Learning Abroad Center

From Farm to Fork: Terroir, Food Systems, & Value Chains of France

Europe

"Terroir" is the French term used to describe the conditions related to the production of foods and wine based on the soils and special characteristics found in the region. It is one of the reasons why French food products and cuisine are valued so highly and imitated around the world, but did you know that Western France is the most important region in Europe for agriculture and agribusiness? This study abroad program will learn about crop production and the agroecology of the region; sustainable food systems and agribusiness structures; and examine the value these food products and their production have in relation to French culture, health, business, and environment.

Program Details

Location
Location
Angers, Paris, and multiple locations in France
Term
Term
May Session
Housing
Housing
Homestay
Hostel
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
English
Sponsor
Sponsor
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
GPA
2.5

About

On this 4-week program, you will explore how a terroir-driven food system can have a positive impact on ecological, cultural, social, and economic resources while also benefiting local and regional stakeholders. You will study France's regional food systems and the concept of "terroir" – the conditions related to the production of foods and wine based on the soils and special characteristics found in the region. You will also consider how agricultural and food system value chains can impact not only the marketing of these food products but also the ecology where they are produced; the health and well-being of the consumers and growers; and the impact on business. Other topics that will be focused on include viticulture, food sciences and technology, international marketing, sensory analysis, and consumer behavior in the French context.

You will visit Paris, Normandy, Brittany, and the Loire Valley. The program also includes visits to sites such as vineyards, distilleries, organic farms, bakeries, and cheesemakers, to offer behind-the-scenes insights into French agricultural business.

This program is administered by the College of Food, Agricultural & Natural Resource Sciences' Office of International Programs. Applications are processed by the Learning Abroad Center.

View captioned photos from the 2023 program.

Learn more about this program at our upcoming information sessions:

Monday, October 30–11:00 a.m.Zoom
Friday, November 17–12:00 p.mZoom
Tuesday, November 28–3:00 p.mZoom

Program Model

Experiential Learning

Housing & Meals

In Angers, you will live with a French host family who will provide you with breakfast and dinner. You will also have lunch provided Monday through Friday while in Angers. You will stay at a hostel while in Paris, Normandy, Brittany, and in the Loire. Breakfast will be provided at the hostel.

Application Deadline

February 1, 2024

Program Dates

Depart from Minneapolis-Saint Paul—Tuesday May 28, 2024
Arrive in France—Wednesday May 29, 2024
Depart from France—Friday,June 28 - Monday, July 1, 2024

Academics

You will receive credit for CFAN 3505: French Language and Culture (1 credit) and CFAN 3512: Value Chains of a Terroir-drive Food System (3 credits).

This program fulfills the following Liberal Education requirements: Social Sciences core, Global Perspectives, and Environment theme.

Excursions

You will participate in the following cultural excursions:

  • 2 days in Paris;
  • 2 days exploring chateaus in the Loire Valley;
  • 3 days in Normandy and Brittany;
  • Multiple farm and food company visits.

More Information

Contact Vanessa Walton from the CFANS Office of International Programs at [email protected] with your questions.

Program Fee

May 2024 Cost of Participation

Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. The program fee generally includes tuition, in-country program-related transportation, housing, most meals, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, program administration, and international health insurance. Generally, the program fee ranges from $5,500-$7,500. You must also budget for passport and passport photos, airfare, airport transfers, some meals, textbooks, independent travel, and miscellaneous living expenses.

If a student is required to isolate during the program dates, due to Covid-19, there may be an additional cost for the isolation period. Additional housing costs might also be covered by the onsite partner's insurance plan. In some cases, with agreement by students and prior approval from the university, roommates, apartment-mates or students who are in close contact with each other and who both test positive, may share a room in quarantine housing, in accordance with local regulations. This information is subject to change and will be updated accordingly.

Billing & Payments

The application fee, deposit, and program fee are charged to the student's UofM account.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

The College of Food, Agricultural & Natural Resource Sciences offers grants for study abroad programs; learn more here. Students can learn about financial aid and scholarships through the Learning Abroad Center here.

Cancellation Policy

All applicants are charged a $50 non-refundable application fee by the Learning Abroad Center. Students who confirm their participation in the program will have charged to their student account a $775 non-refundable deposit. Confirmed students who cancel their application before February 5, 2024 are responsible for the non-refundable deposit. Confirmed students who cancel their application on February 5, 2024 or later are responsible for the non-refundable deposit and any non-recoverable fees.

In the event that the CFANS Office of International Programs (OIP) is forced to cancel this entire program, meaning both the on-campus portion and abroad portion, accepted and confirmed students will receive a full refund of their application fee and deposit. In the event that students have started the on-campus portion of the program, but international conditions do not allow students to travel, as per University of Minnesota policy, students will be provided with the ability to complete the course and recoverable fees will be returned to students.

Students have the option to appeal the CFANS OIP cancellation policy when canceling from a program for extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Learning Abroad Center's refund appeal process for details and the form to submit. The review and decision will be made by CFANS OIP, not the LAC refund appeal committee.

Please note: In the near future COVID vaccine requirements may be instituted by specific countries and/or airlines without advance notice. Vaccination gives you the best chance for participation in a program and will keep open the most travel options.

The inability to participate in a program because of local, national, or airline restrictions if you are not vaccinated but are eligible to be vaccinated will not be considered a valid reason for a refund.

May 2024

From Farm to Fork: Terroir, Food Systems, & Value Chains in France

May Session 2024

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $775
Tuition and educational costs $2,613
International health insurance $82
Housing and/or mealsStudents will live with a host family who will provide breakfast and dinner. Lunch is provided to students Monday-Friday. $1,735
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $5,205
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $5,205

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteStudents are responsible for purchasing their airfare from MSP to Paris CGD and for a train ticket from Angers to Paris at the end of the program. $2,000
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documentsUS Citizens will need authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), costing about €10. $15
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,165
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $25
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeStudents will stay in hostels while on excursions in Paris, Normandy, Brittany, and the Loire. Breakfast will be provided at the hostel but students will be responsible for their lunches and dinners during the excursions. $300
Essential daily living expensesLocal transporation and daily necessitites. $100
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $425

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $7,795
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $500
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Prepare

Be aware: All programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.

Current US passport processing times are longer than normal. If you do not have a passport, or your passport expires less than 6 months after your return date from your time abroad, apply for a new passport now.

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

When you submit your online application, you will be assigned an application checklist that includes:

  • First Step session

Next Steps

  1. After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
  2. Your completed application will be reviewed by the program leader in the sponsoring college/department.
  3. If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
  4. Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
    • Passport Information
    • Emergency Contacts
    • Health Information Form
    • Online Health & Safety Orientation
    • Release & Waiver
  5. You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.