Location/Semester:
Montpellier, France
Fall, Spring, or Academic Year
Host Institution/Contact Information
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Renee Knutson
Director of Study Abroad
700 Terrace Heights #6
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 457-1447
Fax: (507) 457-6990
studyabroad@smumn.edu
Website of Host Institution:
www.smumn.edu/studyabroad
Program/University Overview
The University of Minnesota offers a study abroad program at Paul Valéry University, the liberal arts division of the University of Montpellier. Montpellier is one of France's fastest growing cities and an emerging cultural and educational center. It is home to 100,000 university students and is the ideal place for an introduction to the French language and culture.
Website of Program/University:
ww.umabroad.umn.edu/programs/EUROPE/montpellier/
Unique Aspects of Program:
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. Family, apartment, or dormitory living allows for different types of integration into everyday French culture. Supplemental excursions introduce the unique flavor of southern France.
Country and/or City Information
Location
France is the largest country in Western Europe, with a population of 55 million. Montpellier is in the southern part of France and is ten miles from the Mediterranean coast and about 125 miles from the Spanish boarder. It is the capital of the region Languedoc-Roussillon and has a population of 300,000.
Climate
The average afternoon high temperature for the following months are:
January: 30 °F (-1 °C)
April: 59 °F (20 °C)
July: 75 °F (24 °C)
October: 61 °F (16 °C)
Time
When Central Standard Time is in effect in the United States, France is seven hours ahead.
Currency
The currency in France is the Euro.
More Information
Consulate General of France in Chicago
Country Reports
Embassy of the United States France
France
France for Visitors
US Department of State Consular Information Sheet France
Admission Requirements:
To participate in the Language & Culture option in Montpellier, students must have completed 1 year college level French, have a cumulative GPA of 2.5, and a 3.0 GPA in French. For the integrate studies option, students must have completed 2 years of college-level French or equivalent, have a cumulative GPA of 2.75, have a 3.0 GPA in French, and be of sophomore standing.
Courses Offered:
You will begin your studies by enrolling in an intensive language and culture program. This program includes excursions and numerous opportunities to practice conversing in French. You will also enroll in the one-credit online course Maximizing Study Abroad. This course enhances your learning abroad experience and covers topics related to intercultural communication. It also eases adjustment with strategies for learning culture and language. You have the opportunity to enroll in the Language and Culture option or the Integrated Studies option.
- 15–16 semester credits
- Intended for intermediate students (2–6 semesters of French)
- Courses with international students
- Curriculum designed to strengthen language proficiency
- Internship option for 6th semester students
- 18 semester credits (15 for spring semester)
- Intended for advanced students (4 or more semesters of French; 5 semesters for Spring)
- Variety of course options available to meet individual academic goals
- Internship option
Housing:
You may choose between three housing options, a family, apartment, or dormitory option.
A homestay is a vital connection to local culture and social life and provides you with the opportunity to experience daily life of the French from a first-hand perspective. You will receive breakfast and dinner during the week and all meals on the weekend. Housing is not provided during program breaks unless specifically arranged.
Apartments are in town and within walking distance of the University and downtown Montpellier. You will share the apartment with two to four other students from the program, with two people sharing a bedroom. The program fee for this option does not include meals, utilities, or the rental deposit.
The university dormitory is conveniently located near the Paul Valéry campus. You will be placed in a single room with modest cooking facilities available on each floor. The program fee for this option does not include meals.
Cost:
If you are a student at one of the US Lasallian universities or colleges, you will remain enrolled at your school and pay tuition and program fees there. Tuition is based on your campus tuition rates and may include an additional surcharge depending on the program. Contact the person on your campus responsible for study abroad.
Scholarship Information:
N/A
Academic Calendar
Fall 2008: August 13 - December 20
Spring 2009: January 1 - May 10 (for Integrated Program)
Spring 2009: January 14 - May 15 (for Language & Culture Program)
Application Deadline
There are no priority deadlines for the Academic Year or Fall Semester. The Final Deadline for the Academic Year and Fall Semester is April 1.
Priority Deadline for Spring 2009: September 1
Final Deadline for Spring 2009: October 1
Application Details:
Must complete Lasallian Consortium application along with the Specific Application for this program .