Program Details
Location
Montpellier,
France
Term
Summer Session
Housing
Apartment
Dormitory
Homestay
Languages Taught In
English
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
2.5
About
Examine adolescent development and youth well-being from a cross-cultural perspective with Bonnie Klimes-Dougan. Live and study in Montpellier, one of France’s fastest growing cities and an emerging cultural and educational center. Through engaging lessons and discussions, you’ll explore how education systems, child development, and social upbringing differ across American, French, and European culture while gaining new perspectives on what shapes youth around the world. Beyond the classroom, you’ll take part in guided excursions to local schools, child care centers, and youth organizations, as well as participate in a full-day excursion to Arles and a lavender farm.
See the Language & Culture in Southern France page for associated program details.
Housing & Meals
Homestays (Semester, Summer)
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 30–45 minutes by bus or tram from the Program 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 if you do not have prior French language study.
Traditional French Apartment (Semester, Summer)
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, often 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.
Student Studio Apartments (Semester, Summer)
Small studio apartments located in a student apartment building offer 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 2–20 minute walk from the Program Center and a 25 minute tram ride 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.
French Dormitory (Semester)
French dormitory rooms are different from US dormitory rooms. The rooms are generally small, and social interaction with other residents can be minimal compared to a US dormitory setting. Dormitory rooms consist of a single bed, a small desk, a lamp, and a closet. In addition, each room is equipped with a small shower and a toilet. Shared kitchen facilities are available on each floor. The dormitory buildings are located on campus, about a 15 minute commute from the Program Center and a 30-minute commute from downtown. 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, minimalist, have a high level of French, and want to live on campus, this is a good option.
Excursions
A full-day excursion to a lavender atelier and the historic town of Arles in southern France is included. We’ll tour a small lavender production, learn how essential oils are made, and shop in the small market on site. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Arles, a city known for its Roman landmarks, lively markets, and the artistic inspiration it gave to Vincent van Gogh. This excursion offers a relaxed mix of culture, hands-on learning, and the everyday charm of Provence.
*this excursion location is subject to change, however, one full-day excursion is included in the program fee.
Accessibility
If you have a disability and plan to study abroad, visit our Accessibility Abroad page to learn about considerations, answer questions, and request accommodations before you go abroad.
Faculty & Staff
Bonnie Klimes-Dougan is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the College of Liberal Arts. Her expertise lies in the field of developmental psycopathology, particularly stress activation and regulation systems in depression.
Program Structure
Courseload
On this program, you will take one course—MONT 4303: Adolescent Psychology—for 3 credits over the 4-week Summer I session. You will have the opportunity to stay for Summer Session II and take MONT 3027 (Sustainable Development & Food Production in the Mediterranean Landscape) or a French language course, but it is not required. French language courses available during Summer Session II include:
- MONT 1001: Beginning French I
- MONT 1002: Beginning French II
- MONT 1003: Intermediate French I
- MONT 1004: Intermediate French II
- MONT 3015: Advanced French Grammar & Communication I
- MONT 3016: Advanced French Grammar & Communication II
- MONT 3010: French Expression
- MONT 3101: French Cinema
See the Language & Culture in Southern France academics page for more information on available French courses.
The Summer I and II sessions are each 4-weeks, one course (3–4 credits). You may elect to stay for both sessions for a total of 2 courses, 6–9 credits.
Coursework
Academic Planning
You are encouraged to meet with your major and/or minor advisor to discuss how courses completed in Montpellier will count towards your 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.
Summer Beginning Track
- Courses are offered directly at the UofM program center, taught by local French faculty.
- You will take one course per 4-week session: Session I (June), Session II, (July) or Sessions I and II (June and July). You may choose to participate in one or both sessions, for a total of 3–9 credits.
New: English-taught Electives for Summer 2026
Summer Session I: MONT 4303: Adolescent Psychology—Taught by UofM faculty member Bonnie Klimes-Dougan, this course offers a unique opportunity to examine adolescent development from a cross-cultural perspective, compare U.S. and European approaches to youth well-being, and deepen your understanding of psychology while immersed in a new cultural context.
