|
About the Program
Live and study in Montpellier, one of France’s fastest growing cities and an emerging cultural and educational center. Within easy reach of both mountains and the Mediterranean, and home to 100,000 university students, Montpellier is a young, vibrant city with a centuries-old history of intellectual advances and social tolerance. It is the ideal place for an introduction to French language and culture.
Based at the Paul Valéry University, the liberal arts division of the University of Montpellier, this program also provides access to the highly regarded medical, engineering, and law departments through an extremely flexible course structure. Choose from a mix of special courses with American and foreign students, and regular University of Montpellier courses with French students.
Host family, apartment, or dormitory living allows for different types of integration into everyday French culture. Supplemental excursions introduce the unique flavor of southern France.
Visit here for images, student profiles, the pre-departure orientation, and a video of this program.
About the Program Sponsor: Learning Abroad Center
Learning Abroad Center sponsored programs are:
- Affordable: our programs are cost effective.
- Academically strong: many programs have strong University of Minnesota departmental support and offer pre-approved courses for many majors.
- Culturally rich: regardless of the program you choose, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Expertly managed: our staff in Minnesota and abroad are trained professionals and are always available to answer your questions from extensive pre-departure advising, online orientations, to reentry programming. Your safety and well-being are paramount, and we work hard to ensure you have a rewarding, and safe, experience abroad.
Françoise Defrecheux-Chaton is the on-site director. She provides participants with an in-country orientation, academic advising, on-going support during the program, and oversees housing arrangements. She has coordinated this program for many years and has taught at US and French institutions.
A team of additional on-site staff—an administrative assistant, a housing coordinator, and two social assistants—provide support to participants and organize a variety of cultural activities.
Housing & Meals
Semester and academic
year students may choose between 4 housing options. They can
select a host family, apartment, observatorie, or dormitory option to enhance their
integration into everyday French culture.
Summer students live in the university dorms.
Homestay
Homestays are a vital connection to local culture and social life
and provide students with the opportunity to experience daily life
of the French from a first-hand perspective.
Apartment
Students are placed with other program participants in shared apartments.
Observatoire
Students are housed in single studio apartments in a dorm-like setting.
Dormitory
The university dormitory is conveniently located near the Paul Valéry
campus. Students are placed in a single room.
Click here for more information on housing options and a comparison chart.
Excursions
& Social Activities
An excursion is included each term and introduces students
to the unique character of southern France. In addition, the program’s
social and administrative assistants organize activities to familiarize
you with the city and provide you with opportunities to meet French
students.
Students are encouraged to participate in local clubs that offer activities such as skiing, hiking, and photography. A two-week break in December, a two-week break in the spring, and travel before or after the program are excellent opportunities to explore France.
Contact
a Past Participant
Below is a list of students who participated in past program sessions. They are ready and willing to answer your questions
about this program. Feel free to contact them during your decision-making
process or anytime during your pre-departure preparation to get
a student perspective. Additional past participants are also available.
- Chloe B—French major, English minor, spring 2008, homestay, integrated study option
- Abbie D—French major, public relations minor, spring 2008, apartment, integrated study option
- Maura K—French major, management minor, spring 2008, apartment, institute study option
- Ariana S—Biobehavioral health major, French minor, spring 2008, apartment, integrated study option
- Jessica S—Child psychology major, French art minor, spring 2008, homestay and apartment, institute and integrated study options
- Ellie L—Psychology major, French minor, fall semester 2007, homestay, Institute
- Danielle R—Child psychology and French studies major, fall semester 2007, apartment, Integrated Studies option
- Christy S—Marketing and retail merchandising major, French minor, fall semester 2007, homestay, Institute
- Janelle S—Biology major, chemistry and French minor, fall semester 2007, homestay, Institute
- Sasha W—Theatre arts major, summer session 2006, dorm, Language and Culture option
Access Abroad
Persons with disabilities or special needs are encouraged to explore opportunities abroad. The Learning Abroad Center and Disability Services are collaborating to enhance access to study abroad for students with disabilities. Go to the Access Abroad web page for more information.
Last modified on March 11, 2009 |