In partnership with the College of Global Studies at Arcadia University, AGS offers a semester study abroad program for undergraduate students.

This program provides a comprehensive cultural and academic experience in Paris. It features an interdisciplinary curriculum focusing on the culture and international relations of France and the European Union, and is supplemented by French language courses at Alliance Française. It is open to undergraduates wishing to gain international experience and knowledge while earning credits.

Students may attend for one or two consecutive semesters.

Curriculum

The program is composed of:

• a core seminar

• two courses from a choice of four electives

• French language courses

Optional graduate courses may be added to the curriculum.

Core seminar: Culture, History, Diplomacy of France/the European Union

The core of each student's academic program is a six-credit seminar:

• Fall: Culture, History and Diplomacy of France

• Spring: Culture, History and Diplomacy of the European Union

The coursework and fieldwork combine to deepen the student's understanding of French and European governmental institutions, diplomacy, and foreign policy formulation. Several field-trips are organized, taking advantage of the proximity of French, European and International institutions, to supplement the knowledge acquired in the classroom with first hand observational experience.

A major component of the core course is the capstone project that enables students to do research in areas of current events in Paris and Europe.

Elective courses

There are four electives from which the student chooses two:

• Current Issues in International Affairs

• International Public Law

• Clashes of Cultures in Paris and France

• Politics in Francophone Africa

Click here for the curriculum with course descriptions

French Language

In the mornings, students take three- or four-hour long French language classes, depending on their level, at the world-renowned language school Alliance française. Prior to starting the program students are tested online to assess their level so they may be assigned to the class that is best fitted to his or her ability.

Optional graduate courses

For exceptional students, in, or about to enter, their senior year and with a demonstrated background in the appropriate academic areas, Arcadia is pleased to provide the opportunity to follow a graduate course selected from those offered by AGSIRD as electives or area/electives during the semester the student is studying in Paris (see Graduate Course Offering). Students will earn undergraduate credits for attending a graduate class and completing independent assignments and exams. Entry to these courses will depend on space available.

Orientation and extra-curricular activities

AGS and Arcadia's staff in France provide students with a full orientation before the beginning of the program.

They also organize activities and events throughout the program to take advantage of the many cultural riches of Paris and ensure that students make the most of their French experience.

The staff remains available at any time during the program to help each student adjust to the new cultural environment and achieve his or her particular goals.

Credit policy

Students earn 16 hour-credits over one semester (in accordance with the American credit system) toward an undergraduate degree:

• 6 credits for the core seminar

• 3 credits for each of the electives

• 4 credits for the French language

• If applicable 3 undergraduate credits per graduate-level course

Housing options

Housing can be provided for this program.
The basic housing option includes shared accomodation with one other student. Individual studio apartments are available upon request at a higher rate.

Students may also choose to arrange for their own accomodation.

Dates

Fall semester 2011

September 1 to December 17, 2011

Spring 2012

January 26 to May 12, 2012