Housing & Cultural Immersion

The Brown in Paris program philosophy emphasizes the importance of cultural and linguistic immersion combined with guided independence. Housing is therefore an important part of the academic and cultural experience, and students are expected to live in program-arranged housing in Paris.

We currently offer two housing options:

Host Family Living: Cultural & Linguistic Immersion

For students seeking a truly immersive experience, living with a French host offers deeper linguistic and cultural immersion through daily life in a Parisian home.

Students will have a private bedroom and live as part of a host household, with the opportunity to communicate daily in French and learn more about French customs and routines. While sharing the household, students retain the independence and freedom of adult life in Paris, coming and going according to their own schedules while being mindful of the household’s routines. Host family housing includes breakfast every day and three dinners per week with the host family, providing built-in moments for informal conversation outside of the classroom setting.

This option is particularly well suited to students who want to make cultural and linguistic learning an integral part of their daily life in Paris.

Student Residences: Autonomy & Community 

This housing option provides students with the opportunity to experience independent life in Paris while living alongside a diverse mix of French and international residents, generally students, interns, and young professionals. Residence hall staff occasionally organize community activities, and students are encouraged to participate, meet other residents, and make the most of these opportunities to practice their French and engage with their neighbors.

Students will live in a small, furnished and equipped studio apartment with a private kitchenette. Meals are not provided. Residences include a double-badge entry system, on-site management and maintenance, small common areas, and laundry facilities. 

This option is particularly well suited to students who are comfortable with a high degree of independence and preparing their own meals.

Spaces in student residences are limited, and placement is not guaranteed. 

Housing Placement Process

Housing assignments are made based on students’ preference, host institution, and accommodations formally approved by an office of student accessibility services as well as availability. This process helps ensure that each student is placed in housing that is appropriate for their needs and the structure of their program.

Location of Housing

All program-arranged housing is located within the Paris city limits, a 20-45 minute ride on public transportation from university buildings and the Brown in Paris office. Students should view the city of Paris as their campus for the semester and expect to regularly commute to various neighborhoods for classes and activities. The city is small in terms of surface area compared to other large capitals, with an excellent public transit system making it easy to navigate.