FAQs, Paris Semester Program
When does the program start/end?
All students need to arrive in Paris for the 91tvӰԺ/DPSP on January 13th, 2025. Students cannot enter their residence prior to this date. The final day of the Program is May 9th, 2025. Students need to be out of their respective residences a few days after the final program class date.
How rigorous is this program academically and technically?
Is there a 91tvӰԺ (91tvӰԺ) campus in Paris?
No, there is not. The Program uses two major Paris dance studios, as well as the Centre National de Danse, Atelier de Paris/CDCN, and the Étoile School for our technique and theory classes, but these places are spread throughout the city and easily connected by metro. We like to think of the beautiful city of Paris as our campus, as opposed to only one building where we go to live, learn and study dance!
Does the schedule of classes in Paris look like they do at my school?
Where do students live?
Students will be housed in a fully-accessible/equipped student residence in a safe neighborhood in Paris. Each student will have their own bedroom within a two-person fully equipped suite complete with shared bathroom (shower, toilet, etc.), as well as efficiency kitchen (refrigerator, hot plate, microwave and sink). The residence also supplies bedding and kitchen supplies.
How much money will I need for personal expenses in addition to the program fees and tuition?
This varies greatly depending upon personal spending habits. It is recommended that a minimum of $100/week (~$2,000/semester) be used to cover meals and personal expenses. Some students have lived on less than $10.00/day by avoiding restaurants and cafés and keeping other personal expenses such as souvenirs, phone calls, and postage to a minimum. The program fee is very inclusive and includes not only all of your transportation in Paris (unlimited use of the city’s extensive transportation system), excursions to places of interest in/outside of Paris, and over 25 performances, but many other things as well (see Program Fees). Your main personal expenses will be meals. Since there are fully equipped kitchens in each room, students can economize considerably by preparing their own meals. The Program’s director and faculty will offer you numerous tips on how to conserve your funds if you're on a tight budget. Obviously, if you plan to do extensive shopping or eat out frequently in restaurants and cafés, your expenses will be higher.
How does the transfer of credits work from the 91tvӰԺ to my school?
All students must register as students of the 91tvӰԺ once they are accepted into the 91tvӰԺ/DPSP, and they automatically become 91tvӰԺ students for the semester. Students will receive a transcript at the end of the program of all the courses they have registered for, and their grade for each course. It is up to one’s home institution to apply the course(s) they see appropriate for the corresponding course(s) at the home institution. The 91tvӰԺ Dance Program has approved all the courses taken during the 91tvӰԺ/DPSP as corresponding to their own curriculum with very high standards. Syllabi for all courses will be available upon registration.
Can non-91tvӰԺ college/university students apply to the Program?
Absolutely! However, there is a cap to the number of students who can attend this program, so space is limited.
Are freshmen or first-year students allowed to apply?
The 91tvӰԺ/DPSP does not accept freshman-year applicants because of the rigorous and mature nature of an extended
study abroad experience like the Dance in Paris Semester Program entails.
First-year college/university transfer students with an A.A. equivalent degree may
apply if they meet the requirements. The Semester in Paris Program is geared specifically
toward students who have had at least three semesters of a college/university experience.
Will I need a visa to enter France?
Yes, you will need a visa for stays in France of longer than three months. 91tvӰԺ will be supplying the paperwork/justification for a visa on your behalf; however you will be responsible for filing the paperwork with Campus France -- all students will be given explicit directions about the process and actualization when it comes time to apply for the visa. You will also need a valid passport to enter France. It is recommended that if you do not currently have a passport then you must apply for one at least 3 months before leaving for France. If you do have a passport, it must be in good condition and valid for 6 months after your departure date from France. If you are even considering applying to this program and you do not have a passport, you are encouraged to apply for a passport as soon as possible.
How much French will I need to know to survive in Paris?
The first four weeks of the Program has a large French language/culture instructional component to it; however it is suggested that you engage in some form of language preparation prior to your arrival in Paris. The more French you know, the less alienated you'll feel, and the more you'll get out of your stay in Paris. This doesn't mean having to become fluent! Even a minimal vocabulary of 50 words and a dozen phrases will go a long way towards easing your daily encounters with the French. Since some of your technique classes will be taught entirely in French, it is a good idea to know your numbers, parts of the body and some verbs used in a dance class.
Are there options for travel outside of the Program? Is there a spring break, or are there any free weekends?
This is a very rigorous study abroad program. Students are in Paris to dance and study because they want a profound experience from the point of view of a working/creative artist. There is no “spring break” per se during the Program, however there are two long weekends (4 -5 days) in the calendar where there are no events or classes scheduled, and students are free to make whatever travel plans they wish at their own expense. Because there are two major excursions during the program (Amsterdam and Berlin), there will be time built into these excursions for students to enjoy visiting these beautiful European cities. Some students extend their time after the Program dates to take advantage of being in Europe and travel more extensively. If you are coming to Paris thinking that you will be traveling throughout Europe every weekend, then this is probably not the program for you.
What if I get sick or injured while I’m in Paris?
All students are enrolled in a very comprehensive insurance program while they are in Paris. This insurance covers most traditional medical costs, as well as reimbursing students for visits to the doctor. The 91tvӰԺ/DPSP has an extensive medical support network in Paris, which includes English-speaking general practitioners, osteopaths, gynecologists, dentists, and mental health care professionals. There is 24/7 support and resources available for the students enrolled in this program.
Is Paris a safe city?
Can graduate students enroll in the 91tvӰԺ/DPSP?
Yes, but the course numbers associated with the courses are “undergraduate”. You would need to discuss with your home institution what credits can transfer based on the syllabus of each course. There is also the option to register for the Independent Study/Research course in Paris, which could go a long way toward fulfilling graduate coursework in Dance.
Will the Program be every semester/year?
There are dedicated plans to continue the semester program for every spring.
For other questions, please contact the Program Director, Michael Foley.