Spend your summer studying at the Rice Global Paris Center — combining academic rigor with cultural immersion in one of the world’s most inspiring cities.

 

Below you’ll find information about the Rice Global Paris Summer Program and answers to frequently asked questions. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, please email us at globalowls@rice.edu

Program Details

Program Dates
There are a total of three Summer Sessions offered through the Rice Global Paris Center.

Session 1: Monday, May 18 – Friday, June 5, 2026
• Move-in May 17 • Move-out June 6

Session 2: Wednesday, June 10 – Tuesday, June 30, 2026
• Move-in June 9 • Move-out July 1

Session 3: Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 24, 2026
• Move-in July 5 • Move-out July 25

You may take one course per session. If you wish, you can participate in multiple sessions, but tuition will apply separately for each.
Session dates will be added once confirmed.

Program Location
Rice Global Paris Center | Paris, France

Who Can Apply
Any current Rice undergraduate student may apply.
Please review each individual course webpage for prerequisite information. If you have not met a course’s prerequisite, you will not be eligible to enroll in that specific course.

• Eligibility Note: You must be enrolled at Rice full time during the Spring 2026 semester in order to be eligible to apply. Students on leave during the Spring 2026 semester are not eligible, even if on track for Fall 2026 readmission. Incoming Fall 2026 freshmen are also not eligible to apply.
• Note for Graduating Seniors: You are welcome to apply to this program; however, Rice summer aid (directly from the financial aid office) is not available to seniors who have obtained enough credits to graduate by the end of the spring semester. Additionally, you will have to postpone your graduation date to the summer in order to participate. You are still eligible to apply for both RICE GLOBAL tuition and travel awards, included below in the application.

Course Application
There is one application for all courses. Within the form, you will be able to:

• Indicate if you would like to be considered for more than one course in different sessions, or
• Rank your preferred courses in order of interest.

Admissions Process

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, so students are encouraged to apply early to increase their chances of securing a spot in their preferred course. However, admission notifications will be sent after the application deadline, once course enrollment is confirmed.

Each course requires a minimum enrollment of 12 students to run. Final admission decisions are based on both the order in which applications are received and whether the course meets the minimum number of students required. Courses that do not reach the enrollment minimum may not be offered, even if applications were submitted early.

This approach allows us to review applications thoughtfully while ensuring that each course provides a strong academic environment.

Application Statements: Intent, Readiness & Cultural Awareness

As part of your application, you will complete three short written statements that help us understand your motivation, readiness, and cultural awareness for studying abroad in Paris. These statements are a key component of the application review process and allow you to share your goals, experiences, and perspectives in your own words.

Please take time to write thoughtful and complete responses. Short or one-sentence answers will not be considered sufficient. Each response should be between 150–250 words.

• STATEMENT OF INTENT (150–250 words)

  Studying abroad in Paris offers unique academic and cultural opportunities. Please tell us why you want to participate in this program and elaborate on your course preferences, explaining the connection to your academic or personal goals. Additionally, please tell us what you hope to contribute to and gain from this experience.

• PERSONAL READINESS & ADAPTABILITY (150–250 words)

  Studying abroad requires independence, maturity, and flexibility. Describe a situation where you had to adapt to a new or challenging environment—academic, professional, or personal. What did you learn about yourself through that experience, and how do you think those lessons will help you navigate the opportunities and challenges of living and studying in Paris?

• CULTURAL AWARENESS & REPRESENTATION (150–250 words)

  As a Rice University student abroad, you will represent both Rice and the United States in a variety of settings—from daily interactions in Paris to academic excursions and events with institutional partners and professionals. Reflect on your awareness of cultural differences and describe how you plan to approach living and learning in a different cultural context. How will you demonstrate professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and respect for local norms, values, and customs while engaging with others and building meaningful connections in Paris and across France?

Tuition and Costs

Last year’s (Summer 2025) tuition rate was $1,800 per credit hour. This rate is subject to change.
Total tuition for a 3 credit course is
$5,400 (per last year's rate - subject to change).
Total tuition for a 6 credit course is $10,800 (per last year's rate - subject to change).
The Summer 2026 rate has not yet been announced, so this rate is subject to change, but we do not expect it to vary significantly. We will update this webpage as soon as the new rate is confirmed.

What’s Covered by Tuition
The program tuition includes:

• Housing for all three weeks
• Metro card for the duration of the session
• Course-related excursions and tickets
• Three group meals

Registration Fee

This program requires a $300 registration fee + $9.00 processing fee, which must be paid before you are invited to register. You will not be able to register until this fee has been received.

The fee is non-refundable, but $300 will be applied toward your tuition once registration is complete.

All students must complete registration by the end of the spring semester.

Financial Aid and Awards

Rice Financial Aid
Please refer to the Office of Financial Aid for details on summer aid eligibility.
For questions, contact Blake Dalina, the advisor specializing in summer financial aid for programs abroad. When reaching out to the Financial Aid Office, please ask for him directly.

Per the Financial Aid website:
Degree-seeking Rice undergraduates who received need-based aid during the academic year are eligible to receive institutional need-based aid equivalent to 50% of summer tuition.

Please note:

• Summer aid is not available to seniors who have earned enough credits to graduate by the end of the spring semester.
• The Summer Rice Grant may be received for up to two summers (maximum 9 credit hours per summer).
• The grant applies to Rice courses only, including Rice online, in-person, or “Rice in-country” programs.
• The maximum benefit is $5,400 for Summer 2025.

Rice Global: Tuition and Travel Awards
Students may also apply for additional assistance from Rice Global (for tuition and travel) directly within the program application.

Please note:

• Rice Global awards are designed to help bridge small funding gaps and cannot fully cover the cost of the program.
• The maximum combined award available is $1,300, and this amount is not guaranteed.

Students should plan their budgets carefully to ensure they can cover the full program cost even if they do not receive the maximum award amount.

Budgeting & Costs

Tuition
3-credit course: $5,400
6-credit course: $10,800

Flights
Budget approximately $1,500–$2,500 for round-trip airfare between Houston and Paris. Prices vary depending on when you book and the airline.

Meals & Daily Living
Your apartment in the student residence includes a small stove, microwave, fridge, and basic utensils. Cooking most meals can significantly reduce costs.

Estimated Meal Costs (3 weeks)

• Mostly groceries / minimal dining out: €210–€450 (≈ $245–$525)
• Mixed cooking + occasional dining out: €450–€900 (≈ $525–$1,050)
• Restaurant-heavy / frequent dining out: €900–€1,500+ (≈ $1,050–$1,750+)

In addition, budget around $200–$400 for incidentals, snacks, local transit, and small outings. A more flexible buffer of $300–$500 is recommended if you plan to travel or dine out more frequently.

Financial Aid & Scholarships
If you currently receive financial aid at Rice, you may qualify for the Summer Rice Grant, which covers 50% of tuition (up to 9 summer credit hours).
Example: 3-credit course tuition after aid = $2,700
(Eligibility must be confirmed through the Office of Financial Aid.)

You may also apply for a Rice Global Travel or Tuition Award, which can provide up to $1,300 to offset tuition or travel costs.

Tip: Students can save considerably by booking flights early, preparing most meals at home, and budgeting for a mix of affordable dining and free cultural activities.

Learn More

Check out are FAQ pages below ⬇️

If you still have questions, feel free to email us at globalowls@rice.edu.