All courses offered at NYU in Paris—including literature, history, political science, anthropology, sociology, philosophy, and art history classes—concentrate on France and "things French and Francophone." In addition, politics and history courses occasionally consider France within the larger European perspective.

The program provides students just starting out in their French studies the tools to rapidly develop their proficiency in the language and establish a firm understanding of the culture's various aspects. Students that arrive at NYU in Paris with past French instruction will take the next steps towards fluency by learning to utilize the language in daily interactions both in and out of the classroom. More proficient students are able to maximize their time at NYU in Paris by supplementing courses at the NYU Center with additional course offerings from the colleges of the University of Paris, allowing for a rigorous academic experience and a rewarding semester of study.