Study in Montpellier, with a centuries-old history of intellectual advances and social tolerance. Enjoy the college-town atmosphere, nightlife, and student-centered community. Choose beginning through advanced French language courses as well as courses in humanities, engineering, sciences, and business.
Location | Montpellier, France |
---|---|
Term | Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Summer Session |
Housing | Apartment, Homestay |
Credit Type | Resident Credit |
Sponsor | Learning Abroad Center |
GPA | 2.5 |
---|---|
Student Type | UofM Students, Non UofM Students |
Student Year | Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors |
Language | 2 semesters of prior French for semester/year. No language prerequisite for summer. |
Live and study in Montpellier, one of France’s fastest growing cities and an emerging cultural and educational center. Within easy reach of both mountains and the Mediterranean, and home to 100,000 university students, Montpellier is a young, vibrant city with a centuries-old history of intellectual advances and social tolerance. It is the ideal place to experience French culture and strengthen your French language skills.
Based at the University of Minnesota's Program Center in Montpellier, this program provides a strong foundation of French language (composition, grammar, conversation, etc.) and culture electives. In addition, longstanding partnerships with the University Paul Valéry (UPV) and the University of Montpellier (UM) allow you to take electives in the arts, humanities, engineering, sciences, and business. To meet your individual needs and take full advantage of Montpellier's many opportunities, the course selection process is individualized and the academic program is tailored. Choose from a mix of elective courses taught exclusively for French language learners and direct enrollment options with French students.
Homestays provide a vital connection to the local culture, as well as the opportunity to experience French daily life. Host families provide breakfast and dinner during the week and all meals on the weekend. Most families live in the suburbs of Montpellier, approximately 45 minutes by bus, tram, and foot from the city center and from campus.
If you wish to maximize your language practice and cultural development through regular family contact and are willing to adapt to a French family's lifestyle and schedule, this is a good housing option for you. The level of integration you experience with your host family may vary—some families go to great lengths to make you part of the family while others take a more independent approach. Host families are an option even for students who do not have prior French language study.
Live with other program participants in typical French apartments. These are usually located in the center of town or close to the universities and are easily accessible to the program center and the university. You will share the apartment with 1–2 other students from the program, occasionally with two people of the same gender sharing a room. The program fee for this option does not include meals, utilities, or the $500 security deposit. See the Fees page for additional costs. If you have special dietary needs or intend to have an active social life with frequent evenings out, this is a good option.
Small studio apartments within a student apartment building offer basic modern rooms with a small private bathroom and kitchenette. The rooms are furnished with a single bed and desk. The residence building is located in downtown Montpellier, about a 20-minute walk from the program center and a 30-minute commute from the university. This housing option does not include meals, but does include utilities. A $500 security deposit will be billed with your program fee. If you are independent, like your own space, and want to meet other students (French and international), this is a good option.
Two or three day-long excursions are planned each semester to introduce you to the unique character of southern France. Summer Sessions I and II will each offer one day-long excursion. These day excursions are included in your program fees. In addition, the program’s social assistants organize activities in Montpellier to help you get to know the city and to provide you with opportunities to meet French students. Optional longer excursions are also organized by the Program Center staff during the semester and are offered (at an extra cost) if there is sufficient interest.
Day excursions sites may include:
Medieval Weekend Excursion (included in Program Fee)
Optional longer excursions (at an extra cost) include:
Day excursions sites may include:
Optional longer excursions (at an extra cost) include:
Day excursions sites may include:
Françoise has been the On-Site Director of the program in Montpellier since 1990. With her staff, she oversees student services, excursions, housing arrangements, and academic coursework. She is also a professor in Business English at the Université de Montpellier and is well-connected in the local university community in Montpellier.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Germanic Languages from the Université de Liège and a Master's from the University of Minnesota in French Literature. She has also taught at the University of Minnesota and Carleton College in Minnesota.
Corinne has been the Assistant Director of the University of Minnesota Program in Montpellier since 2006. She currently teaches the course on Leadership and Experiential Learning for the program.
She received a MA in English from the University of Orléans in France and a MA in French and ESL from West Virginia University. Corinne studied for five years at the University of North Carolina where she was also a teaching assistant in the French department. She completed her course work and passed her PhD exams in Comparative Literature.
