Apply by November 19, 2025 to join a nine-week tailor-made professional opportunity in Paris (June 1 - July 31, 2026) providing American students with full immersion in the city’s vibrant culture alongside French students.

Since 2023, Villa Albertine, the French Institute for Culture and Education, has organized the Summer Academy in Architecture and Urban Studies, designed to inspire a new generation of students committed to innovation in architecture and urban planning.

Sponsored by Saint-Gobain, the global leader in light and sustainable construction, this program offers students the opportunity to engage in a nine-week cultural and professional experience in Paris.

In 2026, the program will run from June 1 to July 31.

Open to American students in architecture and urban planning, this program includes: 

• One week of visits, seminars, and workshops with French students to discover the rich urban ecosystem of Paris (from June 1 to June 5, 2026). This week will be led and supported by a dedicated instructor.
• An eight-week internship in a renowned architecture or urban planning structure in Paris (from June 8 to July 31, 2026). Internship placements are organized entirely by Villa Albertine.

During both phases of the program, American students will be paired with French students with an architecture or urban planning degree.

To foster connections among participants, the program also includes social gatherings and luncheons.

First Week Highlights:

Internship Experience:

• Hands-On Training: Learn French architectural/urban methods and design processes firsthand.
• Career Advantage: Be part of  the Parisian global architecture/urban ecosystem.
• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Work closely with French peers and expand your teamwork skills.
• Language and Culture: Learn French (or improve it) and explore Parisian architecture and lifestyle.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to senior-year Bachelor’s students, Master’s or PhD candidates
• Applicants must be enrolled at an American university, regardless of nationality
• French is not required as English will be used as work language, French skills are a plus.
• Laureates must have a valid passport issued within the last 10 years, with at least three months’ validity after the planned departure date.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be enrolled in a Master’s program in architecture or urban studies at an American university at the time of the application (fall 2025).
• Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Knowledge of French is not required as English will be the working language. French language skills are a plus.
• Laureates must have a valid passport issued within the last 10 years, with at least six months validity after July 31, 2026.

Internship Opportunities

Villa Albertine offers internship opportunities within a network of renowned agencies and institutions. Detailed internship descriptions will be transmitted to the laureates after the selection process.

Placements are assigned after a careful review of applicants’ qualifications and preferences. Once selected, laureates will be invited to indicate one or more internship choices. Following this, most internship supervisors will conduct an online interview with the selected laureates.

While every effort will be made to accommodate applicants’ preferences, placements are subject to availability, and candidates may not receive one of their preferred options. In such cases, they will be contacted to confirm their continued interest in the program.

Special attention will be given to students interested in conducting an internship at Saint-Gobain, the worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, headquartered in Paris and present in 80 countries with more than 161,000 employees.

Indicative List* of French Host Institutions:

• Atelier Senzu
• Coldefy
• Hardel/LeBihan
• Jakob/MarcFarlane
• Saint-Gobain

*Other internship locations to be announced.

Students will have to submit a brief internship report to Villa Albertine at the end of the program.

Financing

This program is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Saint-Gobain, allowing Villa Albertine to offer this opportunity at an accessible cost.

Participation Fee: $500
Laureates will be required to pay this fee once selected. Participation will be confirmed only upon receipt of the payment.

What’s included ?

• Internship placement
• Access to all program activities, including cultural visits, workshops, and seminars
• Housing accommodation at the Maison des Élèves Ingénieurs Arts et Métiers from May 31 to August 1, 2026. If they wish, students may arrange their own accommodations in the private housing market, at their own expense.
• Social Gatherings: Luncheons and receptions to connect with fellow participants
• Health and liability insurance coverage
• A certificate of participation will be issued by the Embassy of France in the United States

Throughout the nine weeks, participants will have access to a dedicated point of contact. A comprehensive welcome and resource kit will be provided to the laureates before their arrival in France.

What’s not included?

• Airfare to and from Paris
• Daily living expenses (meals, public transportation). The estimated cost of living in Paris is approximately €1,200 ($1,400) for 9 weeks.
• Visa and travel document fees

We encourage students to explore funding opportunities through their home universities.

Please note: Before applying, you must first inform your home institution, which will be required to sign your future internship agreement. Villa Albertine will provide you with a template of an agreement, if needed.

Accommodation Details

• A private studio apartment
• Facilities, including a kitchen, sink, shower, and WC

Address: 1 avenue Pierre Masse, 75014 Paris
From Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport: RER B line (€13), 55 minutes direct, no transfer, including 10 min walking.

Supported by

Saint-Gobain

Additional Partners