Summer Session II: MONT 3027: Sustainable Development & Food Production or French language course—Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean landscape and learn about sustainable food sources, food production, and regional environmental dynamics on this English-taught course. You can instead choose to take a French language course.
Sustainable Development & Food Production in the Mediterranean Landscape
Course ID
MONT 3027
Terms
-
Fall
-
Spring
-
Summer II
3
Credits
The course is designed to provide you with an understanding of the ecological and cultural components of the Mediterranean landscape and the sustainable development policies that shape and aim to preserve this unique environment. By focusing on key food production activities closely tied to the environmental dynamics of the region, you will be able to immerse themselves in the environmental, technical, and economic pressures the local population face. The course aims to address the main issues surrounding the intensive human use of the environment to be able to provide a growing population with healthy food in a sustainable way. We’ll be paying special attention to water use, soil management, loss of biological diversity, and the challenges posed by global climate change.
Language Taught In
- English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
-
The Environment
Adolescent Psychology
Course ID
MONT 4303
Terms
-
Fall
-
Spring
-
Summer I
3
Credits
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. This course will provide an overview of development in the teenage years/second decade of life looking at both the US and French perspectives.
Language Taught In
- English
Prerequisite
None
UofM Equivalent
CPSY 4303
Dates Details
Join us at our online info session with UofM Professor Bonnie Klimes-Dougan! Learn more about the program structure and get your questions answered.
When: Wednesday, February 11th
Time: 12:00–12:45 p.m.
Where: Online; link to be provided
Summer 2026—Session I (MONT 4303)
Application Open Date: August 1, 2025
Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Depart U.S. | May 21 |
| Arrive in Montpellier (program start date) | May 22 |
| Orientation | May 23–May 24 |
| National Holiday | May 25 |
| First day of class | May 26 |
| Last day of class | June 19 |
| Depart Montpellier (program end date) | June 20 |
Summer 2026—Session I & II (MONT 4303 + optional second course)
Application Open Date: August 1, 2024
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Depart U.S. | May 21 |
| Arrive in Montpellier (program start date) | May 22 |
| Orientation | May 23–May 24 |
| National Holiday | May 25 |
| First day of class | May 26 |
| National Holiday (Bastille Day) | July 14 |
| Last day of class | July 17 |
| Depart Montpellier (program end date) | July 18 |
Orientation Dates & Locations
The Learning Abroad Center provides pre-departure orientation in preparation for your time abroad. It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.
Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:
- Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory.
- LAC Program Orientation: Program-specific and important UofM registration information will be covered (academic registration, finances, arrival, housing etc.). Details will be sent to you via email.
The Learning Abroad Center also offers 2 optional orientations:
Fees
University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.
If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.
Fees or tuition from home institutions may be added to or differ from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center fees listed on this page.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
Flight & Deposit Advance
The Flight & Deposit Advance (formerly Bridging Loan) is a no-interest/no-fees program that allows you to defer payment of your flight and LAC program deposit until your financial aid is disbursed.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
Prepare
Complete pre-application advising.
US Passport holders require a visa to study on this program. In order to obtain a visa, you must have a valid passport. 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
To apply to this program, you will apply via the Language & Culture in Southern France: Summer Session I 2026 program/track.
If you wish to stay on for a second summer session to take a second course, you may apply for Language & Culture in Southern France: Summer Session I & II 2026.
Complete
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:
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.
- Course Enrollment Form: after opening your application, complete the Course Enrollment Form and indicate MONT 4303: Adolescent Psychology (3 credits).
Next Steps
- Upon submitting the online application, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application was received.
- Follow the instructions on your application checklist to submit all of the items. Your application is not considered complete until all items on your application checklist are either received or waived.
- You will be notified of an acceptance decision by email. If accepted, you will be assigned a confirmation checklist. Log in to the online application to review the confirmation checklist and submit the required items.
Application Review Process
After your application checklist is complete, your application is reviewed by our program team. You will be notified of an acceptance decision by email. If accepted, you will have 2 weeks to confirm your spot on the program. Once confirmed, you will have additional required forms to complete before participating in the program. If you decide not to continue with the application process, log into the online application system and submit a Cancel Request.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to
Cassidy Nelson at [email protected],
or call at
612.626.7134.