Paul is the Academic Adviser for the Montpellier programs. He has been teaching university courses for over twenty years, and currently teaches in his specialty for the University of Minnesota program and at the Université Paul-Valéry in the Lettres Modernes department.
Paul holds a PhD in medieval French literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is originally from southern Rhode Island.
Learning Abroad Center programs are:
Program Type | Host University Study, Study Abroad Center |
---|---|
Program Level | 1000–3000 level courses |
Courseload |
5 courses (15–18 credits) per semester; 1 course (3-5 credits) per session or 2 courses (6-10 credits) for both sessions during summer |
The Language & Culture Program focuses on French language, humanities and the liberal arts with electives available in many fields of study. There are three different tracks available and students should select their track level to see detailed course offerings according to their level of French.
Specialized academic programs are also available in Montpellier (taught in French & English) to study Business, Education & Teaching, Engineering & Science and Developmental Psychology & Psychology.
All students are encouraged to meet with their major and/or minor advisor to discuss how courses completed in Montpellier will count towards their degree and should complete the Academic Planning Form during that meeting.
University of Minnesota French Majors and Minors should schedule an appointment with the Director of Undergraduate Studies for French to discuss course selection and equivalences.
This track is designed for students with no prior French language study or one previous semester of college-level French..
Introduces students to the four language skills: speaking, writing, listening, and reading. Topics include everyday issues (shopping, directions, family, housing).
Beginning French I Syllabus (PDF)
UofM equivalent: FREN 1001
Continues to develop students’ competency in the four language skills: speaking, writing, listening, and reading. Topics include everyday issues (shopping, directions, family, housing, etc.).
Beginning French II Syllabus (PDF)
UofM equivalent: FREN 1002
This track is designed for students with 2 or 3 semesters of previous college-level French study.
Analysis of the French language and linguistic structures.
Intermediate Grammar and Methodology Syllabus (PDF)
UofM equivalent: Intermediate Grammar & Methodology + Writing in French: Tools & Techniques + Intermediate Conversation = FREN 1003+1004 or 1004+3015
This course will strengthen your ability to write well in French on a range of academic topics. An additional emphasis on vocabulary development will give you greater confidence to express yourself orally and in writing in an academic context.
Writing in French: Tools & Techniques (intermediate) Syllabus (PDF)
UofM equivalent: Approved for Writing Intensive liberal education requirement. Intermediate Grammar & Methodology + Writing in French: Tools & Techniques + Intermediate Conversation = FREN 1003+1004 or 1004+3015
Conversation practice through discussions on current topics, films and articles with the class and with an assigned conversation topic.
Intermediate Conversation Syllabus (PDF)
UofM equivalent: Intermediate Grammar & Methodology + Writing in French: Tools & Techniques + Intermediate Conversation = FREN 1003+1004 or 1004+3015
Study of French sounds and intonation and phonetic transcription.
UofM equivalent: FREN 3014
Discover Southern France's ancient history and place in contemporary Europe.
Civilization of the South Syllabus (PDF)
UofM equivalent: Approved for Literature Core Liberal Education requirement. FREN 3650; Civ. course requirement or elective for major/minor.
Examine the works and approach of modern French art masters and major art movements including surrealism, pop art, minimalism and conceptual art from from the 19th to 21st centuries. The course includes visits to art museums in Montpellier, Nimes and Sete.
Art History: From Modern to Contemporary Syllabus (PDF)
UofM equivalent: Approved for Arts & Humanities liberal education requirement.
This course explores French contemporary society from multiple perspectives: on a national, regional, departmental, local, and international level.
Syllabus for Contemporary French Civilization (PDF)
UofM equivalent: Approved for Social Sciences OR Historical Perspectives Core liberal education requirement.
This course examines the interpretation of gender roles in France as expressed through the medium of French cinema.
Syllabus for Masculine/Feminine: France Through the Lens of Cinema (PDF)
UofM equivalent: Approved for Arts/Humanities Core liberal education requirement.
