Sarah Lawrence College in Paris
Paris, France
In cooperation with Sarah Lawrence College, Reed students can study in the global city of Paris. Students take courses at some of France's most prestigious academic institutions, including:
- Sorbonne University (courses in French, open to advanced students only, with the exception of the Anglophone Studies Department): art history & archeology, French language/linguistics, French and comparative literature, history, musicology, philosophy
- Université Paris Cité (courses in French, open to advanced students only): arts and letters, economics, film studies, geography and planning, history, linguistics, literature, sociology, psychology
- Sciences Po (courses in English and in French): economics, international relations, law, political science.
- Intensive Program in Filmmaking (8 credits): The SLC Program at the École Internationale de Cinéma d’Audiovisuel et de Réalisation (EICAR), an International Film and Television School in Paris, allows students to acquire intensive training in the essential aspects of making a movie.
- Intensive Program in Theater: All courses are conducted in French and open only to advanced full-year students. Options include acting for the camera, clown techniques, improvisation, masks/Commedia dell’arte, physical training, vocal techniques, etc. Students may enroll in courses at the following partner institutions: Le Samovar: specialized in clown acting/burlesque; Studio Théâtre: general training in acting for both theatre and cinema.
- Dance Program: The SLC Paris Dance Program enables students to study European dance history, take technique courses at a variety of studios in Paris, and develop their own choreographic voice.
- Music Program: The SLC Paris Program offers qualified students the opportunity to pursue studies in music and musicology. Depending on their level and area of study, students may enroll in courses at the following partner institutions: Schola Cantorum: Classical music instruction; Sorbonne University: advanced academic studies including theory and analysis, history, musicology, and ethnomusicology; American School of Modern Music: This is an intensive and full-year-only program in jazz; ATLA: This is an intensive and full-year only program in electronic and computer-assisted music composition.
Experience the creative and intellectual traditions that have made Paris a destination for writers, artists, and philosophers since medieval times.
The Sarah Lawrence College Program in Paris program enables students to craft a personalized and intellectually stimulating course of study while exploring the rich cultural atmosphere that is unique to the City of Light.
SLC program in Paris is designed to accommodate students with both intermediate and advanced levels of fluency in the French language. Students will have the opportunity for study in the humanities, social sciences, and the visual and performing arts (Dance, Music, Filmmaking, Theatre, Visual Arts).Program Information
Terms Available: year, semester
Type of Program: Exchange
Languages of Instruction: French, English
Language Prerequisite: At least two years of college level French.
- Credit Transfer System
- Typical course load: 4 courses
- Conversion to Reed units: 1 course = 1 Reed Unit
- Grading system: A-F
- Credits: 16 credits per semeste
- Other requirements: Exchange Institution. Reed students must be nominated by the International Programs Office (IPO). Juniors are eligible. The following programs have additional audition/portfolio requirements. Please contact Natalie Allen, Director of the Paris program for more information at nallen@sarahlawrence.edu -Filmmaking (additional statement of intention required) -Music (audition required for all programs)
- Course Catalog
Application
Application Deadline: Fall/FY: February 15 | Spring: Oct. 15
Program Application
Program website
Housing: Residence Dorm, Shared Apartment, Host Family
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.