Study Abroad in Paris (Catholic University of Paris, ILCF): Living Abroad
Housing and Meals
Included
Homestay
The best way to learn French, gain a unique and personal insight into French culture and integrate into the local community.
- Double room (single room available for $400 supplement on a limited basis)
- Shared bathroom
- Breakfast every day plus one meal a week
- Access to kitchen every evening to prepare dinner
Optional
Shared Apartment ($2,100)
For students wanting a more independent lifestyle. Students may occasionally share the apartment with students from another program.
- Double room
- Shared bathroom, living area and kitchen facilities
- Located in regular apartment blocks with Parisians as neighbors
- Up to 45 minutes from the office and classrooms by public transport
Meals
- Both homestay and apartment students receive an included package of snack vouchers, a restaurant voucher for a three-course meal and will be invited to group dinners during the course of the program
- In addition to the meals offered as part of the program, all students can opt to receive a meal voucher package for use at restaurants and shops to subsidize the cost of purchasing meals and groceries for a supplement of $720
Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in Paris.
Please note that full year students are responsible for their own housing during the intersession break.
Cultural Activities
In addition to excursions a cultural calendar of weekly activities and social events is included in your program fee. These activities will include both typical tourist sites and attractions and lesser known visits which take advantage of the expert knowledge of our local AIFS staff and give you a more authentic and insightful view of French life. Typical activities, tours and visits include:
- Monet’s gardens in Giverny
- The beautiful Château of Vaux-le-Vicomte
- Walking tour of Montmartre district
- Marmottan - Monet Museum
- Rodin Museum
- Holocaust Museum
- Orangerie Museum
- Picasso Museum
- Paris Opera House area
- Paris Mosque
- Edith Piaf Museum
- Attending a ballet performance
- Classical concerts and theater performances
You may be asked to pay a small additional fee for some of the activities above.
Wine appreciation and cooking courses are also available for an extra fee.
Transportation
All students should expect to use Paris’s public transportation system on a daily basis. The Paris Metro system is one of the most efficient underground train systems in the world. Generally students can expect to commute 30 to 45 minutes between home and the location of their classes, this is normal in Paris.
Volunteering Opportunities
AIFS can help you to arrange local volunteer opportunities with organizations such as Les Restos du Coeur which distributes food parcels and hot meals to homeless people in Paris; Emmaüs which develops literacy programs and provides leisure activities for disadvantaged children; Secours Populaire a charity which provides access to health facilities, education and food for those in need.
For more information contact the AIFS Admissions Officer.
AIFS in Paris Resident Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs
Danica Debizet
Phone: (33) 1 56 81 15 90
Email: ddebizet@aifs.co.uk
Bonjour! "Hello" in French, one of the four languages I am fluent in, along with English, German and Slovak. You have quite the experience awaiting you in Paris; from the cultural activities offered, the number of museums to visit and the various people you'll meet, it is sure to be an amazing time.
I studied for three separate MA degrees in Paris and Grenoble and have lived in four different countries. I consider myself a "global citizen" and am looking forward to helping you to adjust to your time abroad. As your Resident Director, I am here to advise, listen, help and encourage you to make your stay in Paris a wonderful experience that you will always remember.
My office is located right in the heart of the city and my door is always open.
The Resident Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.
AIFS Campus Staff with First Aid Training
Because health and safety are top priorities at AIFS, at least one member of the staff at this campus has taken a first aid course in order to be available to help any student until a doctor or nurse can provide help. This is just one of many services that we provide to our students.
