Sorbonne Language and Culture Studies

Academic Program

TOTAL CREDITS AVAILABLE PER TERM

Students who choose to study abroad in Paris with API in the Language and Culture Studies Program select a combination of French language and cultural electives, referred to as French Civilization courses. The number of credits earned for each language course and the cultural electives varies according to the particular session a student selects. Additionally, as indicated below, in some sessions the French Civilization electives are available only to students at specific levels. A student’s French level is based on a placement exam administered upon arrival by the Sorbonne. The Sorbonne divides their language levels into 5 main categories: Débutant (A1), Élémentaire (A2), Intermédaire (B1), Avancé (B2), and Supérieur (C1).

FALL QUARTER

• Beginning level (A1) students selecting the fall quarter program complete 8 credits of language and 1 credit of phonetics instruction for a total of 9 semester credits. Fall quarter students at this language level may attend the French Civilization course, but will not receive credit or a grade, since the exam will be above their level.
• Students above the beginning level (A2 and higher) selecting the fall quarter program complete 8 credits of language instruction, 1 credit of phonetics instruction, and a 2-credit French civilization course for a total of 11 semester credits.

FALL SEMESTER AND SPRING SEMESTER

• All students selecting a semester program complete 8 credits of language instruction, 1 credit of phonetics instruction, and 4-6 credits of French civilization courses for a total of 13-15 semester credits per semester.
• Students at the Intermediate (B1) language level or above have the option of earning an additional credit for 1-2 of their civilization courses by completing a supplementary paper for each course at the close of the semester.
• Students at the Intermediate (B1) language level or above have the option of earning an additional three credits each semester if they complete an elective course taught exclusively for API students (see course offerings page for details). Students generally take this course in place of one of the cultural courses at the Sorbonne.
• A limited number of teaching internships are also available for students at the Intermediate (B1) language level or above. An additional fee is charged for participation in the 3-credit internship.

EARLY START OPTIONS

Fall semester or academic year students who wish to refresh their French skills before starting the standard class session may choose to participate in the fall or year early start programs, which include an intensive month of study in September for an additional 50 contact hours (3 semester credits) of French language and phonetics instruction.

TRANSCRIPTS

Transcripts are issued by the Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne. If a student enrolls in one of the API led courses, the teaching internship, or if their home university requires it, they can receive a transcript from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

What’s Included

PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES

• Advising
• @api Online System
• Orientation Materials and Resources
• Mobile Phone
• Peer Mentors
• Social Networking
• Scholarships

ON-SITE SERVICES

• Airport Reception
• API Centers, Resident Directors
• On-Site Orientation
• Housing (including meals and laundry with some options)
• Transit Pass
• Tuition
• Tutoring
• Language & Culture Tools
• Medical & Life Insurance
• Excursions (overnight, day)
• Social & Cultural Activities
• Welcome and Farewell Group Meals
• Volunteer Opportunities

RE-ENTRY SERVICES

• Re-Entry Materials & Support
• Post-Program Evaluation
• Transcript
• Alumni Network & Professional Development Opportunities

Study Abroad Reviews