PARIS
Semester / Year
ABOUT CUPA
By virtue of its location in Paris, France and its partnerships with some of France’s best universities, CUPA is part of a long academic tradition that helped lay the foundation for modern thought. While we pride ourselves on this solid background, the real strength of our programs is our constant desire to innovate and adapt our offerings to the evolving needs of our students. The Program is committed to providing exceptional students with the highest quality international experience, both academically and personally. CUPA’s approach
to intercultural learning is holistic and based on the belief that the pursuit of knowledge is not limited to the classroom. To this end, the Program creates a framework of support that allows students to take full advantage of the opportunities available in Paris (e.g. internships, host families, courses in a wide variety of disciplines, cultural experiences, masters-level coursework, extracurricular activities). CUPA seeks to help students thrive in an increasingly global world in which intercultural adaptability is an essential skill.
The Center for University Programs Abroad
THE SEMESTER AND YEAR PROGRAMS
Language immersion is at the heart of CUPA’s flagship program. During a semester or a full academic year, students enrolled in CUPA’s rigorous immersion program are directly matriculated in a selection of Paris’ best universities, Grandes Écoles and Institutes. CUPA students curate their curricula from an extensive body of course offerings, including optional in-house courses. They may also engage in independent study projects if approved by their home university. The vast opportunities
made available through CUPA, including, but not limited to, individualized language support, cultural activities, and methodology training facilitate the pursuit of each student’s interests and personal goals. CUPA students are free to choose their own level of independence since all program-sponsored activities are optional.
WHAT SETS US APART
A Strong Orientation Program
Dynamic Student Body
The intensive Orientation program provides an introduction to French methodology and the French academic mindset while giving students a head start on advancing their language skills in the immersion context. Meetings on practical matters, housing, safety, and cultural life also take place during Orientation, as well as cultural activities within and outside of Paris.
The CUPA program’s high standards are consistent with the outstanding caliber of its student body. Applicants are selected according to their individual profiles and French language skills, and form a community of diverse, talented and motivated students. They are well-prepared intellectually and linguistically and seek an in-depth experience as well as a high-quality academic program during their semester or year in Paris.
Individualized Academic Support Aware of the differences between American and French academic institutions, CUPA serves as a key liaison between students and their professors in Paris. During every step of the academic process, from selecting courses to implementing a study project to obtaining final credit approval, CUPA works closely with students to ensure a rich intellectual experience that is in keeping with their home university’s requirements. Advising takes into account the student’s level of fluency, academic background, special interests, and strengths.
French Language Center and Methodology Support Our long-time expertise has shown that to perfect a foreign language one-on-one learning is the gold standard. For this reason, we have designed our French Language Center and Methodology Program to provide students with personalized support based on their academic and extracurricular interests. Thanks to this holistic approach, our students have the ability to transition seamlessly between a philosophical debate with a French peer and an informal conversation with their host family.
A Stimulating Cultural Offering Exposure to French culture is an integral part of a student’s experience and the Program ensures that they have access to a wealth of cultural activities during their time abroad. Thanks to numerous extracurricular opportunities, students get to explore another facet of Paris and France. All CUPA-sponsored cultural activities are included in the program fees. Here is a non-exhaustive list of past cultural and student-life activities: • An overnight weekend trip (e.g. Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Alsace) • A full-day excursion (e.g. Giverny, Fontainebleau, Lille) • Informal student gatherings • Visits and activities within Paris (e.g. walking tours, pétanque, apéros, gastronomical study breaks) • Conferences held at CUPA • Museum pass and “Carte Louvre Jeunes” • Tickets for performances (e.g. Le Misanthrope at the Comédie Française, Carmen at the Opéra Garnier) • Program dinners
FRENCH UNIVERSITIES & INSTITUTES CUPA has long-standing partnerships with many of Paris’ most prestigious academic institutions. As a language immersion program, we believe that it is essential for our students to have an authentic French experience by facilitating their matriculation with these institutions. Under our guidance and in keeping with their home-university requirements, students have the freedom to curate their curricula by choosing their courses across institutions and academic departments.
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UNIVERSITÉ PARIS-SORBONNE
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ATELIER FORANIM - ARTS PLASTIQUES
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UNIVERSITÉ PARIS 3-SORBONNE NOUVELLE
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ATELIER LA MIROITERIE - ARTS PLASTIQUES
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UNIVERSITÉ PARIS 8 - SAINT DENIS
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ATELIER TERRE ET FEU - ARTS PLASTIQUES
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UNIVERSITÉ PARIS NANTERRE
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ACADÉMIE EUROPÉENNE DE THÉÂTRE CORPOREL -
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UNIVERSITÉ PARIS-DAUPHINE
STUDIO MAGÉNIA
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UNIVERSITÉ PIERRE ET MARIE CURIE
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ÉCOLE DU LOUVRE
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STUDIO HARMONIC - DANSE
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INALCO - INSTITUT NATIONAL DES LANGUES
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STUDIO VERMÈS - PHOTOGRAPHIE
ET CIVILISATIONS ORIENTALES
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CONSERVATOIRE MUNICIPAL CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS
ENSAPLV - ÉCOLE NATIONALE SUPÉRIEURE
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CONSERVATOIRE MUNICIPAL GEORGES BIZET
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CRR - CONSERVATOIRE À RAYONNEMENT RÉGIONAL
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D'ARCHITECTURE DE PARIS - LA VILLETTE
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ENS - ÉCOLE NORMALE SUPÉRIEURE
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EHESS - ÉCOLE DES HAUTES ÉTUDES EN SCIENCES SOCIALES
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INSTITUT CATHOLIQUE DE PARIS
CENTRE DE DANSE DU MARAIS
DE PARIS – PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
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CNSMDP - CONSERVATOIRE NATIONAL SUPÉRIEUR DE MUSIQUE DE PARIS – PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants to the CUPA semester and year programs should be undergraduates in good standing at an American college or university, and maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average. They must have a good command of both written and oral French and have successfully completed the equivalent of at least five semesters of college-level French. For more information on dates, program cost, eligibility, and application deadlines, please visit our website: cupa.paris.edu
PA R I S
Semester / Year
Opportunities for internships and undergraduate research
The most extensive range of course offerings available
Individualized academic programs designed to meet the specific interests of each student
Excellent balance between independence and a strong support system
Individual language and methodology mentoring to reinforce the immersion experience
A unique community of exceptional students dedicated to their learning experience
Special programs in the fine and performing arts and access to graduatelevel seminars
A stimulating cultural program combining tradition and innovation
More than just another study abroad program in Paris
cupa.paris.edu
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cupa@cupa.paris.edu