This course will examine how cultural factors influence human behavior and development. Additionally, the interaction between different cultures and how to solve the difficulties that may arise during the acculturation process may be discussed. The course also studies the vision and treatment of mental disorders in different cultures, especially the differences and similarities between French and North American cultures. Mental Health systems of both countries will be also analyzed and compared.
Syllabus for Cross-Cultural Psychology (PDF)
UofM equivalent: PSY 3301
This course exams the process of language learning in children and the different philosophical approaches in the US and France regarding second language development.
Syllabus for Language Development from a Cross-Cultural Perspective (PDF)
UofM equivalent: CI 3610. Approved for Social Sciences liberal education requirement.
This course will examine normative physical, social, and cognitive development from the prenatal period through adolescence, bringing in the French context. The major goals include fostering an understanding of the usefulness of a developmental approach to psychological issues, familiarizing students with current research and methodology in child psychology, and engaging students in the experiences of developmental psychology through observation and analysis of child behavior.
Syllabus for Introduction to Child Psychology (PDF)
UofM equivalent: CPSY 2301/3301
Through the lens of cinema and documentary film, this course explores the changes in French society from the period of the Second World War to the present day. Key moments in France’s history will be examined in a range of prominent films that reflect cultural, social and political evolutions that have taken place. By examining these works from a variety of perspectives, students will develop a deeper understanding of French culture and the community in which they are immersed. Offered exclusively to UofM participants.
Syllabus for French (R)evolutions: Transformations in French society from 1945 to the present through the eyes of filmmakers (PDF)
UofM Equivalent: Approved for Arts & Humanities and Writing Intensive liberal education requirements.
This course examines the development and current state of the European business environment from a French perspective. Topics will include the background/aftermath of the establishment of the European Union (EU) as well as institutional, political, legal and socio-cultural factors at work in the contemporary business and industry landscape. Taught in English at the Program Center exclusively to UMN program participants.
This course accompanies the engagement opportunity and reflects on work culture in France. Options include assisting with coaching after-school sports teams, working with charities, and assisting with English language classes in school settings.
Syllabus for Community Engagement (PDF)
UofM equivalent: Approved for the Civic Life and Ethics liberal education requirement.
Through the lens of literature, this course explores the changes in French society from the period of the Second World War to the present day. Beginning with the trauma of the Nazi occupation, students will look at how French literature over the years has served as a mirror on society, reflecting cultural, social, and political evolutions. Students will examine key moments in France’s history that have left a mark: the period of Nazi occupation and the conflict between collaborators and resistance fighters (as portrayed in Tatiana de Rosnay’s Sarah’s Key), France in Indochina and the underpinnings of its postcolonial legacy (Marguerite Duras’s Sea Wall), the cultural revolution of May 1968 (Annie Ernaux’s The Years), evolving family models and changing visions of the world in the 1980s (Tahar Ben Jelloun’s The Sand Child), social upheaval and exclusion from the 1990s to the present day (Edouard Louis’s Ending Eddy, Michel Houellebecq’s Platform, Mounia Meddour’s Papicha). Recent texts and film will engage with an exploration of contemporary France around issues such as francophone multiculturalism, societal unrest (the yellow-jacket movement) and the terror attacks (Marie N’Diaye’s Ladivine, Jacques’s Audiard’s Un Prophète, Ladj Ly’s Les Misérables, Emmanuel Leconte’s Humour à mort—the Charlie Hebdo attacks), but also France’s continuing mission to promote literature through the Prix Goncourt. The course aims to provide students with tools for understanding a culture through an exploration of its creative artifacts.
UofM equivalent: Approved for the Literature and Writing Intensive liberal education requirements.
Gain a foundational understanding of what is currently known about the transformational processes that shape human development as children mature into adults. This course will review what has been learned about the biological, cognitive, and social development of adolescents in the context of their multiple worlds and the issues and challenges that adolescents confront along the way.
Syllabus for Adolescent Psychology (PDF)
UofM equivalent: CPSY 4303
How do children overcome hazardous experiences to succeed in life? What can be done to protect young people at risk from trauma, war, disasters, and other adversities? This course examines the global literature on resilience in children and youth. Focus on the origins, methods, findings, controversies, and future of research on how young people overcome adversity, as well as the implications of this body of knowledge for fostering resilience in children and societies.
