Living Latin in Paris

Living Latin in Paris

Scribes and Scholars: Medieval Education in France

December 27th, 2024 - January 3rd, 2025

Course Description

Living Latin in Paris is an intensive Latin experience focusing on Medieval Latin and set in Paris. In two seminar-style meetings every day, participants read and discuss Medieval Latin literature, history and culture. To the extent possible, the language of instruction in these seminars is Latin. 

In addition to the daily seminar sessions, the program includes a variety of optional programming designed to build students’ facility in speaking and understanding Latin, as well as lectures on topics relating to medieval history and culture, and visits to historical sites in Paris and its environs that are relevant to the program’s theme.

The theme of the 2024-2025 edition of Living Latin in Paris is Scribes and Scholars: Medieval Education in France, focusing on readings from cathedral schools, the Latin-speaking world of learning associated with them, and other texts relevant to medieval Paris. The program will take a day trip to the city of Dijon and its medieval sites, in Burgundy.

Prerequisites

Participants should know the basics of Latin grammar. This usually means the equivalent of one year of college or two years of high-school Latin or completing Paideia’s self-paced online Living Latin course. No experience speaking Latin is required, but experienced Latin speakers are also encouraged to apply. Paideia alumni and Nexus members are particularly encouraged to apply.

Participants must be 18 years or older. Students under the age of 18 should consider Living Latin in Rome High School.

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CLASSROOM

Living Latin in Paris is based in Paris’ Quartier Latin, the “Latin Quarter” that takes its name from the Medieval students at the Sorbonne, who continued to speak Latin long after the rest of the city had begun speaking French. Classrooms are located at Le Foyer International des Etudiantes, an international study center operated by the University of Paris.

Teachers

TUITION AND FEES

The tuition for Living Latin in Paris is $1800. This payment covers program instruction, transportation to and from site visits, museum and site admissions, and two group meals.

HOUSING AND OTHER COSTS

Participants must arrange their own housing in Paris. The Paideia Institute has negotiated discounted group rates with a trusted housing provider in a hotel. Approximate rates for each type of lodging for the duration of the program are listed below. Contact information for housing providers and group discount codes (if available) will be provided upon acceptance.

Estimated costs of housing at suggested hotels are below (subject to availability):

  • Triple room shared with other program participants: €495
  • Double room shared with another program participant: €580
  • Single Hotel Room: €600 - €900

Airfare, transportation to and from the airport, daily expenses for meals, and spending money are not included in the cost of tuition. The cost of life in Paris can vary greatly depending on one’s tastes, but at the very least we recommend that participants budget €30/day for food. Please consider the exchange rate when planning your budget.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Paideia Institute is able to offer a number of full and partial scholarships to participants with financial need. Please visit our scholarships page to learn more. Scholarship applications received by the priority application deadline for the program (October 1, 2024) will receive fullest consideration.

REQUEST AN APPLICATION

For best consideration, please submit your completed application by the priority deadline of October 1, 2024. Applications received after October 1st will be considered on a rolling basis while space is available. 

Request an Application

What People Are Saying

"Living Latin in Paris is one of the most enriching educational experiences in which I've had the opportunity to participate. The chance to engage with a centuries-long tradition of speaking and learning in Latin in this city is alone a truly worthwhile venture. However, the 'Paideia touch' is the benefit of making lifelong connections, feeling secure and supported while abroad, and having a great deal of fun while we're at it! Living Latin in Paris provides lovers of the Latin Language the ability to dig deep into the history of one of the world's most famous cities, to explore the sights and sounds of the Middle Ages, and to experience firsthand the indelible mark of the Latin Language upon the generations of people who have used it.” - Cully Wilkins '19 and ‘24