PARIS SUMMER SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
late June – July 2026
What is the Paris Summer School of Social Work ?
What a great experience – immerse yourself in French culture, learn about social work from an international viewpoint, and meet cool people! – Leslie, Kennesaw State University Group Leader, Paris Summer School of Social Work
This program provides an interactive education on social work practice in France using experiential methods that immersed me in the French culture and approach to social services – Kenya, Paris Summer School of Social Work
Paris Summer School of Social Work 2026
Q & A Sign up to get more information about the session of 2026
Q and As
Sign up for our Q and As on Mondays, 10 AM EST / 4 PM CET
Join us for a virtual webinar about the Paris Summer School of Social Work 2026 program at EPSS. This 45 minute webinar will provide a brief overview and answer and questions you may have about the program.
November 3rd, 2025
November 10th, 2025
November 17th, 2025
November 24th, 2025
December 1st, 2025
December 8th, 2025
December 15th, 2025
About us
École Pratique de Service Social is one of the oldest schools of Social Work in France (1913).
Our Alumni have distinguished themselves for the past century by their significant contributions to Social Work in France and in the world.
The school is close to the Latin Quarter and breathtaking Luxembourg Gardens. It is surrounded by great cafés, restaurants and shops in one of the safest areas of the capital, day or night. The school is fully equipped to meet every international standard.
Our partners
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The Paris Summer School of Social Work is an intensive program focused on French social work intervention, delivered in English.
It aims to foster intellectual curiosity and prepare participants to work within a very multicultural and international society.
Through a targeted effort to increase awareness, Paris Summer School participants will be able to:
- Appreciate and respect the cultural differences of individuals and groups
- Develop ethics, knowledge and critical thinking skills
- Understand the history of social work and its contemporary issues
- Evaluate social work practice intervention in France within families, groups and communities
- Contribute to making the world a better place through innovative social impact projects
PROGRAM FORMAT
The program is divided into multiple formats that include but are not limited to lectures, field visits, and professional placements.
- Lectures are online and in-person, delivered in English by experienced teachers and social workers and may include guest presenters.
- Field visits are delivered out of class, in English or translated from French into English.
- Professional field placements are carried out in a choice of fields and topics (depending on participant’s level and placement options) in French, with an English speaker on hand.
- Individual or group study provides time to work on social impact projects
- Weekly debrief sessions go over field and placement experience and any issue that may need to be addressed.
Some reading and research will be expected before and during the program.
SCHEDULE
The program is an intensive immersion in French Social Work and way of life.
A typical day will start around 9 am and can end anytime between 5 pm or later, depending on social activities or placements, with the exception of one free afternoon a week.
- There is one lecture and visit per day.
- Morning lectures: between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm. They are carried out in English.
- Afternoons are dedicated to meeting active professionals in their own environment.
- Placements: There are 2 days of professional placements during the program.
- 1/2 day of community outreach
- Personal work: in addition, each student should expect to undertake at least 1 hour of independent study per day.
Evenings are (usually) free for you to enjoy the great Parisian life.
Transferring Credit (outside Europe)
If you wish to transfer credit to your university of origin please have your international advisor contact us prior to your visit to see how we can help you.
Students may receive on request, a class sheet and a transcript at the end of their study period. It is agreed that this provides sufficient information to enable home universities to decide on the credit they wish to allocate and the grade(s) they wish to award to their students who studied at the Ecole Pratique de Service Social.
European Credit Transfer System (within Europe)
The program is credited 6 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System).
Assessment
Oral presentations or written papers are part of the general assessment program which will also include a final evaluation.
Debrief sessions
Weekly debrief sessions are held to ensure a smooth transition into the international learning experience.
Prior to the program
Online classes
Prior to the program, participants are granted access to the online learning platform (Moodle) as well as a Google Drive containing complementary learning resources to help prepare for the first lectures and visits.
The subjects covered online are (to date):
- Social work
- Social policies and institutions in France
- Social work professions
- Aging
- Prostitution
- Gender and diversity
Placement choices
Based on experience, areas of interests and distance, applicants can choose their placements from a variety of agencies. These are available online mid-June and cover most areas of social intervention in France.
French
Participants are encouraged to increase their grasp of the language by using multiple, free online ressources.