Syllabus for Resilience in Children and Youth: Global Perspectives (PDF)
UofM equivalent: CPSY 4310
English-taught courses offered at University Paul Valéry are on a "special request" basis, with priority placed on the required courses for the program.
Please use the Contact tab to contact Maria Mantey in order to review courses available for the semester you plan to study abroad.
Development of listening, writing, and speaking skills in the context of cultural themes related to the Francophone world. Grammar review and elaboration.
Intermediate French I Syllabus (PDF)
UofM equivalent: FREN 1003
Continued development of listening, writing, and speaking skills in the context of cultural themes related to the Francophone world. Grammar review and elaboration.
Intermediate French II Syllabus (PDF)
UofM equivalent: FREN 1004
This course is offered at no additional cost on programs six weeks or longer. The Learning Abroad Center will email out registration instructions, or you may contact a program team member.
This track is designed for students with 4 or more semesters of previous college-level French study.
Analysis of the French language and linguistic structures. Must be combined with either Academic Writing or Phonetics for a total of 6 credits.
Syllabus for Grammar & Methodology—section I (PDF)
UofM equivalent: FREN 3015
Analysis of the French language and linguistic structures. Must be combined with either Academic Writing or Phonetics for a total of 6 credits.
Syllabus for Grammar & Methodology—section II (PDF)
UofM equivalent: FREN 3016 (FREN 3010 for students who have previously completed 3016)
This course will strengthen your ability to write well in French on a range of academic topics. An additional emphasis on vocabulary development will give you greater confidence to express yourself orally and in writing in an academic context.
Note: Required for UofM students on the Advanced Track who have not yet completed French 3016.
Syllabus for Writing in French (PDF)
UofM equivalent: FREN 3016 or FREN 3010, Approved as Writing Intensive
Study of French sounds and intonation and phonetic transcription.
Note: UofM students who have taken 3014 on the UofM campus cannot enroll in the Phonetics course in Montpellier.
UofM equivalent: FREN 3014
A wide variety of courses are offered each semester at the University Paul Valéry (UPV). Students will be enroll in one or more direct enrollment courses.
Departments include:
Study of French sounds and intonation and phonetic transcription.
Note: UofM students who have taken 3014 on the UofM campus cannot enroll in the Phonetics course in Montpellier.
UofM equivalent: FREN 3014
This course examines the origins of French literature and its development during Western Europe’s first true Renaissance of the 12th and 13th centuries.
Syllabus for Medieval French Literature (PDF)
UofM equivalent: Approved for Literature Core Liberal Education requirement. Approved as Writing Intensive. May be approved for FRIT 3101W for students who have completed FREN 3016. Email the FRIT Director of Undergraduate Studies for approval.
This course gives students a thorough understanding of the Arthurian tradition as it has been depicted in French in the medieval period and the present day. Students will also acquire critical thinking and analytical skills with respect to works of literature and television drama/cinema, and learn how these artistic creations function from a sociological/socio-cultural perspective.
Syllabus for Medieval Literature: Arthurian Legends (PDF)
UofM equivalent: Approved for Literature Core Liberal Education requirement. Approved as Writing Intensive. May be approved for FRIT 3101W for students who have completed FREN 3016. Email the FRIT Director of Undergraduate Studies for approval.
Discover Southern France's ancient history and place in contemporary Europe.
Civilization of the South Syllabus (PDF)
UofM equivalent: Approved for Literature Core Liberal Education requirement. FREN 3650; Civ. course requirement or elective for major/minor.
This course accompanies the internship and reflects on work culture in France. Hours at the internship site are typically 8-10 hours per week.
UofM equivalent: FREN 3650. Fulfills elective credit for major/minor.
Examine the works and approach of modern French art masters and major art movements including surrealism, pop art, minimalism and conceptual art from from the 19th to 21st centuries. The course includes visits to art museums in Montpellier, Nimes and Sete.
Syllabus for Art History (PDF)
UofM equivalent: FREN 3650. Fulfills elective credit for major/minor. Approved for Arts & Humanities Core Liberal Education requirement.
