WICE, a nonprofit anglophone volunteer-run association, provides cultural and educational programs and services to the international community in Paris.

A congenial place to widen one's intellectual horizons as well as one's circle of friends, WICE offers newcomers to France, as well as old Paris hands, a variety of substantive and enjoyable educational programs, services, and opportunities.

Background and History
WICE was founded in 1978 by a group of expatriate American women who wanted to meet the educational and self-development needs of English-speaking women in Paris. Established under the auspices of the American College of Paris, WICE was originally called the Women's Institute for Continuing Education. With a small office on the top floor of the college, WICE held its lectures and programs in members' living rooms and in "borrowed" classrooms.

In 1982 WICE moved into its first real home, a three-room storefront in the 7th arrondisement, which - it was thought at the time - would be big enough for WICE's needs. Four years later, it became clear that more space was needed to accommodate WICE's 500 members and its growing list of activities and programs. Thus, in 1986 WICE moved to its current premises on boulevard du Montparnasse.

In recognition of a growing population of men, both participating in courses and actively volunteering, the acronym "WICE" was adopted and has until recently been used as the official name of the association.

WICE Today
Today, the WICE Institute for Continuing Education has over 800 English-speaking men and women members from over 35 countries, and offers over 200 courses a year. As it has been since its beginning, WICE continues to be a volunteer-run organization. The energy, imagination and commitment of WICE's volunteers literally creates WICE. Most of the programs and services it offers originated as ideas conceived by WICE volunteers. WICE's mission statement, adopted in 1988, provides perhaps the best summation of what WICE is today: an English-speaking organization which provides in-depth and varied educational programs; a welcoming and supportive environment; opportunities to expand professional talents; opportunities for self-development; and programs and resources that facilitate the transition into life in France.

Programs and Courses
WICE programs cover a wide range of courses, workshops, visits, and lectures in English on a variety of topics. Some courses meet only once while others consist of multiple sessions. Please visit our current Course Catalog for a sampling.

Membership Benefits
WICE Members have access to a rich offering of classes and programs organized on a bimonthly cycle; they receive a listing of these courses in the form of a catalog, delivered by mail. In addition, Members are invited to participate (at no additional charge) in the French - English Conversation and Bilingual Book Groups; have free access to the WICE Resource Center and Lending Library; and can post and read advertising notices on the WICE bulletin board. WICE Members also enjoy discounts on annual membership at the Musee d'Orsay, the Louvre, and at a number of other fine Paris establishments.

Volunteer Opportunities
With one full-time and one half-time salaried staff, WICE is run by some 100 individuals who volunteer in numerous capacities and for a variety of reasons including:

• to keep up current skills and learn new ones;
• to meet interesting people in an enjoyable environment;
• to reap the satisfaction of working on worthwhile projects;
• to make a contribution to the English-speaking community, and particularly as more and more French volunteers join WICE, to seek closer Francophone-Anglophone ties.