Â鶹ӰÊÓ

MiraCosta Summer 2026 Study Abroad Programs

Paris, France - Photography + Western Architecture

Step into the heart of Paris and make the city your classroom! This summer program combines academics with cultural immersion, offering unique opportunities to learn while exploring world-renowned museums, monuments, and neighborhoods. Guided by MiraCosta faculty, you’ll deepen your understanding of French art, culture, and society while earning college credit. Beyond class excursions, you’ll enjoy free time to sip coffee at local cafés, wander along the Seine, and create unforgettable memories.

Info Sessions

Join faculty leaders David Parker and Lauren Greenwald to learn all about the Paris program! Discover the classes you can take, exciting excursions, and cultural activities. Check the main page for other events and workshops!

Wednesday, October 15th from 10 am - 11 am on Zoom

Program Dates

• June 10 - July 08, 2026 - Program dates in country 
• Courses start the week before in person and 1 week after on Zoom

Eligibility Requirement 

• 18 years old by the program start date
• Must maintain good standing with Â鶹ӰÊÓ
• Ineligible if both courses have been taken

Courses 

• ART 254  Understanding and Appreciating the Photographic Image with Professor Lauren Greenwald
  (3 units UC/CSU transferrable)
  • This course surveys the history of still photography from the discipline's inception to the present digital age. It explores the medium of photography as a form of visual communication in historical, socio-political, and cultural contexts. Topics include the evolution of photographic images, process, delivery, and meaning. Students develop visual literacy through verbal and written analyses.
• DESN 107 (3 units)  The History of Western Architecture with Professor David Parker  
  (3 units UC/CSU transferrable)
  
  • This course introduces the history of Western architecture from the ancient Near East to the
    present day with an emphasis on the timeless principles of sustainable design. It examines
    selected significant historical works of architecture to shed light on the technological, religious, and social forces that shaped these works. Students are introduced to important buildings as they examine past
    exemplars of architectural design through the lens of present-day sustainability guidelines.

Excursions + Activities 

• Nîmes, Avignon, Marseille & Pont du Gard Excursion (Three-days, two-nights)
  • Included is transport by train and private bus, accommodation and breakfast at a
    centrally located hotel, entrance to Palais des Papes, guided tour of the Roman
    Arena, Maison Carrée, and Roman monuments in Nîmes, entrance to the Pont du Gard and museum,
    guided visit of Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse in Marseille, transportation pass in Marseille and the
    services of an AIFS representativethroughout.
• Musée du Louvre, Musée Carnavalet, Musée d'Orsay
• Notre Dame Cathedral, Chartres Cathedral, St. Chapelle and Conciergerie
• Chateaux Vaux-le-Vicomte, Magnum Studio
• Bibliotheque St Genevieve, Palais Garnier
• Cruise on the River Seine

*Activities and excursions subject to change

Housing + Meals

• Accommodation in twin-bedded rooms in a student residence
• Centrally-located, 45-minute travel time to the AIFS Center, with laundry facilities on-site
• Shared bathrooms and shower on each floor, fully equipped kitchenette. Linens and towels, weekly
  cleaning, and free wireless internet are provided
• Meals: Self-catering facilities at student accommodation, a farewell meal and a group meal in Marseille

Timeline 

• Monday, November 17, 2025 - Applications Open 
  • Application process is pending - TBD 
  • $450 deposit required to secure placement
• March 11, 2026 - Deposit deadline  (program may fill up before this date)
• April 16, 2026 - Final Payment Deadline (entire program fee is due)

Cost 

• Â鶹ӰÊÓ tuition and fees for 6 units (paid to MiraCosta)
• Program fee: $4,545 - $5,055 (Paid directly to AIFS) 

* Final cost depends on the number of students enrolled - Based on an enrollment of 20-24 participants, the fee per person is $5055. For an enrollment of 25-25 students, the fee per person is $4775. For an enrollment of 30 students, the fee per person is$4545.

Optional Transportation Package

• An optional Transportation Package is available, consisting of round-trip airfare between
  SAN and Paris and round-trip transfers overseas between the airport and
  housing for an additional $850. Mandatory additional U.S. government and airline imposed
  departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges of $770* (*subject to change) will be billed separately.
  Total $1620.

What’s included?

• Accommodations
• Cultural activities
• Transportation while in-country- A Navigo Travel Pass for unlimited travel on
  the metro, buses, trams and regional trains in the central zones of Paris for the duration of the program
• Medical insurance

What’s not included?

• Round-trip airfare (optional group flights with AIFS may be purchased for an additional fee)
• Passports
• Visas (if applicable)
• Meals
• Personal expenses

Withdrawal/Refund Policy 

• March 24, 2026- on or before this date, $150 of the deposit is non-refundable 
• March 24 - April 23, 2026 - $450 deposit is non-refundable
• April 23, 2026- After this date, no refund and the total program fee is still owed.