Imagine studying in the heart of Paris near the Eiffel Tower. That’s the reality for students at The American University of Paris. Founded in 1962, The American University of Paris is one of the oldest American institutions of higher education in Europe. It was also the first to be established in France.
The American University of Paris began as the American College in Paris. Lloyd DeLamater, a US Foreign Service officer, founded it. The American College in Paris was a two-year junior college. It was located in the American Church in Paris.
In 1988, 26 years later, the college became The American University of Paris. Today the urban campus of The American University of Paris consists of seven buildings. These buildings are centrally located in the 7th arrondissement. They are near the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and the Seine.
What’s unique about The American University of Paris? Its language of instruction is English. However students must prove French proficiency before graduating. The student body comprises over 1,100 students. They represent over 100 nationalities. The student-to-faculty ratio is thirteen to one. Faculty members represent 21 nationalities. Impressively 71% hold doctoral degrees. Almost 70% speak three or more languages.
Marie DeLamater and Walter J Brennan created the Cultural Program. This program allows students to visit museums and monuments. They can also visit other cities to contextualize classroom theory. The Cultural Program Office still organizes study trips today at The American University of Paris.
The American University of Paris is accredited in the United States. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits it. The university confers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, and Master of Science degrees.
Undergraduate students complete the Global Liberal Arts Core Curriculum. This curriculum includes science, English, French, and mathematics. It also includes FirstBridge, an interdisciplinary first-year course. The university offers 27 majors and 34 minors. Students can also design their own major. It is referred to as the Self-Designed Major.
The American University of Paris awards over 4 million euros in financial aid every year. Merit-based scholarships are available. One is specifically for International Baccalaureate diploma holders.
The Global Professional Skills Program helps students develop career skills. It also helps them create a personal narrative for after graduation. This program includes workshops and a personal co-curricular record.
In 2014, The American University of Paris began a campus renovation plan. The Combes building became the Combes Student Life Center. It houses the AMEX Café, student clubs, and the Thamer Salman Media Center. In 2019, the Quai d’Orsay Learning Commons opened. It houses the AUP Library and the Academic Resource Center. The Monttessuy Center for the Arts houses classrooms and the Olivia de Havilland Theater.
The university library offers over 41000 books and over 545000 electronic books. It also has 2900 DVDs and videos. It provides access to other libraries in Paris.
The first sports team at The American University of Paris was founded in 1962. Today teams participate in Regional University Championships. Students can also engage in recreational activities.
Many clubs and organizations exist. These include AUP for Consent and the AUP Model UN Club. Students manage media production through Peacock Magazine and The Plume.
The American University of Paris has over 20000 alumni. They work and live in 145 countries. Nine out of ten alumni are fluent in two or more languages. Many notable individuals have attended The American University of Paris including Eva Green and Andrea Casiraghi. The American University of Paris offers a unique international education. It prepares students for global careers. It stands as a testament to American education in the heart of Paris.