THE CITY
Known as the "City of Lights," Paris is one of the world's foremost centers of business and culture. situated on the river Seine, Paris is a beautiful, cosmopolitan city whose influence on politics, education, entertainment, fashion, and the arts is felt worldwide. Innumerable monuments built to reflect the glory of France and its rulers stand testament to the city’s rich history and have led Paris to be the world's most popular tourist destination. Famous sites and landmarks include the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Bastille, and the Luxembourg Gardens. Many of the almost twelve million Parisians are recent immigrants from around the globe, and make the city one of the most diverse cultural environments in the world.
THE UNIVERSITIES
The University of Paris: Paris VII- Denis Diderot, Paris IV- Sorbonne, Paris IX- Dauphine
Founded in 1257 as the College de Sorbonne, the University of Paris comprises over a dozen campuses in and around Paris. Students have access to the wide curriculum in the university system, including courses in French classics and modern literature, history, art history, archaeology, architecture, musicology and philosophy at the Sorbonne (Paris IV); communication, contemporary literature, cinema, theater, social sciences and sciences at Denis Diderot (Paris VII); and business and economics at Dauphine (IX).
Centre Sèvres-Facultés jésuites de Paris
Located in the beautiful historic quartier of St. Germain des Prés, Centre Sèvres- Facultés jésuites de Paris is an academic institution with two faculties: the Faculty of Philosophy and the Faculty of Theology. BC students with an interest in furthering their spiritual growth find many rich opportunities among the Centre’s programs in Spirituality and Religious Life, Church History, Religions and Cultures, Aesthetics, Public Ethics, and Biomedical Ethics.
Institut Catholique de Paris (ICP)
Founded in 1875, the Catholic University of Paris enrolls over 7000 students and has six faculties. Located in the Latin Quarter in the center of Paris, the ICP is an international community which offers excellent courses in education, philosophy, theology, economics, and political science.
Institut d’etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po)
The Sciences Po is one of the most selective schools among France’s premier league of Grandes Ecoles, and is considered one of Europe’s most distinguished universities. The Sciences Po enrolls over 7,000 students, including 2,000 exchange students from all over the world. The Sciences Po is dedicated to shaping future leaders of our global society. The University offers a wide variety of courses in the social sciences.
THE PROGRAM
BC in Paris: The University of Paris: Paris VII- Denis Diderot, Paris IV- Sorbonne, Paris IX- Dauphine, Centre Sèvres, Institut Catholique de Paris
Students participate in a BC-sponsored orientation program organized by the BC on-site coordinator and/or university-sponsored orientation activities upon their arrival in Paris, including a welcome dinner, tours of the city and practical information about living in Paris. The BC in Paris program begins with an Early Start intensive language program. Following the Early Start program, students enroll as exchange students in one of the five universities. In addition to regular university course work, BC students also enroll in a French language course during the regular semester, which is designed to improve language skills. Students take courses at the universities in French.
Institut d’etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po)
All students participate in a welcome program that is organized by the International Office for International Students. The Welcome Program helps students adapt to their studies at the Sciences Po and their life in Paris. While providing basic orientation services such as information on health insurance, banks, administrative and course registration, the library, etc, the program’s main focus is to sharpen students’ linguistic skills in French and introduce them to the teaching methods used at the Sciences Po. Students have the option to take courses taught in French or a combination of classes taught in French and in English. Students enroll for the full academic year only.
COURSE SELECTION
BC in Paris
Once in Paris, BC students register for courses with the assistance of the on-site coordinator.
Sciences Po
Students will have access to Sciences Po online course offering and register for courses when instructed to do so by Sciences Po. The on-site coordinator further assists students upon arrival.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Students work with on-site coordinator throughout the semester for course-related concerns and advising.
HOUSING
BC in Paris & Sciences Po
BC makes arrangements for housing for all participants prior to their arrival in Paris. Students can choose among a variety of housing accommodations such as home stays and apartments. Students studying at the University of Paris VII have the additional option of staying at the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris.
