Bringing study abroad opportunities to community college students and minority serving institutions (MSI) across the US.
In spite of representing a significant part of the student population in the U.S., students enrolled in Community Colleges and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI) remain widely underrepresented in study abroad programs.
To bridge that gap, the Summer School in France program provides these particular students with the opportunity to access short-term mobility programs in France.
Every year, the program selects up to 60 students from various community colleges and minority-serving institutions to participate in sustainability-related study programs everywhere in France, from Paris to Guadeloupe.
During their stay, they attend lectures, participate in workshops, go on fieldtrips and cultural visits, giving them the opportunity to hone new technical skills while connecting with French academic experts and other American students.
The application call for 2027 will open in December 2026.
Immersive Summer Programs in France
Summer Schools in France’s two-week, intensive summer programs offer high-quality academics, multi-disciplinary and project-based learning, and an enriching and supportive personal experience abroad.
Ocean & Energy Towards Sustainability, EIGSI School of Engineering
Focused on marine sciences and oceanography, specifically in the context of climate change action and the potential of marine renewable energy.
Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom and Democracy: A Critical Assessment in Paris Noir, Sorbonne Nouvelle University
Offered a critical exploration of French and U.S. democratic ideals through the framework of Paris Noir, an exhibition of the Pompidou Center which retraces the influence of artists of African descent in the French capital.
Future Tech for Good Leaders, Ponts Business School
Provided a holistic, project-based approach to climate change and sustainability, as well as innovative methodologies to nurture strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
Tuition
Tuition and program fees (including lodging, meals, activities/visits and local public transportation) amount to $2,400 per participant.
To make the program more accessible, the Embassy of France in the US offers scholarships of $1,400 on the basis of financial need; particular attention will be given to Pell Grant recipients.
Opportunities for SSF Alumni
Though the Summer School experience lasts two weeks, many participants report long-lasting benefits in their academic endeavors. Indeed, countless opportunities in France can result from participating in the program. More specifically, the Summer School in France initiative, by introducing U.S. students to the French Higher Education system, encourage them to further pursue studies abroad.
For instance, Community College students can transfer to French universities to pursue either a Master’s Degree in engineering from CESI – Ecole d’Ingénieurs (or one of the top 50 engineering schools of the n+i network in France) or a Bachelor’s Degree from Rennes School of Business.
Summer Schools in France is part of Villa Albertine’s higher education initiative, which aims to increase and diversify student mobility between the U.S. and France. It is also supported by Albertine Foundation and the Borchard Foundation.
