The French branch campus of Touro College grew out of a collaboration with Ran University, a French institution of higher learning created as a response to the French community's difficulties in accessing higher education that would not compromise its Jewish identity. Beginning in 2005, Ran University enrolled students in a Bachelor of Science degree program, with majors in Marketing or Finance. In March 2008, Touro College established a Paris-based program, Touro College France, in conjunction with Ran University. Touro College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and the Paris campus falls within the scope of this accreditation. Ran University continues to maintain recognition by the Academy of Paris as an institute of higher education.

Facilities

The Touro College France branch campus was first located in the 13th district (Arrondissement) of Paris; within this building, which is also used as a high school, Touro had access initially to five classrooms and several offices, and space for library and technology resources. The building is handicapped-accessible and can be reached easily via the Metro. At present classes are housed in the 3rd district. There is separate instruction for men and women, with the two buildings only five minutes apart. The men's campus is housed in a building located at 1/3 place de Thorigny. The women's campus, located at 16 rue du Parc Royal, houses a library, a computer laboratory and the administrative offices. The campus is situated in the heart of the Marais neighborhood, the historical Jewish area, a short walk from kosher cafés, synagogues and bookstores. In addition, the area is notable for its art galleries and museums, such as the Picasso.

Curriculum

The curriculum at Touro College France includes a strong component of Jewish studies taught by outstanding Jewish scholars and rabbis. The faculty consists primarily of American-educated instructors. Although the majority of the student body is French, students from around Europe are encouraged to apply.

French students are encouraged to attend at least one summer-semester program at the Flatbush campus in Brooklyn, New York, or at another Touro international campus.