Advanced conversation practice through discussions on current topics, films and articles with the class and with an assigned conversation topic.
Syllabus for Advanced Conversation (PDF)
Note: UofM students who have taken 3018 on the UofM campus cannot enroll in the Advanced Conversation course in Montpellier.
UofM equivalent: FREN 3018
This course explores French contemporary society from multiple perspectives: on a national, regional, departmental, local, and international level.
Syllabus for Contemporary French Civilization (PDF)
UofM equivalent: Approved for Social Sciences OR Historical Perspectives Core Liberal Education requirements.
This course examines the interpretation of gender roles in France as expressed through the medium of French cinema.
Syllabus for Masculine/Feminine: France Through the Lens of Cinema (PDF)
UofM equivalent: Approved for Arts & Humanities Core Liberal Education requirements
This course will strengthen your ability to write well in French on a range of academic topics. An additional emphasis on vocabulary development will give you greater confidence to express yourself orally and in writing in an academic context.
Note: Required for UofM students on the Advanced Track who have not yet completed French 3016.
Syllabus for Writing in French (PDF)
UofM equivalent: FREN 3016 or FREN 3010, Approved as Writing Intensive
This course will not be offered for Spring 2021.
Explore the Theory and Practice of live theater. This course will look at classic pieces through contemporary works. Students will stud the texts and representations.
Syllabus for Theater: Theory & Practice of the live performance
UofM equivalent: FREN 3350 - Literature requirement for major or Elective credit for FREN major or minor.
Under the supervision of a University Paul Valéry (UPV) faculty member, a student engages in 100 hours of directed research on a topic designed by the student in consultation with the on-site faculty member. Research topics must be pre-approved prior to participation.
A wide variety of courses are offered each semester at the University Paul Valéry (UPV). Students will be enroll in one or more direct enrollment courses.
Departments include:
A wide variety of courses are offered each semester at the University of Montpellier (UM). Advanced track students can choose to enroll in 1 direct enrollment course. Departments include:
Courses in these areas are available on a case by case basis. For more information about the courses available at University of Montpellier please contact Maria Mantey.
This course will examine how cultural factors influence human behavior and development. Additionally, the interaction between different cultures and how to solve the difficulties that may arise during the acculturation process may be discussed. The course also studies the vision and treatment of mental disorders in different cultures, especially the differences and similarities between French and North American cultures. Mental Health systems of both countries will be also analyzed and compared.
Syllabus for Cross-Cultural Psychology (PDF)
UofM equivalent: PSY 3301
This course exams the process of language learning in children and the different philosophical approaches in the US and France regarding second language development.
Syllabus for Language Development from a Cross-Cultural Perspective (PDF)
UofM equivalent: CI 3610. Approved for Social Sciences liberal education requirement.
This course will examine normative physical, social, and cognitive development from the prenatal period through adolescence, bringing in the French context. The major goals include fostering an understanding of the usefulness of a developmental approach to psychological issues, familiarizing students with current research and methodology in child psychology, and engaging students in the experiences of developmental psychology through observation and analysis of child behavior.
Syllabus for Introduction to Child Psychology (PDF)
UofM equivalent: CPSY 2301/3301
Through the lens of cinema and documentary film, this course explores the changes in French society from the period of the Second World War to the present day. Key moments in France’s history will be examined in a range of prominent films that reflect cultural, social and political evolutions that have taken place. By examining these works from a variety of perspectives, students will develop a deeper understanding of French culture and the community in which they are immersed. Offered exclusively to UofM participants.
Syllabus for French (R)evolutions: Transformations in French society from 1945 to the present through the eyes of filmmakers (PDF)
UofM Equivalent: Approved for Arts & Humanities and Writing Intensive liberal education requirements.
This course examines the development and current state of the European business environment from a French perspective. Topics will include the background/aftermath of the establishment of the European Union (EU) as well as institutional, political, legal and socio-cultural factors at work in the contemporary business and industry landscape. Taught in English at the Program Center exclusively to UMN program participants.
