Link to third-party institution:
University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center

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.

Course description:
The Study Abroad in Montpellier summer program offers intensive French language study with other international students at the Institute for Foreign Students. The program is designed for students at beginning and intermediate language levels though some advanced students can also be accommodated.

Participants may choose either a four or eight week term and will receive credit for one language course for each 4-week term. Courses are designed to help international students develop strong language skills and deepen their cultural understanding. Courses are pre-approved for University of Minnesota credit, and the curriculum is a prescribed set of courses. 

Click here for Summer Courses

Credits:
3–10 semester credits, depending on current language level and term(s) of participation

Housing & Meals:
You will reside in a single room in a university dormitory with modest cooking facilities available on each floor.

Click here for more information on housing options and a comparison chart.

Country & City Information:
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. For the current exchange rate, click here. Euro bank notes come in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. Coins are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 1 euro and 2 euro.

More Information

• Country Reports
• Embassy of the United States Paris, France
• France.com
• US Department of State Consular Information Sheet France

Cost: 
TBD

Program Dates: 
Advanced French - Mid June to July
Summer Session A - Late June to July
Summer Session B - Late July to August 

Application Deadlines:
April 1, 2012

Application Details:
Must complete Lasallian Consortium application along with the host school's application, please contact SMU to request an application.