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Paris
Paris, France

Sustainable Smart Cities

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Tentative Dates

-

18 weeks

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Sustainable Smart Cites program in Paris lasts a full semester and provides an in-depth look at how France's capital is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Paris while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary cultural and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Paris!

Explore our sustainable smart cities courses

Unique Experiences

MEET WITH BANLIEUES CLIMAT, A LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL NONPROFIT

TO DISCOVER THEIR AIM TO RAISE AWARENESS AND INSPIRE ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES IN UNDERPRIVELEGED NEIGHBORHOODS

VISIT THE LARGEST ORGANIC FARM IN PARIS

THAT HOSTS SMALL BUSINESSES WITH SHORT SUPPLY CHAINS FROM DELICATE PLANTS THAT ARE DIFFICULT TO TRANSPORT AND THEREFORE SUPPLY LOCAL RESTAURANTS IN THE PARIS REGION

TAKE A TOUR OF THE 2024 OLYMPIC VILLAGE DESIGNED FOR A SUSTAINABLE LEGACY

TO DISCOVER HOW THE ATHLETES’ VILLAGE PROJECT STOOD OUT FOR ITS APPROACH IN TERMS OF SUSTAINABILITY AND IMPROVEMENT OF URBAN QUALITY OF LIFE

Experience
  • girl biking abroad paris france

Your Destination

Paris is a sustainable smart city known for its commitment to renewable energy, green spaces, and innovative urban solutions. The city integrates smart technology, efficient public transport, and eco-friendly design to promote sustainable living. Students can explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, vibrant neighborhoods, and a thriving cultural scene. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Paris offers an inspiring and dynamic study abroad experience. 

paris transit

Program Highlights

  • Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.  
  • Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.  
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.  
  • Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship or directed independent research project to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges. 
green space abroad paris france lawn

Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Paris will open doors for you to explore France’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.  

Samples of excursions and activities:  

  • Discover the local agricultural industry in Normandy and discuss the importance of combatting food waste at a local farm and restaurant
  • Learn how to create your own eco-friendly products, like lip balm or candles, during a DIY workshop at a local green center
  • Get to know local businesses working in the tech and environmental industries during a site visit to a startup incubator

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.  

Program Blogs

museum abroad
From CIEE

A Guide to Paris Museums for Art History Lovers

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Xinpeng Huang Paris is heaven for art history students. It offers unparalleled access to world-renowned collections that span centuries and styles. Museums in Paris are more than repositories of... keep reading

paris field barn house
From CIEE

A Weekend in Normandie and Caen with CIEE Paris

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Noelani Stewart During my time abroad in Paris with CIEE, I had the chance to go on a weekend trip to Normandie and Caen. This experience offered a fascinating... keep reading

study abroad flea market
From CIEE

Thrift Your Way Through Paris Fashion: 4 Best Spots

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Kalissa Woo Coming to Paris, I wouldn’t have called myself a fashion expert. My style was a mix of trends without much thought. But being in one of the... keep reading

Housing

Housing & Meals

Housing

CIEE Paris offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to shared apartments, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.  

Standard Housing: Includes a single room in a homestay or a twin room at a shared apartment/residence hall/hotel/aparthotel all located under 50 minutes from CIEE Paris by public transport.  

  • Homestays: Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family.  
  • Residence Halls/Hotels/Studios: If you stay in a residence hall/hotel/studio in an aparthotel, you will be housed in twin rooms, which feature a bathroom, a kitchenette, and weekly cleaning. Laundry facilities are available at cost in the facility. Shared apartments boast a kitchen, bathroom, and laundry facilities. Shared apartments with twin rooms also boast a living room.

Select Housing: Includes a twin room in a shared apartment located under 30 minutes from CIEE Paris by public transport or a single room in a shared apartment located under 50 minutes from CIEE Paris by public transport. All students living in the apartment will share a bathroom and a kitchen. Laundry facilities are available within the apartment. Select housing requires an additional fee.  

Select Plus Housing: Includes a single bedroom in a shared apartment located under 30 minutes from CIEE Paris by public transport. All students living in the apartment share a bathroom and a kitchen. Laundry facilities are available within the apartment. Select Plus housing requires an additional fee.  

A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive.  

Meals

Residence hall/hotel/aparthotel and shared apartments: Meals are not included.  

Homestays: Host families provide breakfast daily, plus five additional meals per week.  

Paris

Shared Apartment

Paris Apartment

Residence Hall

Paris

Residence Hall

Paris
paris housing shared apartment beds

Shared Apartment Double Beds

paris housing shared apartment living room

Shared Apartment Dining Area

paris housing shared apartment bathroom

Shared Apartment Bathroom

paris housing shared apartment kitchen

Shared Apartment Kitchen

paris housing aparthotel bedroom

Aparthotel Bedroom

paris housing aparthotel kitchen

Aparthotel Kitchenette

Academics

Academics

CIEE Paris: Study in Paris' 12th arrondissement at the foot of subway line #1 near grocery stores, organic supermarkets, cafés, bakeries, and famous landmarks. CIEE Paris features a main classroom, a student lounge, a study space, and an academic advising office.

