CUPA (Hildegarde Ed)
Paris, France
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.
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. CUPA Application.
Program Information
Terms Available: year, semester
Type of Program: Study Abroad
Languages of Instruction: French
Language Prerequisite: Students at CUPA 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.
- 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/FY: March 15 | Spring: Oct. 1
CUPA 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.
Immigration
Visa Deadlines and Requirements:
Updates to the French Visa Process: Starting April 18th, 2025, the French consulate will be working with a new service provider for visa applications: TLScontact.
- The closest TLS centers to Reed are located in Seattle and San Francisco; the other 8 locations can be found on the TLS website.
- Fees associated with visa appointments are changing with this new service provider, long-stay visa applications via TLS will cost 220€.
- The Etudes en France fees are also changing: regular service will remain $270, but the fee for expedited service will now be $460 – Prepare early as to not incur this fee!
The overall process for applying for a French visa has not changed; see the French Visa Application Guidelines.
New EU Travel Requirements: Expected to start in 2026, US citizens and those of many other countries are required to get the Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) travel authorization before entering 30 different European countries. This is a quick process that will stay valid for three years, or until the person's passport expires. Check the ETIAS website for up-to-date information.
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.
Financial
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.