Life in Paris
“The program sounded as immersive and inclusive as they get. I knew that I would be getting the most out of my experience with CUPA because of all the resources available to the students. I know now that I wouldn’t have wanted to study abroad with any other program. CUPA truly has it all and more.”
– Montana Crosson, Fordham University
As you make Paris your own, CUPA is there to support you throughout your stay in a variety of ways: carefully selecting your host family (if applicable), providing a transportation pass that allows for unlimited use of Paris’ public transportation, offering students a membership card to the Louvre, organizing student-life activities, giving students access to an on-call therapist, advising students on practical matters, etc. Students can also refer to CUPA’s Practical Information Handbook.
Personalized Support
Some of our students thrive from being highly independent, while others prefer a structured approach to new experiences. We understand these differences and provide our students with the level of freedom that best suits them. What makes this highly individualized approach possible is that despite the diversity of our students’ experiences, they, along with CUPA, are committed to academic excellence, cultural curiosity and the lifelong pursuit of learning.
Housing
As a program that has its roots in language immersion, CUPA believes that to truly understand one’s host country and improve one’s French, living in a Francophone household is essential. CUPA carefully matches students with host families based on an extensive range of criteria including dietary restrictions and shared interests. If their home school approves, students can choose to find their own living accommodations in Paris. In this case, students do not pay the CUPA homestay fee and will be provided useful information to help with their lodging search.
Wellness
After the initial euphoria that comes from exploring a new city and meeting new people, some students may experience homesickness and other negative feelings. We understand that coping, especially in a foreign country, can be difficult. Therefore, students can request to meet with CUPA’s American-trained Counseling Psychologist.
Cultural Program
World-class theaters, museums, galleries, cinemas, and alternative cultural spaces are spread across the city’s landscape making it easy to integrate culture into one’s everyday life. CUPA believes that this exposure to French culture is an integral part of a student’s experience abroad, ensuring that they have access to a wealth of cultural actives during their time abroad.