Through the lens of literature, this course explores the changes in French society from the period of the Second World War to the present day. Beginning with the trauma of the Nazi occupation, students will look at how French literature over the years has served as a mirror on society, reflecting cultural, social, and political evolutions. Students will examine key moments in France’s history that have left a mark: the period of Nazi occupation and the conflict between collaborators and resistance fighters (as portrayed in Tatiana de Rosnay’s Sarah’s Key), France in Indochina and the underpinnings of its postcolonial legacy (Marguerite Duras’s Sea Wall), the cultural revolution of May 1968 (Annie Ernaux’s The Years), evolving family models and changing visions of the world in the 1980s (Tahar Ben Jelloun’s The Sand Child), social upheaval and exclusion from the 1990s to the present day (Edouard Louis’s Ending Eddy, Michel Houellebecq’s Platform, Mounia Meddour’s Papicha). Recent texts and film will engage with an exploration of contemporary France around issues such as francophone multiculturalism, societal unrest (the yellow-jacket movement) and the terror attacks (Marie N’Diaye’s Ladivine, Jacques’s Audiard’s Un Prophète, Ladj Ly’s Les Misérables, Emmanuel Leconte’s Humour à mort—the Charlie Hebdo attacks), but also France’s continuing mission to promote literature through the Prix Goncourt. The course aims to provide students with tools for understanding a culture through an exploration of its creative artifacts.
UofM equivalent: Approved for the Literature and Writing Intensive liberal education requirements.
Gain a foundational understanding of what is currently known about the transformational processes that shape human development as children mature into adults. This course will review what has been learned about the biological, cognitive, and social development of adolescents in the context of their multiple worlds and the issues and challenges that adolescents confront along the way.
Syllabus for Adolescent Psychology (PDF)
UofM equivalent: CPSY 4303
How do children overcome hazardous experiences to succeed in life? What can be done to protect young people at risk from trauma, war, disasters, and other adversities? This course examines the global literature on resilience in children and youth. Focus on the origins, methods, findings, controversies, and future of research on how young people overcome adversity, as well as the implications of this body of knowledge for fostering resilience in children and societies.
Syllabus for Resilience in Children and Youth: Global Perspectives (PDF)
UofM equivalent: CPSY 4310
English-taught courses offered at University Paul Valéry are on a "special request" basis, with priority placed on the required courses for the program.
Please use the Contact tab to contact Maria Mantey in order to review courses available for the semester you plan to study abroad.
Advanced study of French with particular emphasis on grammar review, vocabulary building, oral communication skills, and language usage in cultural contexts.
Syllabus for French Composition & Communication (PDF)
UofM equivalent: FREN 3015
Advanced study of grammar in context: emphasis on writing for varied communicative purposes, reading for style and content, translation. Students must have completed the equivalent of Fren 3015 (5th semester).
Syllabus for Advanced French Composition & Communication (PDF)
UofM equivalent: FREN 3016
Advanced study of grammar in context: emphasis on writing for varied communicative purposes, reading for style and content, translation. Students must have completed the equivalent of Fren 3016 (6th semester).
Syllabus for French Expression (PDF)
UofM equivalent: FREN 3010
In this course, you will examine the unique history and artistic form of French cinema and explore key themes of French society during the 20th Century through the lens of cinema.
Syllabus for History of French Cinema (PDF)
UofM equivalent: Approved for Arts & Humanities Core Liberal Education Requirement.
This course will focus on grammar and vocabulary relevant to the fields of science and technology. It will include visits to local industry.
Explore current perspectives on immigration in France. This course will be taught in French and will include visits and excursions around Montpellier and the surrounding region. You will visit various organizations dedicated to naturalization services, public housing, immigrants' rights, non-violence, anti-racism and anti-discrimination. You will also take part in comminity engagement with local organizations.
Syllabus for La France Mosaique (PDF)
UofM equivalent: FREN 3650; Civ. course requirement or elective for major/minor. Approved for Social Sciences Core, Writing Intensive and Civic Life and Ethics Theme Liberal Education requirement.
This course is offered at no additional cost on programs six weeks or longer. The Learning Abroad Center will email out registration instructions, or you may contact a program team member.
