Sarah Lawrence College

Study Away in Paris, France

The Eiffel Tower in Paris under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, surrounded by green trees and a grass field with people.

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.

Our 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).

The Paris program is open to juniors and seniors enrolled at any accredited American college or university.

Admission to the Sarah Lawrence Program in Paris

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)
  • All applications and supporting materials are due:

    • Fall / Academic Year Applicants: February 15, 2026
    • Spring Sarah Lawrence Applicants: March 15, 2026
    • Spring Guest Applicants: October 15, 2026
  • Expenses per semester Sarah Lawrence tuition: $36,544
    Fiscal stamp for carte de séjour: 150€
    Study abroad health insurance: TBD

    This insurance provides comprehensive medical and geo-political coverage while abroad only. Students still need to have health insurance coverage through their family, through their home institution, or through Sarah Lawrence to ensure they are covered before they leave the US (or home country) and at any point when they return to the US (or home country).

    Housing options

    Please note: if there are damages to the room, you will be charged accordingly.

    Student dorm (room only)
    Term Location Rate
    Fall

    Cité Universitaire

    $5,100
    Spring Student Dorm $5,250
    Homestay – Fall semester
    Meal plan Rate
    Breakfast + 3 dinners/week $5,800
    Breakfast + 4 dinners/week $6,115
    Breakfast + 5 dinners/week $6,431
    Homestay – Spring semester
    Meal plan Rate
    Breakfast + 3 dinners/week $6,889
    Breakfast + 4 dinners/week $7,272
    Breakfast + 5 dinners/week $7,654

    The following expenses are estimated and will vary due to individual needs and spending habits:

    • Meals: $2,000 (if preparing and/or providing for own meals)
    • Personal expenses: $800
    • Round-trip airfare: $900–$1,500*
    • Local transportation: metro card provided during orientation

    Please note: travel expenses before or after the term, and any trips taken during the breaks, are not included in this estimate.

  • Sarah Lawrence College students who normally receive financial aid may apply their awards to any College-sponsored program abroad.

    Sarah Lawrence College offers limited financial assistance to guest students on this program. Students should consult their home school's financial aid office for guidance on other financial aid resources.

    Guest students wishing to be considered for financial assistance must e-mail slcaway@sarahlawrence.edu with their request for financial assistance.

    • Natalie Allen, Program Director
      Natalie is responsible for academic programs and overall program management. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in French language and Literature from Columbia University and a Master’s degree in French literature and Civilization from the University of Paris 3 – Sorbonne Nouvelle.
    • Abaigeal McCarthy, Program Assistant
      Abaigeal is responsible for student life in Paris, and also assists the Program Director with academic administration. She is an alumni of SLC and the Paris program.
  • Spring 2026 Semester
    Date Event
    Wednesday, January 7 – Sunday January 18

    Orientation (spring semester-only students)

    Monday January 19

    First day of SLC in-house courses*

    Monday March 2 – Sunday March 8

    Winter Break*

    Monday April 20 – Sunday April 26 Spring Break*
    Friday May 15

    End of the second semester (SLC in-house courses)*

    Fall 2026 Semester
    Date Event
    Tuesday, September 1–Sunday, September 13 Orientation
    Monday, September 14

    First day of SLC in-house courses*

    Monday, October 26–Sunday, November 1

    Fall Break*

    Friday, December 18 End of first semester (SLC in-house courses)*

    * Students who are enrolled in courses at French universities, filmmaking, music, theatre schools, or in other specialized programs should be aware that their calendars differ from the SLC Program calendar. Students should verify specific dates before purchasing vacation or return tickets. Classes in dance and visual arts follow the SLC calendar.

Reflections From Studying Away in Paris

Circonstances
Circonstances: Directed by Alexandra (Sasha) Pinchuk as a joint project for her intensive dance program and film studies course. The choreography was elaborated by Sasha and Lucia Napier-Benincasa based on their Improvisation/Composition class. The music is by Davide Calabi. Cameraman: Paul Hanna (Columbia student). Film location: performance space at the Fondation des Etats-Unis/Cité Universitaire.Directed by Alexandra (Sasha) Pinchuk as a joint project for her intensive dance program and film studies course. The choreography was elaborated by Sasha and Lucia Napier-Benincasa based on their Improvisation/Composition class. The music is by Davide Calabi. Cameraman: Paul Hanna (Columbia student). Film location: performance space at the Fondation des Etats-Unis/Cité Universitaire.
Sarah Lawrence College would like to acknowledge and thank Amelia Paranteau, the U.S. Dept of Education and Penn State’s Department of Applied Linguistics for the use of this video.

Global Education at Sarah Lawrence

Sarah Lawrence offers outstanding international experiences as well as opportunities to spend a semester or year with select exchange partners. Students may also elect to study at other accredited four year institutions throughout the United States.

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