French Language at the Sorbonne

Temple Summer in France

French Language at the Sorbonne

Spend an unforgettable summer in Paris studying French at the Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne (CCFS), one of the world’s great language institutes. Temple University’s program allows you to further your study of French language and culture with intensive in-class language instruction tailored to your language level while exploring life in the great city of Paris. Temple partners with IES Abroad in Paris to enhance on-site support.

Program Overview

Expand upon each of the links below to view more details about this program.

Academic Program

As a program participant, you will enroll in a 4-credit French course (Cours Pratique de Langue Française), based on your level.

Language of Instruction

French

Course Offerings

focus on French language and, at the upper levels, literary analysis
are offered at various levels (beginning through advanced)
include review of grammar, phonetics laboratory, dictation and method of explication de textes
are taught by a native-speaking French professor
meet Monday through Friday

View all courses.

Course Load

4 credits

Course Placement

A language placement test prior to departure will determine the appropriate course for you to take.

Upon Completion

Following completion of the program, the course on your Temple University academic record/transcript will read Cours Pratique de Langue Française with the appropriate course level and number indicated.

Additional Course Options

Besides the courses listed on our website, other advanced course options in literature, art, history, culture and related subjects may be available for students with a superior knowledge of French who are participating in the program. If you are interested in this option, please consult with the faculty program director. These courses have additional fees, which would be paid directly to the Sorbonne.
When available: optional, non-credit bearing lectures are offered throughout the program.

Location

The program is based in Paris, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. The possibilities — intellectual, cultural and gastronomical — are endless. The immersive and inspiring setting allows for the perfect opportunity to improve your French language skills.

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Explore Paris!

Paris is indeed one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and is known for its architectural landmarks and public squares. Known as the City of Light, Paris has dazzled guests and residents alike for centuries and is one of the cultural hubs of Western Europe. Settlements in Paris date back to the 3rd Century BC, and by the 12th Century, the city had become the capital of France. Guests to the city can experience facets of its long history around every corner, from hearing baroque music in Gothic churches to seeing sites such as the Bastille and strolling along the Champs-Élysées. The program will also include excursions to other areas in France.

Program Dates

Five-weeks: late June to early August

Tentative Dates for Summer 2025 will be available soon!

Accepted students will receive confirmed program dates and flight booking guidelines from Education Abroad before making travel plans.

Program participants are required to be present for the entire length of the program, from the official arrival date through the program end date.

As the program includes day-long excursions most weekends, students typically plan any independent travel outside of Paris after the program concludes.

Housing

Housing type: Shared apartments

IES Abroad, our on-site partner, organizes all housing placements. You will live in shared apartments in various neighborhoods throughout Paris that are within a 45-minute commute on public transportation from the IES Abroad Center, and typically the same distance from the classroom space at the Sorbonne, which is located in the Latin Quarter neighborhood in Paris. No meals are included with this housing option, but kitchen facilities are available, and apartments have Wifi. You will receive an information packet during orientation, which includes a detailed student handbook and local area information so you will know where you can find grocery stores and other amenities in your neighborhood.

Activities & Excursions

Conférences de Civilisation Française (when available)

As a supplement to your French language instruction, the Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne (CCFS) occasionally offers Conférences de Civilisation Française, a series of free and optional, non-credit bearing lectures given by specialists on various aspects of contemporary France, including literature, art and aesthetics, and the economy.

Program excursions

Typically, 3 day-long excursions are scheduled during the program (on Saturdays), to sites which may include:

Giverny, including entrance to Monet house and gardens
Fontainbleau, including entrance to Fontainbleau Castle with guided tour
Chartres, including a guided tour of the cathedral, famous for its stained-glass windows, Gothic architecture, and crypt

Faculty & On-site Support

Faculty

A Temple faculty member serves as the program director overseeing the academic program and will serve as your point of contact for academic matters. Native-speaking French professors at the Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne (CCFS) teach all French courses.

View program faculty

On-site Support Staff

In addition to your program director, you will have access 24/7 on-site support from the IES Abroad Centers.

The IES Abroad Paris has two centers, located at Daguerre and Saint-Amand, both surrounded by restaurants, food shops, small businesses, artisan workshops, and cafés.

Program Costs

PROGRAM DEPOSIT

Students will pay a non-refundable program deposit of $400 within 2 weeks of acceptance to the program. This non-refundable deposit is credited to your program fees as a prepayment.

TUITION AND FEES

Temple students pay their usual per-credit rate by school/college and residency.

Non-Temple students pay the non-matriculated student rate based on residency. For the 2024-25 academic year, PA residents are charged $786 per credit and non-PA residents are charged $1,413 per credit.

All students pay:

University Services Fee
Program Fee, estimated at $3500, which includes the cost of housing, orientation, and program-arranged excursions, a Navigo transportation pass, some group meals, such as welcome and farewell dinners.

For complete details about billable costs and estimate for non-billable expenses, such as airfare, meals, and personal expenses, view the program cost sheet.

View detailed program costs.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID

Education Abroad offers competitive, need-based scholarships for this program. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.

Health & Safety

Staying healthy and safe abroad requires good planning and strong support. Review our health and safety page for important steps to preparing for study abroad, and details about international travel medical insurance and assistance provided by Temple.

Contact

Faculty Advisor and Program Director: Mr. Akim Gabriel; Department of French, German, Italian and Slavic; Temple University (553 Anderson Hall); 215-204-1924; [click-for-email]
Education Abroad: 215-204-0720; [click-for-email]

Eligibility Requirements

Temple programs are open to qualified students matriculated at any U.S. or Canadian college or university.

You are eligible to apply if you meet the following requirements.

Are enrolled fulltime and will have completed 2 semesters before studying abroad

You are enrolled as a full-time matriculated student at the time of application as well as during the semester prior to studying abroad.
You will have completed at least two (2) semesters of college-level study by the program start.

Are in good academic standing and meet minimum GPA requirement for the program

You meet minimum cumulative GPA requirement, on a 4.0 scale from all colleges/universities attended. The requirement varies by program:

Temple Semester Programs: 2.75 (Internships: 3.0)
Temple Summer Programs: 2.5
Exchange Programs: 2.75
External Programs: 2.5

You remain in good academic standing from the time of application until the start of your term abroad; students on academic warning are not eligible to participate.

Have a valid passport

You will need a passport, valid well beyond the length of your program, by the application deadline.

View deadlines and validity requirements for your host country.

Are in good disciplinary standing

You are in good disciplinary standing at the time of application and remain so through the start of your term abroad. Students who have been found responsible for a code of conduct violation and will not be in good disciplinary standing (including disciplinary probation) may submit a petition for review.

Meet the minimum age requirement

You are at least 18 years old at the time of application.

For Temple in France, there are no additional eligibility requirements

Application Requirements

The standard application requirements pertain to all students applying to Temple programs.

For Temple in France, there are no additional application requirements.

Admissions Timeline

Admissions is rolling (early applications encouraged).
Once you submit your application, you should expect a decision within two (2) weeks.

I had been taking French classes since sixth grade, so I was thrilled to finally travel to France and practice everything I had learned. Although I was a business student, I had other passions for drawing and painting. With countless art museums located around the city and gorgeous architecture on every street, there is no better location than Paris for an artist!

Photo by Provided by Jenny Wang

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Temple Summer in France