The AA 40/50k offer would help:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles...-targeted.html

If she and her partner both applied, they would at least have enough for one RT ticket (would have to transfer points). For the student, student fares such as offered through STA travel can be good as well, although they aren't what they used to be (and that would make it harder to travel together).

There may be better offers coming (e.g. BA 100k or Starwood 75k of days past), but it's definitely not to be counted on.

August isn't a bad time to get to Paris, price-wise, but some cafés and such will be closed as it's a popular time for Parisians to vacation themselves (July even more so).

Depending on taste, there are some pretty decent 2* accommodations that are well-located and easy on the wallet. Priceline also has great steals sometimes, but you have to wait until nearer the date. TripAdvisor is good for scouting.

Good luck!