Experience the renowned beauty of France

France

France: French Language and Culture for Students
6 or 7 credits in French Language
June 25 – July 27, 2007
Dr. Kathryn Murphy-Judy            
kmurphy@vcu.edu              
$2,650 + tuition + airfare
Registration Deadline: April 16, 2007
Download printer-friendly program description [PDF]

The Office of International Education and the School of World Studies are pleased to offer an intensive cultural immersion program in French Language and Culture. The program offers an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in French history as you travel from Paris through the famous French countryside, and experience their unique culture during your month-long homestay in La Rochelle. La Rochelle is a beautiful port city situated on the Atlantic coast. It was founded in the 10th century and has a rich history visible in both the architecture and the culture of the people.

Course and credit options: Students may enroll for 6 or 7 VCU credits. Course options include FREN 102 Elementary French, FREN 201 Intermediate French, FREN 202 Intermediate French Readings, FREN 205 Intermediate Conversation, FREN 305 Advanced Conversation, FREN 321 French Civilization and Culture, FREN 420 French Regional Culture, FREN 421 French Contemporary Culture, FREN 491 Topics and FREN 492 Independent Study.

Course description: Classes last four hours each day for four weeks. Emphasis is on language, culture and civilization. Additional assignments may be required by Dr. Murphy-Judy, including participation and reflection on the field trips and excursions.

Program Cost: $2,650 + airfare + applicable VCU tuition
The program fee is $2,650 and includes the following:

• Accommodations
• Breakfast and dinner during the homestay in La Rochelle
• Accommodations and in-country transportation during the travel portion
• On-site program director support
• Application fee and deposit
• Pre-departure orientation
• VCU administrative fees
• International Student Identification Card

The following are NOT included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:

• Airfare
• VCU tuition and fees
• Some meals
• Passport application fee
• Personal expenses during the program (estimated at $800)
• Anything not specifically mentioned above

Please budget for these additional expenses.

Tuition: Tuition is charged separately and additionally at standard VCU rates for in-state students and at a 40 percent discount for out-of-state students. Estimated costs, based on current tuition per credit, are as follows: undergraduate in-state, $179 (per 3-credit class: $537); undergraduate out-of-state, $401 (per 3-credit class: $1,203); graduate in-state, $379 (per 3-credit class: $1,137); graduate out-of-state, $533 ($1,599 per 3-credit class).

Airfare: Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for their own roundtrip travel arrangements from the United States to France. Dr. Murphy-Judy will assist participants in identifying a low-cost option for the group.  For the best fares, purchase your ticket prior to April 15.

Payment of fees: The nonrefundable registration fee of $50 is due upon registration. A nonrefundable deposit of $200 is due two weeks after receipt of acceptance packet. Students who register after April 1 must pay the deposit and registration fee together upon registration. The balance of the program fee and the tuition costs (based on the number of credits taken) will be billed separately through VCU Student Accounting after May 2007. (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

Application deadline: April 16, 2007. Applications will be accepted until the deadline, or until participant space is full.

Activities and excursions: The program will begin with three nights in Paris; two-and-a-half days in Normandy, including visits to Giverny, Bayeux and Arromanches (one night in Lisieux, one night at the Mont St. Michel); four weeks in La Rochelle at the Institut d’Études Françaises and two excursions. Optional excursions may include trips to islands like Ile de Ré, the chateaux of the Loire Valley or the Cognac region. Other activities may also be organized by the Institut in La Rochelle.

Accommodations and meals: Students will be housed with host families who will provide breakfast and dinner daily. Students will be able to buy lunch near campus at a reasonable expense.

Financial aid: Eligible VCU students may apply for need-based financial aid to participate in this program. Contact VCU Financial Aid, Ginter House, Room 110B; call (804) 828-6669 or e-mail faidmail@vcu.edu. VCU offers its students a limited number of scholarships for study abroad participation. Contact VCU Education Abroad or click here for further details.

Passports: If you have a passport, make sure it is valid for at least six months after your return date. If you do not have a passport, apply early because the processing time is up to eight weeks. For more information on how to apply, visit http://travel.state.gov.

Program director: The program is directed by Dr. Kathryn Murphy-Judy, associate professor of French in the VCU School of World Studies. Dr. Murphy-Judy has taught French for more than 30 years and has lived extensively in the French-speaking world. This is her third time leading the program to La Rochelle.

Every effort is made to provide updated and accurate information at the time of publication. The sponsors reserve the right to make necessary changes to the programs and costs.