ILLINOIS IN PARIS

The Illinois Program in Paris offers courses for students of French, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Business, Economics, Political Science, and more. All students are required to take at least 12 credit hours (3 coming from the required Engagement in Paris course):

• French Language Course: Students are placed in groups according to their proficiency level from a placement written test before going abroad and an oral test upon your arrival. All students who place into a level below FR 3-- will take introductory or intermediate courses at the Institut Catholique de Paris (ICP). Students who place at FR 3-- or above may choose to take a content course in French taught by IPP staff or substitute the requirement with a course taught in French at one of the Parisian Partner Universities. Students must receive approval by Illinois or IPP staff  to take courses taught in French at Parisian universities.

• Engagement in Paris (required): Engagement in Paris is an immersive course that requires students to interact with their surroundings and improve their French skills in meaningful ways. Students in this course experience Paris in a unique way and can contribute positively to the city through one of the following course options:

  • A- Sustainable Urbanism: Students will walk and explore specific areas of Paris to learn how current environmental issues are impacting Parisians, and how they are working to be more environmentally friendly. Students will also explore urban structures and infrastructures related to health and hygiene, such as hospitals, cemeteries, and sanitation networks.

  • B- The French Educational System: Students will work as an English Language teaching assistant in a French middle school, high school, art school, or hospitality school. This option allows students to observe an English class taught at a French school by a French instructor, while also helping the instructor plan activities with the students in class. With this option, students will learn how the French Education System operates, European linguistics policies, intercultural teaching methods, and education specific programs in France.

  • C- Service Learning: Students volunteer with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and help Paris face local and global issues. While volunteering with these organizations, students can learn about community services, the migrant crisis, generation gaps, awareness of disabilities, waste, and recycling, and how food banks operate.

  • D- Urban Agriculture: Students volunteer on a local Parisian farm for first-hand experience in sustainable food sourcing in an urban setting. With this option, students will take care of animals, participate in planting, trimming and composting, organize cultural and educational events, and help with communication and marketing on the farm.

Engagement in Paris can be articulated as FR 390, ACES 3--, or ECON 3--, depending on students' preference.

Engagement in Paris can be taken in French or English and for French or other credit pending approval from students' academic advisors.