Afro/Black Paris France Study Away
Featured Video: Postcards from Paris by Emilie Hong, Dartmouth, class of 2025
Since 2008, this award-winning study-away program has spanned the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, Vanderbilt University, and Dartmouth College. It immerses students not in a place called Black Paris or Paris Noir, but in the layered, centuries-deep presence and enduring legacies of the African diaspora in Paris and across France.
With enduring gratitude to all the educators and practitioners of Black Paris / Paris Noir study away, whose vision and struggles paved the way for me and for future generations.
Selected Student Voices
“Being part of Professor Keaton’s Black Paris program was honestly one of the most meaningful experiences of my college career. It still feels surreal that I was in Paris this year, learning from incredible scholars about the African diaspora, traveling across France, visiting world-class museums, taking dance lessons, and even getting the chance to perform in a famous jazz club! Every day brought something new, and I felt deeply supported while also being challenged to think differently about history, culture, and myself. Black Paris isn’t just a study abroad program, it’s a community and an experience that I’ll carry with me forever.”
“Everything Professor Keaton promised and more—every space is a classroom, from museums to jazz clubs, culinary workshops, walking tours, and regional travel.”
“An incomparable experience and easily the most rewarding term of my Dartmouth career... workshops and courses allowed us to reimagine artworks at the Louvre and Quai Branly.”
“Life-changing—field trips to Josephine Baker’s château, regional explorations, performing poetry at a jazz club, even having my portrait painted.”
“Professor Keaton kept her promise of an unforgettable experience—I grew personally and academically, and it remains one of my best decisions.”
“This course has opened my mind and changed so many of my perceptions. What you gave us was truly a gift of knowledge to carry for life. Paris made it almost fairytale-like, but also made the issues all the more real...and not every professor busts out moves to African music or hip-hop! I will remember this for the rest of my life.”