Program Term | App Open Date | Deadline* |
---|---|---|
Spring 2021 | May 1 | Oct 1 |
Depart U.S. | Jan 17 | |
Arrive Montpellier (program start date) | Jan 18 | |
Orientation | Jan 19 – 23 | |
Winter Break | Feb 13 – 21 | |
Easter Monday holiday | Apr 5 | |
Spring Break | Apr 24 – May 2 | |
Last day of class and housing | May 12 | |
Depart Montpellier (program end date) | May 13 | |
Summer 2021 (Session I) | Aug 1 | Mar 15 |
Depart U.S. | May 26 | |
Arrive Montpellier (program start date) | May 27 | |
Orientation | May 28 – 29 | |
French language placement exam | May 29 | |
First day of class | May 31 | |
Last day of class and last day of housing | Jun 25 | |
Depart Montpellier (program end date) | Jun 26 | |
Summer 2021 (Session I & II) | Aug 1 | Mar 15 |
Depart U.S. | May 26 | |
Arrive Montpellier (program start date) | May 27 | |
Orientation | May 28 – 29 | |
French language placement exam | May 29 | |
First day of class (Session I) | May 31 | |
Last day of class (Session I) | Jun 25 | |
First day of class (Session II) | Jun 28 | |
Bastille Day (national holiday) | Jul 14 | |
Last day of class (Session II) and last day of housing | Jul 23 | |
Depart Montpellier (program end date) | Jul 24 | |
Summer 2021 (Session II) | Aug 1 | Mar 15 |
Depart U.S. | Jun 23 | |
Arrive Montpellier (program start date) | Jun 24 | |
Orientation | Jun 25 – 26 | |
French language placement exam | Jun 26 | |
First day of class | Jun 28 | |
Bastille Day (national holiday) | Jul 14 | |
Last day of class and housing | Jul 23 | |
Depart Montpellier (program end date) | Jul 24 | |
Fall 2021 | Dec 18 | Apr 1 |
Depart U.S. | early September, date TBD | |
Arrive Montpellier (program start date) | early September, date TBD | |
Orientation | dates TBD | |
First day of class | date TBD | |
Fall Break | late October, dates TBD | |
Final exams and last day of housing | mid December, date TBD | |
Depart Montpellier (program end date) | mid December, date TBD | |
Academic Year 2021-2022 | Dec 18 | Apr 1 |
Depart U.S. | early September, date TBD | |
Arrive Montpellier (program start date) | early September, date TBD | |
Orientation | dates TBD | |
First day of class | date TBD | |
Fall Break | late October, dates TBD | |
Final exams and end of semester | dates TBD | |
Winter Break between semesters | mid December to mid January, dates TBD | |
First day of class, second semester | mid January, date TBD | |
Winter Break | February, dates TBD | |
Spring Break | April, dates TBD | |
Final exams and last day of housing | mid May, date TBD | |
Depart Montpellier (program end date) | mid May, date TBD |
See below for tentative dates and times for your in-person session. You will be notified of the official date and time via email. Participants will receive applicable orientation materials via email approximately 1 week prior to the in-person session.
Term Abroad | Date/Time | Location |
---|---|---|
Spring 2021 | December 4, 22 and January 8 | online* |
Summer 2021 | TBD | online* |
*Please note that orientations will be held entirely online, not in person. The virtual orientation will be informative and interactive. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of students who have studied in Montpellier in the past as well as have a chance to meet their future cohort.
*UMTC Declared and Prospective French Majors and Minors (semester, academic year, and advanced summer students only): Please contact the French department to set up a meeting with Trina Whittaker, Director of Undergraduate Studies in order to complete the Academic Planning Form. If you are considering declaring a major or minor, please do so prior to orientation.
Traditional French Apartment
Student Studio Apartment
Homestay
Traditional French Apartment
Student Studio Apartment
Homestay
Traditional French Apartment
Student Studio Apartment
Homestay
Summer Session 1 or 2 (Student Studio Apartment)
Summer Session 1 or 2 (Homestay)
Summer Session 1 & 2 (Student Studio Apartment)
Summer Session 1 & 2 (Homestay)
Be aware: All programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
To complete the online application for this program, you will need to select or provide the following information on the online application:
Center Name | TC Learning Abroad Ctr |
---|---|
Education Abroad Term | See Dates page for term options |
Program Name | Language & Culture in Southern France |
Track Name | Language & Culture in Southern France |
Country | France |
Use your University of Minnesota internet ID and password to log into the Education Abroad application system. Your student account will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Once you submit your application, Learning Abroad Center staff will create a University of Minnesota student internet account for you. You will use this account to access the Education Abroad Application System, and other University of Minnesota services. You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Our staff will contact you within 2–3 business days with your internet account information, and additional application instructions.