EDC Paris Business School: Created in 1951, EDC PARIS is one of the oldest business schools in France. Owned by its alumni for more than 20 years, in 2017 it joined the Planeta Group which provides training to more than 100,000 students on three continents.

ISC Paris Business School: Established in 1963, the ISC Paris Group is one of France’s few private, independent higher education groups founded by business and educational visionary Paul Icard. The ISC Paris Group focuses on two educational brands: ISC Paris Grande Ecole and ISC Paris Gobal Programs.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.  

Featured Courses  

The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide. 

CIEEISC Paris Business SchoolEDC Paris Business SchoolArizona State University
  • Building Sustainable Cities
  • Sustainable Development in the 21st Century
  • Business & Sustainability
  • Engineering, Sustainability, and Society
  • Sustainable Tourism 
  • Circular Economy (Spring)
  • International Sustainable Development (Fall)
  • Innovation and sustainable markets (Fall)
  • Design, technology and planning for sustainability (Fall)
  • Sustainable international business development (Fall)

Please note that courses may vary from one year to the next one 

  • Global contemporary & climate issues (Fall)
  • Sustainability and Ecological Transition (Fall)

(Please note that the offer may vary from one year to the next one) 

  • Introduction to Sustainability  
  • Sustainable World  
  • Sustainable Ecosystem  
  • Equity, Justice and Sustainability  
  • Pathways to Sustainability 

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.  

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All Paris Sustainable Smart Cities students enroll in courses for a total of 12-16 credits per semester. At least one course in the area of sustainability is required. Students select from:  

  • A minimum of four CIEE courses
  • Up to two courses (in English) at one of the local business schools: ISC Paris Business School (ISC) or EDC Paris Business School (EDC). Students need to choose one school and they can’t combine courses from different business schools or different programs/years within each school. Changing schools is not possible after one has been selected.
  • Up to one ASU online course (max 4 total credits), only after a required minimum of 12 in-person credits has been met 

Program Credit

Total Credit: 12-16 (15-16 recommended) U.S. semester credits/18-24 quarter credits.    

Course Credit

  • CIEE Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours  
  • CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours)  
  • CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours) 
  • ISC Courses: Typically, 1-2 U.S. semester/1.5 - 3 quarter credits; 14-40 contact hours
  • EDC Courses: Typically, 1-3 U.S. semester/1.5-4.5 quarter credits; 18-46 contact hours
  • ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours    

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student engagement. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes.  

CIEE courses typically run from Monday through Thursday, providing students with a concentrated schedule that allows for intensive study and exploration. This condensed format encourages students to fully engage with the material and make the most of their time. Attendance is mandatory for CIEE courses.

EDC/ISC Paris Business School:  

At the local universities, depending on courses and course format, you may have classes run in similar styles as CIEE courses, or courses which are more formal and consist of lectures with little class participation. In the French higher education system, great importance is placed on oral presentations and written essays. Professors also expect students to work independently and determine their own study and reading schedules. Although classes typically meet Monday through Thursday, courses may occasionally involve Friday classes.

ASU Courses: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online. Most ASU online courses are asynchronous, meaning there are no set log-in times, but make sure to verify this before the add/drop deadline in case you want to make a change.

Class Format

Below is the wording to be used for CIEE and ASU on the program pages. The CD/RDO will be responsible for including host institution class format on the individual location-specific program documents. 

CIEE classes are for CIEE students only. Classes are small, typically with up to 15 students per class, and emphasize communication and work in small groups. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas. 

EDC/ISC Paris Business School classes are open to French and international students and tend to follow a lecture-style format. They are year-specific (i.e., 2nd year, junior, senior) and typical capacity ranges from 20 to 40.

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.  

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. In CIEE courses, students are graded on the basis of attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and mid-term and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. 

EDC/ISC Paris Business School

French university grades, including business schools, are based on a combination of midterm and final examinations, research papers, and oral presentations, and are on the French grading scale of 0-20, which CIEE then converts into recommended U.S. letter grade equivalents following a predetermined grade conversion scale.

Official Fall exams at EDC and ISC take place in late December (Fall semester) and late April/early May (spring semester). While the host institutions instruct faculty to allow for early exams with single-semester international students across the board, as a precaution these early exams should be confirmed on an individual basis with the professor at the start of the regular semester session, during the add/drop period. It is up to the discretion of each professor to offer exams before the start of the official examination periods. Professors are not required to offer early exams; therefore, housing will be covered until exams are complete; students must remain on-site until assessment is complete.

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Host institution partners do not offer French-language courses. Students will need to select those from the CIEE catalog. Host institution course schedules are often condensed and may start later and end earlier than CIEE courses. 

