American University of Paris

Program Overview

In this program, students enroll directly in The American University of Paris (AUP). The American University campus lies at the center of the seventh arrondissement, one of Paris's oldest, most culturally diverse neighborhoods, and at the crossroads of different cultures, academic disciples, and practical experiences.

The American University of Paris is a rich learning community that emphasizes academic rigor while prioritizing real-world experiences, language acquisition, cross-disciplinary research, creative problem-solving, and an international perspective. More than 100 different nationalities and 70 languages are represented among the student body. English is the primary language of instruction, and there are 8 students per full-time faculty member. Students will live in AUP Residences or AUP Partner Residences. 

The university offers 27 majors with a wide range of courses across liberal arts subjects as well as other disciplines which include computer science, environmental studies, global communications, journalism, management, finance, mathematics, psychology, and more. For more information on course offerings, visit the course catalogue.

Application Process:
Students apply to Vanderbilt only at first. The AUP application link for visiting students opens later in the cycle timeline. Your Vanderbilt study abroad advisor will email you the link when it is ready. For spring applicants, this is usually in August. 

Housing: 
Housing is billed directly to students from AUP; it is not included in the Program Fee. Students with financial aid might need to ask for an advancement on their aid to help pay for housing. Talk with your study abroad advisor and financial aid advisor more about this. 

Starting with Spring 2027, students will be required to live in AUP housing. Independent housing will not be an option. Please talk with your study abroad advisor if you have further questions. 

Visa:
**For this program, students will need to apply for a French visa. This requires an in-person appointment at a TLScontact center (replaced VFS Global as of 04/18/25), so students should expect to travel to their visa appointment. This is included on the Budget Sheet for visa cost estimates. 

• If applying for spring study abroad: Do not plan international travel during Thanksgiving or Christmas Break if you are applying for a French visa. 
• Find a French visa guide here for more information. 
• TLScontact application center locations: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC.

Please note: your passport will be submitted to the consulate as part of the visa application, this may impact travel plans if you need your passport to travel domestically or internationally.