Your summer school package includes a wide range of services and activities:
Global package
| DESCRIPTION | INCLUDED | RESTRICTIONS | STARTS | ENDS | |
| STUDY PERIOD | E-learning, lectures, field visits, placements | YES | June 22 | July 16 | |
| ACCOMODATION | Double or single standard room
|
YES | Extra fees apply for a single room | June 22 | July 18 |
| TRANSPORTATION PASS | Unlimited metro, bus, express rail | YES | June 22 | July 18 | |
| AIRPORT PICK-UP | Airport pick-up from airport | YES | Specific hours, arrivals only, on request | June 22 | |
| MEALS | Breakfast | YES | June 22 | July 18 | |
| 1 Orientation Day | Boat-ride, visit | YES | June 23 | ||
| 2-day tour | Transfers, hotel, breakfast, visits | YES | July 4 | July 5 | |
| 1 Museum Pass | 48 hour unlimited cultural pass (covers all museums in Paris area, including Versailles) | YES | June 22 | July 18 | |
| Social events | Opening and closing ceremonies, some shared meals, international evening | YES | June 22 | July 16 | |
| BONUS DAYS | 2 BONUS days, stay for FREE | YES | Accommodation only | July 17 | July 18 |
| PLANE TICKET | Transport to/from home country | NOT INCLUDED | |||
| MEALS | Lunch, dinners | NOT INCLUDED |
Extracurricular activities
- Meet & Greet
- Orientation afternoon
- Weekend tour (2 days – Tour includes hotel, transportation, tickets)
- Opening and closing ceremonies
- International evening
- And a few additional surprises
Classes take place in our gorgeous 19th century building located in the heart of the Montparnasse area. It is located 10 minutes away by foot from the dorm and across the street from the Luxembourg Garden.
Accommodation
Housing is located at Foyer International des Étudiantes
93 boulevard Saint Michel 75005 Paris
Amenities include
- Doorman 24/7
- Rooftop view
- Library and lounge
- Internet
- Small shared kitchen area(no cooking utensils are provided)
- Gender-neutral bathrooms
- Coin-operated washer and dryer
- Sheets, bedding (no towels)
- Weekly house cleaning
- Elevator
- NO air-conditioning
Paris Summer School of Social Work
Paris Summer School was an incredibly valuable experience. I was challenged both personally and professionally, and genuinely believe the impact of the program will be long lasting in both areas. These three weeks have been packed full of learning opportunities, wonderful connections, and great fun. It may be a lot of work to figure out the logistics to get here but, I assure you, it is well worth your time! I’m so glad I didn’t miss out » – Anna.
FEES
| ACADEMIC
PARTNERSHIP |
EARLY-BIRD
(before Jan. 31) |
STANDARD RATE |
| 2590 € | 2840 € | 3090 € |
ERASMUS+
Professional social workers or faculty members affiliated to European universities may apply for STT Erasmus+ funding. Students may request an SMP or SMS grant from their home university (conditions apply). Please contact your international coordinator to receive the necessary information.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Ecole Pratique de Service Social does not provide any scholarships. You may consult your home university study-abroad advisor to see if some grants are available. American citizens may contact Generation Study Abroad for information or support.
Contact: www.iie.org
APPLICATION
Alumnus spotlight
In December 2022, the front door buzzed at EPSS and in walked James Villanueva, a 2018 Paris Summer School alumnus, with a heartwarming smile. I remembered him immediately—engaged, generous, and inquisitive. As we sat down, I was curious: what lasting impact had the Summer School left?
In spring 2018, when James stepped into Dr. Delavega’s office at the University of Memphis, he didn’t know he was on the verge of a life-changing journey. Expecting to discuss graduate credits, he instead received an enthusiastic invitation to a study abroad program in Paris.
James was hesitant. He had finally carved a stable path in the research-driven world of macro social work. His future was clearly mapped—so what could a summer in Paris possibly offer?
He arrived in July with his cohort. And, immersion in lectures, field visits, and cultural activities shifted his perspective. While serving meals alongside French social workers in a repurposed skating rink, he observed their profound respect and dedication to preserving each refugee’s dignity—without judgment.
In that moment, he felt humbled and connected. Everything he’d taken for granted shifted. He realized another way of practicing social work was possible. Carrying this belief home, he changed his entire Master’s plan, switching from macro to micro—training to be with people, for the people.
James graduated summa cum laude and completed his Masters in just eleven months.
During an interview at a non-profit providing unconditional care for those with mental health and substance abuse challenges, his future manager began with: “James, tell me about your social work program in Paris…”
Interview carried out at EPSS – December, 14th 2022
PRESS ARTICLES
04/09/2019 Student spotlight Joshua Binang – University of Columbia
01/09/2019 Un été à la découverte du travail social français – Alter Ego
10/09/2018 « Projet innovant : échange d’étudiants autour du travail social » 2018 – Réforme
27/07/2018 L’école du travail social à la française – Le Media Social
Meet the Team
Program Manager
Program Coordinator
Program Assistant and Logistics
Camille Epain
Yvette Mosca
Accountant
Guillaume Angelvy