Featured Courses

The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide. 

CIEE Courses (in-person)ISC Paris Business School  EDC Paris Business School ASU Courses (online)

Building Sustainable Cities 

Sustainable Development in the 21st Century 

Business & Sustainability 

Engineering, Sustainability & Society 

Sustainable Tourism 

Circular Economy (Spring) 

International Sustainable Development (Fall) 

Innovation and sustainable markets (Fall) 

Design, technology and planning for sustainability (Fall) 

Sustainable international business development (Fall) 

(Please note that the offer may vary from one year to the next one) 

Global contemporary & climate issues (Fall) 

Sustainability and Ecological Transition (Fall)  

(Please note that the offer may vary from one year to the next one) 

Introduction to Sustainability

Sustainable World 

Sustainable Energy Technology and Systems

Pathways to Sustainability 

ISC Paris Business School

Established in 1963, the ISC Paris Group is one of France’s few private, independent higher education groups, founded by business and educational visionary Paul Icard. The ISC Paris Business School holds three international accreditations: AACSB, AMBA, and EPAS. CIEE Paris students take courses from the Bachelor of Business Administration Program:

Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are taught in English and are typically 1, 1.5, or 2 U.S. credits each (2, 3, or 4 ECTS credits, respectively). Here is a sample of ISC courses in English:

  • Circular Economy (Spring)
  • International Sustainable Development (Fall)
  • Innovation and Sustainable Markets (Fall)
  • Design, Technology and Planning for Sustainability (Fall)
  • Sustainable international Business Development (Fall)

EDC Paris Business School

Created in 1951, EDC PARIS is one of the oldest business schools in France. Owned by its alumni for more than 20 years, in 2017 EDC PARIS joined the Planeta Group, which provides training to more than 100,000 students on three continents.  

For years, EDC PARIS’ field of specialization and expertise has been entrepreneurship and luxury brand management, for which it regularly ranks first in France. CIEE Paris students in the EDC track take courses from the Bachelor of Science in Management Program: https://www.edcparis.edu/en/programs/bachelor-management and/or the Grande Ecole Program (years 1-3):  

Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are taught in English and are typically 1 to 3 U.S. credits each (2.5 to 5 ECTS credits). Here is a sample of EDC courses in English:

  • Global Contemporary & Climate Issues (Fall) - Bachelor program
  • Sustainability and Ecological Transition (Fall – Bachelor program) 
  • Building Sustainable Cities
  • Sustainable Development in the 21st Century
  • Business and Sustainability
  • Engineering, Sustainability, and Society
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • Urban Ecology
  • Contemporary Challenges in Global Health
  • Thermodynamics
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Culture and Cuisine in France (in English)
  • Culture et Cuisine en France (in French)
  • Contemporary French Cinema (in English)
  • Fashion and Business in France
  • French Language - Beginning I
  • French Language - Beginning II
  • French Language - Intermediate I
  • Paris Collage. History, Culture, Architecture (in English)
  • Pensée Contemporaine Française (in French)
  • European Immigration
  • Intercultural Communication and Leadership (in English)
  • Photojournalism
  • Business Ethics and Leadership
  • Economics of Wine
  • International Finance
  • International Marketing
  • Operations Management
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Strategic Management
  • Internship Seminar (in English)
  • Internship Seminar (in French)
  • Service-Learning Project
  • Directed Independent Research (in English) 

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program! 

Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

 

Program Options
Program Options

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Internships

Discover Internship Opportunities

We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.

Explore Industry Options

The work scene in Paris is vibrant and diverse, focusing on fashion, marketing, tourism, data analysis, and computer science. The city fosters innovation and creativity, strongly emphasizing collaboration and networking. In Paris, tradition seamlessly blends with modernity, enhancing its dynamic atmosphere.

A female intern sits in front of a studio A/V board while recording

Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications

Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.

Business Management and Administration Internships

Business Management and Administration

Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.

A intern teacher works with her students in the classroom

Education and Training

Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.

Marketing interns pose at a Loki premiere event

Marketing, Sales and Service

Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.

Browse Internship Opportunities

Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.

Find Internship Options

Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing
Program Spring 2026 18 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Delphine Mauny

Delphine Mauny

Center Director

A born-and-bred Parisian, Delphine has extensive experience in international education, having worked with American high school students, college students, and adults traveling to France.

franck_le_gac

Franck Le Gac

Academic Director

Franck oversees the coordination, quality, and planning of all courses and educational programing in Paris. He is responsible for faculty staffing, finalization of syllabi, the course evaluation process, and program...

james benn paris

James Benn

Student Life Director

James studied abroad in high school and college. He designs the student life experience in Paris, fostering an enriching personal and cultural connection, one student at a time.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!

Apply Now

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

3

Contact CIEE

We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Contact Us

4

Interested in an optional internship?

After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!

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