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 to four Summer Sessions offered through the Rice Global Paris Center.
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 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.

• Graduating Seniors eligibility
  Graduating seniors are welcome to apply to the program; however, Rice summer financial aid is not available to students who have earned enough credits to graduate by the end of the spring semester. Seniors must postpone their graduation date to the summer in order to participate.

  Graduating seniors remain eligible to apply for Rice Global tuition and travel awards, which are included as part of the program 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.

Statement of Intent & Readiness

As part of your application, you will complete two short written statements to help us understand your motivation, readiness, and perspective for studying abroad in Paris. Together, these statements form an important part of the application review process.

Please take time to write thoughtful, complete responses. Short or one-sentence answers will not be considered sufficient.

• Statement of Intent (150–250 words)

  Studying abroad in Paris offers unique academic and cultural opportunities. Please tell us why you want to take this course in Paris, how it connects to your academic or personal goals, and what you hope to contribute to and gain from the experience.

• Readiness & Motivation (150–250 words)

  Studying abroad requires independence, maturity, and flexibility. Describe what motivates you to study in Paris and share an example of how you have adapted to a new or challenging environment. How do you think those experiences will help you succeed in this program?

  In addition, reflect on your awareness of cultural differences and your role as a representative of Rice University and the United States while abroad. Consider how you will approach living and studying in a different cultural context—how will you pay attention to and respect different norms, values, and customs while engaging with others 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, 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 it 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 Davila, 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.