Study Abroad in Paris: Academics

The AIFS program at the Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne is open to students with a 2.5 or better GPA. To ensure students derive maximum benefit from their study, the CCFS and AIFS have two requirements: a French language course plus one Sorbonne seminar. The minimum course load for full-time students is 12 credit hours.

Students must enroll in a French language course (cours pratique and phonetics) 12.5 hours a week, equivalent to 9 units of semester credit, at the appropriate level based on a placement test given at the time of enrollment. Language classes meet 10 hours a week, phonetics lab 5 hours every other week which averages 12.5 hours a week. All cours pratique are conducted in French with sections geared to proficiency levels.

Please note:

  • Students are required to take at least one CCFS seminar (in French or English, depending on proficiency).
  • Advanced students are encouraged to take courses in French. They may not enroll in more than one seminar in English.
  • Students at the advanced level of French may take honors level courses (see courses).
  • Students who enroll for two semesters are required to take one seminar in French in their second semester. (A student who has completed one semester of a required cours pratique is usually able to follow a French seminar).
  • Students may enroll in one or two courses not taught at the CCFS (see course listings).
  • AIFS students are not in class with French students.

Attendance

Attendance is required. In accordance with Sorbonne regulations, students absent from classes without prior authorization may not be eligible to take exams or may be awarded lower or failing grades. Students should be prepared to adapt to different teaching methods, library facilities and academic environment. Lecture classes are very large, and students have little direct contact with teachers except in seminars and language classes.

Class time

Sorbonne classes meet 12 weeks each semester with an additional week for exams. Quarter students have 10 weeks of class with no extra exam week (final grade based on work done to the end of the quarter). Classes at the Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises and University of London Institute in Paris meet 10 weeks each semester. Course sessions are 60 minutes.

Course Load

The typical semester load is:    
     
Course   Credits
French language  
9
Two Sorbonne seminars (3 credits each)  
6
One course at the University of London Institute in Paris or at Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises  
3
Total:
  
18
     
A typical quarter student will take:    
French language  
6
Two Sorbonne seminars (2 credits each)  
4
One course at the University of London Institute in Paris or at Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises*  
3
Total
  
13

* Courses at the University of London Institute in Paris and Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises end in December therefore quarter students get the same credits as semester students. Some Sorbonne courses are not open to quarter students and freshmen.

Grades

The Sorbonne uses standard French grading based on a scale of 20. Exceptional students usually earn 14-16, with 17 and above rare. A grade of 12 or 13 is good, and 10 is passing. Grading in France is usually more competitive than in the U.S.

Interpretation of the French 0-20 scale at the Sorbonne is 16-20 = A, 13-15 = B, 10-12 = C, 8-9 = D, 7 = F.

Final registration for courses take place in Cannes where you will meet the Paris Resident Director. Once the semester begins, students have one week in which to drop or add a course without penalty. If a student drops a course after one week it will be listed as “withdrawn” on their transcript. Any student who withdraws after one week must sign a withdrawal form to give to the Resident Director. If a student stops attending class but does not complete a withdrawal form, the course will be shown as “fail” on the transcript.

No AIFS participant is permitted to take a course without receiving a letter grade. Pass/Fail grade options are not available and a “hold” option does not exist.

Libraries

Large libraries granting unrestricted access are relatively rare in France. Undergraduate students generally use the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève or take advantage of the resources at the library of the Centre Georges Pompidou. Others pay a fee for access to the American Library, and others discover the smaller French libraries in their own neighborhoods. The AIFS office has a small collection of books that students may borrow.

Schedules

Students should note they may encounter scheduling conflicts as more than one course may be offered at the same time of day. The Resident Director reserves the right to cancel or modify courses in unavoidable circumstances or for insufficient enrollment (fewer than 8 students).

Student advising

Students meet with the AIFS staff during orientation in Cannes as well as in Paris before the academic semester begins. Staff provide advice on both academics and housing and serve as liaisons between students and the CCFS. They also help students adjust to the French system and help with questions or concerns throughout the year. American students often find the French educational system different from their U.S. experience. At the Sorbonne, there is little interaction between the professor and the student, especially outside of class. If issues arise, the Resident Director will assist students.

Transcripts

The CCFS issues a transcript for all courses taken there. Transcripts list course titles, class hours and grades, but do not indicate the recommended units of credit listed in this catalog. Each institution issues its own transcript.

The CCFS will not give a transcript to students who do not take final exams. Fall quarter students, however, receive a Certificate listing their courses, number of contact hours and final grades. Fall quarter students can receive full credit for courses at the University of London Institute in Paris and Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises because these courses end in December.