louvre Museum; Opera: Les Brigands.
• July 10: Market Pot-luck; Ballet: Sleeping Beauty.
• July 11: Arc de Triomphe visit.
• July 12: Medieval Town of Provins with Knights’ Tournment.
• July 13: Free Day or Raspail Organic Market Visit.
• July 14: Bastille Day Holiday.
• July 15: Choice of Walks: • Fashion House Walk • Galeries Lafayette.
• July 16: Worth Fashion Exhibit, Petit Palais Alsace Preview.
• July 17: Orsay Museum.
• July 18: Departure for Alsace. 

Overall great experience…Great program…Amazing experience!

Everyone was really welcoming and all the professors made themselves available to any need we had.

The program exceeded my expectations—from the fancy dinners, the activities, and the day trips.