All students, both UofM and Non-UofM should use this apply button if applying for a program Fall 2021 or beyond (academic year, winter break etc.). You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program, you will be required to submit two additional application items: the Low GPA Essay and Special Circumstances Recommendation. Both items will be added to your checklist after your start your application, and you will be notified when they have been added.
Semester and Academic Year students need a “long-stay” student visa in order to study in France (programs longer than 90 days). Prior to departure, you must apply for and receive your visa before you can arrive in France. The visa process has multiple steps, so plan on getting your passport in order as soon as you have been accepted to the program.
Our role at the Learning Abroad Center is to guide you through the process, provide you with the documents you need, and trouble shoot any questions that come up. You are responsible for your passport, paying for all associated fees and travel, completing all steps in a timely manner and informing the Montpellier team if any issues arise.
Additional step-by-step visa instructions will be provided to you through your online application. Each step must be completed sequentially so it’s important to wait for the instructions before getting started with the visa application process.
The French student visa process has 4 steps:
Your student visa is a document attached to a page in your passport, so you must have your passport prior to applying for your visa.
If you are applying for a passport for the first time, visit the US Department of State website for information on the steps you will need to take. It can take up to 10 weeks to receive a new passport during busy processing times, so apply as soon as possible. Consider expedited service if necessary.
If you already have a passport, make sure that it is valid for 6 months after your program end date and has at least 2 blank pages available.
Carefully consider how any international travel plans may affect your ability to get your student visa. At your in-person appointment, you will give your passport to a VFS Global official. It will then be sent to the Embassy in Washington, D.C. for processing. You will pick up or request to receive your passport via mail approximately 3-8 weeks after your in-person appointment.
If you are a dual citizen: holding a US passport and a passport from another country; determine which passport you will use for your travel to and from France. Complete the “Do you need a visa?” questionnaire on the France-Visas website.
If you do not hold a US passport, permission from US authorities to exit and re-enter the US may be required. Consult with the international student office on your campus for assistance with this documentation.
In order to determine what the entry regulations are for France, a good starting point is to complete the “Do you need a visa?” questionnaire on the France-Visas website. Depending on the type of visa required of you for studying in France, you may need additional documentation for entry. Please contact the Montpellier team at the Learning Abroad Center to consult.
If you are an international student, please note that processing times for international passports can take up to 2 months. During the processing period, you cannot leave the US, because you will not have a valid passport in your possession.
Students traveling with a US passport do not need a student visa in order to study in France for less than 90 days. You will need a valid passport.
If you are applying for a passport for the first time, visit the US Department of State website for information on the steps you will need to take. It can take up to 10 weeks to receive a new passport during busy processing times, so apply as soon as possible. Consider expedited service if necessary. If you already have a passport, make sure that it is valid for 6 months after your program end date and has at least 2 blank pages available.
If you are a dual citizen: holding a US passport and a passport from another country; determine which passport you will use for your travel to and from France. Complete the “Do you need a visa?” questionnaire on the France-Visas website.
If you do not hold a US passport, permission from US authorities to exit and re-enter the US may be required. Consult with the international student office on your campus for assistance with this documentation.
In order to determine what the entry regulations are for France, a good starting point is to complete the “Do you need a visa?” questionnaire on the France-Visas website. Depending on the type of visa required of you for studying in France, you may need additional documentation for entry. Please contact the Montpellier team at the Learning Abroad Center to consult.
If you are an international student, please note that processing times for international passports can take up to 2 months. During the processing period, you cannot leave the US, because you will not have a valid passport in your possession.
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to
Maria Mantey or call at 612.626.7535.Shayla C.: Summer 2018, English/Psychology major and French Studies minor
Kate Redetzke: Spring 2019, Linguistics and French major