Université Paul-Valéry | University of Minnesota (Montpellier, France)  

Highlights

• Participate in SNC Study Abroad's newest program (opening Fall 2012)
• Study in Montpellier - within reach of mountains and the Mediterranean 
• Improve your French language skills with a blend of classroom and practical experiences
• Immerse yourself in French culture - study with French students, live with a host family, and engage in a for-credit internship
• Take part in clubs and extracurricular activities, such as skiing, hiking, and photography

Overview

St. Norbert College partners with the University of Minnesota to offer students two program options at the Université Paul-Valéry in Montpellier, France: the Language and Culture Program and the Integrated Studies Program. Students strike a healthy balance of French language courses with US and foreign students, regular university courses with French students, and practical experience by means of a for-credit internship.

Montpellier is an ideal place to immerse yourself in French culture. Home to 100,000 university students, Montpellier is a young and vibrant city with a rich history. Montpellier is located only five miles from the Mediterranean Sea and the Cevennes Mountains. East of the city, you can find the beautiful region of Provence. 

Orientation

Françoise Defrecheux-Chaton, the on-site director, and her staff provide housing arrangements, an in-country orientation, academic advising, and ongoing support during the program. A team of additional staff provides support to participants and organize a variety of cultural activities.

During the fall semester only, students enroll in a three-week French Intensive Immersion Program (FIIP) before regular courses begin. The cost of the FIIP is included in the program proice. During this time, students live in an extended-stay hotel. The FIIP is not available during the spring semester.

Coursework

• Language: French

Choose between the Language and Culture Program and the Integrated Studies Program:

Language and Culture Program

The courses for the Language and Culture Program take place at l’Institut d’Études Françaises pour Étrangers (IEFE) within the Université Paul-Valéry. Courses are designed to help  students develop strong language skills and deepen their cultural understanding. Class sizes range from 30 to 50 students, and the faculty specialize in different areas of language learning. Students are placed into one of five language levels following a proficiency test. Students enroll in 15 to 17 credits and take such courses as: Oral Communication, Francophone Culture, French Phonetics, and French Expression.

Internships in various fields of interest are available to students in the advanced level only. Students supplement the internship with a course that facilitates reflection on the French work environment. Past internship sites have included a library, government research agency, radio station, retirement home, elementary school, museums, and administrative offices at the university. 

Integrated Studies Program

The Integrated Studies Program offers a balanced academic approach. Students enroll in the following:

• Advanced grammar courses with US students (6 credits);
• One integrated course with French students (3 credits);
• Two l’Institut d’Études Françaises pour Étrangers (IEFE) courses, one course with US students, OR one course with French students (3 credits); and 
• Internship (3 credits)

Fields of study at Université Paul-Valéry include: anthropology, art history, business, comparative literature, computer science, economics, education, English, environmental studies, French literature, geography, history, international relations, marketing, music, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology and sociology.

Internships in various fields of interest are available to students. Students supplement the internship with a course that facilitates reflection on the French work environment. Past internship sites have included a library, government research agency, radio station, retirement home, elementary school, museums, and administrative offices at the university.

Accommodations

Students live with local families - a situation that facilitates language development and cultural awareness. Host families are usually located in the suburbs, approximately 30 to 45 minutes by bus, tram, and foot from the city center and from campus. As for meals, the host family provides breakfast and dinner during the week and all meals on the weekend.

The University of Minnesota arranges an optional coordinated flight, which aligns with the official arrival date and time. While you are not required to choose the group flight, it is designed to offer travel in the comfort of other participants in the program. As with all SNC Study Abroad programs, students are responsible for transportation costs.

Calendar

• Fall 2012: August 20 - December 19, 2012
• Spring 2013: Early January - Early May, 2013 (dates coming soon)

A detailed calendar is also available for each semester (2011/2012).

Have you ever thought about studying abroad in France for two semesters? If you combine the Montpellier program with the program in Lille, you may apply all of your financial aid to both study abroad semesters.

Admissions

Language and Culture Program

• 2.5 cumulative GPA
• 3.0 cumulative GPA in FREN
• Completion of FREN 102

Integrated Studies Program

• 2.75 cumulative GPA
• 3.0 cumulative GPA in FREN
• Completion of FREN 204

Visa Information

A visa is official permission, granted by the authorities of the country where you wish to study or visit, which allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose and for a designated period of time. You cannot apply for a student visa until you have received an acceptance letter from your institution abroad. You are responsible for applying for the correct visa and paying all necessary fees.

France requires that you have a long-term student visa in order to enter the country. You should familiarize yourself with the visa application process by visiting the web site of the French Consulate in Chicago. You are advised to begin the visa application process early. First, you must register for CampusFrance, complete an application, and obtain an attestation. Watch the helpful video that explains the procedure for completing your application. Second, after completing the visa application documents, you must schedule an appointment with the French Consulate in Chicago.

Please note that visa requirements change frequently. Research your country's requirements or contact your study abroad advisor for the most current information.

Disclaimer: Program information is subject to change.

Fees

• SNC Tuition
• SNC Room & Board
• $400 Administrative Fee

Fees Include

• Tuition
• Housing (Homestay)
• Meals
• SNC Study Abroad Health Insurance
• Academic Excursion
• On-site Resident Director

Additional Expenses

• Application Fee ($50)
• Visa ($120)
• Flight

• Language & Culture Program Courses
• Integrated Studies Program Courses
• Credit/Grading Policy & Pre-Approved Courses

Links

• University of Minnesota
• Application

Student Testimonials

• Lauren Yeskel

For more information, contact:

Jeremy Doughty
Study Abroad Advisor