We travel to Paris as a group, but broken into smaller class groups -- some groups fly from Shreveport (SHV), and some will travel by charter bus to other airports in the region.

All Centenary in Paris students, staff, and faculty stay at the FIAP Jean Monnet, an international youth hostel dedicated to educational exchange. Students are housed in shared rooms with an en-suite bathroom.

All meals are included. You'll eat breakfast at the FIAP most mornings, before heading out into the city for the day. Your lunches and dinners are a combination of eating out at local restaurants or markets, or at the FIAP. The final night, we have a buffet during our Farewell Boat Party.

Passport Requirements

You'll need a passport valid for at least 3 months AFTER our return date.

If you plan to attend Centenary in Paris, we need your complete passport information before a ticket can be booked for you! 

US Citizens

First time applicants, or students under 16 years old, must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility. There can be long delays in application processing, so it is important to apply as soon as possible.

The National Passport Information Center can answer questions regarding the passport application process, application forms, necessary documents, fees, where to apply, and more.

Non-US Citizens

Non-US passport holders must ensure that they have a passport valid at least through three months after Centenary in Paris and that they work with the Office of Intercultural Engagement to obtain any relevant visa required to enter France.

Visa Requirements

US citizens will not require an additional visa to enter France. 

Non-US passport holders will work with the Office of Intercultural Engagement to obtain any relevant visa required to enter France. 

• Centenary in Paris Packing Tips (PDF)
• Air France baggage requirements
• Travel Packing Tips | How to Pack a Carry-On (video)
• 12 Travel Packing Tips: Howdini Hacks (video)
• How to Pack Like a Pro (video)

Please note any health needs or disability accommodations on the Housing and Travel form.

• Before traveling, notify your bank and credit card companies of your destination(s).
• Check exchange rates (e.g., we use xe.com). 
• We recommend bringing 2 debit/credit cards, at least one having a Visa or MasterCard logo to ensure widespread acceptance. If your card does not have an EMV chip, you may want to ask your bank to send you a chip-enabled card, as the chip and PIN system is used widely in France. Many American credit cards are “chip and sign,” so can be used nearly everywhere except in automated machines. Be sure to check with your credit card provider and bank to clarify whether or not your card has a PIN, to inform them of your upcoming international destination, and to make sure you are familiar with any fees associated with using your cards abroad. 
• Rick Steves' Tips on Using ATMs in Europe

• Trouble-free travel - What you need to know about French customs

This guide will help you understand your rights and responsibilities with respect to French Customs.

EIIA provides Centenary's medical, security, and travel-related assistance to all program participants abroad.

• EIIA International Program Summary (PDF)
• EIIA Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• EIIA ID Card (PDF)

US Department of State

• Traveler's Checklist
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): All participants are enrolled in the US State Department STEP program to register travel and to receive travel and security updates about their destination. The US Department of State is able contact US travellers in an emergency.
• CDC Health Information for Travelers to France
• Centenary in Paris Safety and Conduct (PDF)
  This document explains details in case of an emergency and provides important contact numbers. An updated version of this document is coming soon!

COVID-19 Policy

Centenary's Risk Management Team has determined that COVID vaccination will be strongly recommended, but not required. 

The CDC uses the following definitions for COVID vaccination:

• A person is fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving all recommended doses in the primary series of their COVID-19 vaccination.
• A person is up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination if they have received all recommended doses in the primary series and one booster when eligible (5 months after the Johnson and Johnson dose; or 5 months after the second dose of Moderna or Pfizer). A second booster is not necessary to be considered up to date at this time.

The College takes its duty of care very seriously and is committed to reducing both risk and negative academic impact to the entire group. Protocols may be updated or made as precautionary decisions and recommendations accordingly based on our daily review of updates from the US Department of State, the CDC, and the World Health Organization.

We recommend reading through CDC facts about these and other vaccines. Please contact the Office of Global Engagement if you have questions or concerns about travel to Paris.

COVID-19 Testing for US re-entry

Currently, it is NOT necessary for travelers returning to the US to show a negative COVID test prior to boarding their flight. This situation may change, and the College will keep travelers apprised of the process required.