Call for Applications - Summer Academy in Architecture and Urban Studies

Discover a six-week tailored professional opportunity in Paris, offering American students a full immersion into the city's vibrant landscape.

Implemented since 2023 by Villa Albertine, the French Institute for Culture and Education, the City/Cité Summer Academy in Architecture and Urban Studies is 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 six-week cultural and professional experience in Paris.

In 2025, the program will run from June 23 to August 1.

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 23 to June 27, 2025). This week will be led by and supported by a dedicated instructor.
A five-week internship in a renowned architecture or urban planning structure in Paris (from June 30 to August 1, 2025). Internship placements are organized entirely by Villa Albertine. Applicants must select four preferred options from this regularly updated list.

To foster connections among participants, the program also includes social gatherings, such as a welcome breakfast reception.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to senior-year Bachelor’s students, Master’s students or PhD candidates.
Applicants must be enrolled at an American university, regardless of nationality.
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 three months validity after the planned departure date.

Application Requirements

Resume/CV
Motivation letter (in which you must indicate your four internship choices and explain the reasons for selecting them)
Portfolio
Academic Transcript(s) of Records
Bachelor’s/Master’s Diploma (if you already have one)
A signed letter of commitment – download the form here.
Photo ID

Optional : Letter of Recommendation, French Language Certificate

These documents must be uploaded to the Google application form.

Internship Opportunities

Villa Albertine provides internship opportunities within a network of renowned agencies and institutions. Placements are determined based on a careful assessment of applicants’ qualifications and expressed preferences. Candidates are required to indicate in the Google application form four preferred internship options from the provided list and explain their choices in their motivation letter.

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.

Each internship opportunity is described in the following list: Internship Opportunities

Host institutions :

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.

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 June 22 to August 2, 2025
Social Gatherings: a welcome breakfast and a full meal at a French restaurant to connect with fellow participants
Health and liability insurance coverage
Logistical support provided by the French Embassy in the United States and Université Gustave Eiffel
A Certificate of Attendance

Throughout the six weeks, participants will have access to a dedicated contact person, available 24/7. A comprehensive welcome and resource kit will be provided to the laureates.

What’s not included?

Airfare to and from Paris
Daily living expenses (meals, public transportation)
Visa and travel document fees

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

Apply here by March 3, 2025!

Applications must be submitted through a Google Form. If you don’t already have a Google account, you will need to create one.

Resources

Accommodation Details

Students will be hosted in the Maison des Élèves Ingénieurs Arts et Métiers at the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris and will be provided with:

An individual studio
Equipment 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 tranfer, from door to door, including 10 min walking.

Supported by

Saint-Gobain is the global leader in sustainable construction, operating in 79 countries with a workforce of over 160,000 employees. The company develops and manufactures innovative materials for the construction and industrial sectors, enhancing everyday life with solutions for buildings, transportation, and infrastructure. Committed to decarbonization and sustainability, Saint-Gobain addresses key challenges, such as resource conservation and urbanization. Founded in France in 1665, its innovation is guided by the purpose of “Making the world a better home.”

Learn more