Reed College
Reed College

International Programs Office

CUPA/PCA (Hildegarde Ed)

Paris, France

CUPA:
With over 50 years of experience as an independent study abroad program in Paris, CUPA has a long tradition in international education. CUPA’s flagship program is designed to give students an authentic French university experience while providing them with logistical, administrative, and personal support, allowing them to focus on their academic success. CUPA students have the freedom to curate their curricula from an extensive body of course offerings available at our many partner institutions.

PCA:
Paris College of Art offers an extraordinary study abroad art and design program for sophomores or juniors who wish to spend a semester or year experiencing the art, design, and culture of Paris. All curriculum embraces Paris as a classroom, with studio and academic work extending beyond the walls of campus into the city’s streets and squares, museums, and galleries. 

LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAM (The Center for University Programs Abroad-CUPA)
Language immersion is at the heart of CUPA’s mission. Students take a language placement test upon submission of their application. During their semester or a full academic year, based on their test result, students may take a full load of program-run courses (B1 level required), a combination of program-run and university classes (B2 level required), or a full load of direct-matriculation university classes (B2 level required). 

The extensive opportunities made available through CUPA, including but not limited to individualized linguistic support, methodology training and cultural activities, facilitate the pursuit of each students’ interests and personal goals. The program, conducted entirely in French, fosters a true sense of community with dedicated guidance and support from the CUPA staff.  As all program-sponsored cultural activities are optional, students are free to choose their own level of extracurricular involvement. 

ART AND DESIGN PROGRAM (Paris College of Art PCA)
For the students of Paris College of Art (PCA), the city around them is their campus, library, research center, and laboratory. Every art and design discipline finds expression in the streets, shops, and cultural centers of Paris, and moving through the city each day is an opportunity to observe new trends and find inspiration. Paris College of Art is rooted in a city of primary art and design production. Experiencing the uniqueness of the Parisian metropolis provides a rich source of visual inspiration. Sharing this experience with individuals from over 40 different countries gives our students a unique perspective on the variety of expression existing throughout the world.

Program Information

Terms Available: year, semester

Type of Program: Study Abroad

Languages of Instruction: French, English

Language Prerequisite: Language Immersion Program (CUPA): Students should demonstrate French language proficiency at the B1 (intermediate) level or above to take CUPA center courses, and B2 level or above to access classes at Parisian universities. This generally equates to two years/four semesters of college-level French. Students are strongly encouraged to study French during the semester prior to the anticipated semester abroad; Art and Design Program (PCA): PCA courses are taught in English. PCA offers four levels of French language courses. Reed students participating in this program must take a mandatory French language course.

  • Credit Transfer System
    • Typical course load: Four classes
    • Units recorded in: Classes
    • Conversion to Reed units: 1 class = 1 Reed unit (unless otherwise indicated)
    • Grading system: A-F
  • GPA Requirement: 3.0
  • Credits: 4 per course

Application

Application Deadline: Fall: March 31 | Spring: Oct 1
CUPA Application
PCA Application

Housing: Residence Dorm, Shared Apartment, Host Family, Independent Housing
Students are offered the opportunity to live with a host family assigned by the program, or on their own. Students who wish to live independently must make their own arrangements.

Financial, Immigration

Cost to attend:

Reed College charges the same tuition fees for a semester or year off-campus as for a semester or year spent on campus, plus the program's actual room and board fees. Reed College encourages students to choose programs based on their academic rather than financial needs to reflect Reed's belief that all students, regardless of financial circumstances, should have the opportunity to study abroad.

Financial aid continues for eligible students during the off-campus program. Students should discuss with the Financial Aid Office how other outside aid may impact their existing aid package. Check out more details directly on the Reed College Financial Aid page.

Visa Deadlines and Requirements:

A visa is required to study abroad in France, and must be obtained in the students home country before going to France. The France Visa Wizard is a helpful tool in finding out more about the visa process for each specific student.