Description

French Language and Culture in La Rochelle

The Global Education Office and the School of World Studies are pleased to offer an exciting program in France offering an intensive immersion portion in French language and culture, as well as an in-depth portion studying French cinema and culture in English. Students may also opt to receive general education credit for the WRLD 203 course. Both of these program tracks offer an exceptional opportunity for students to immerse themselves in French history and culture as they travel from Paris through the countryside of Normandy and experience this unique culture during their month-long course and home-stay with a host family 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.

For French teachers, a special opportunity exists to register for a two week program, either apart or in combination with the regular program. Contact program director Margaret Ozierski.

Course and credit options: 6 or 7 VCU credits

Students enrolling in the French language and culture program will choose 6 credits from the following courses:
* FREN 102 Elementary French
* FREN 201 Intermediate French
* FREN 202 Intermediate French Readings
* FREN 205 Intermediate Conversation
* FREN 300 Advanced Grammar & Writing
* FREN 305 Advanced Conversation, FREN 420 French Regional Culture
* FREN 421 French Contemporary Culture
* FREN 491 Topics.

Students enrolling in the French cinema and film program will choose 6 credits from the following courses:
* WRLD 203: Texts and Contexts: French Cinema
* WRLD 291: Topics in World Languages and Cultures
* WRLD 391: Topics in World Languages and Cultures
* WRLD 491: Topics in World Languages and Cultures
* HUMS 291: Special Topics in Humanities and Sciences
* HUMS 391: Special Topics in Humanities and Sciences

Course description

Classes last for four hours each day for four weeks. Emphasis is on language, culture and civilization. Additional online assignments and pre-departure Blackboard assignments will be required by Margaret Ozierski, including participation and reflection on the field trips and excursions.

Those seeking WRLD or HUMS credit will also have class every day in English and will write their reflections papers and assignments in English.

The program is directed by Margaret Ozierski, adjunct instructor of French in the VCU School of World Studies. Margaret Ozierski has just completed her Ph.D. in French at Duke University and has lived and studied in France on several occasions.

Highlights

While in France

The program will begin with two 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'tudes Francaises and two excursions. Optional excursions may include trips to islands like Ile de Re, the chateaux of the Loire Valley or the Cognac region. Other activities may also be organized by the Institut in La Rochelle.

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.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• French

Cost in US$:

Approx. USD2,700 + VCU tuition + airfare

Program Fees Include:

The program fee is approximately USD2,600 - USD2,800 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 USD800)
* Anything not specifically mentioned above

Please budget for these additional expenses.

Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for making their own round-trip travel arrangements from the US to their destination city. Program directors will meet with accepted students to go over specific travel logistics and may help students in identifying low-cost travel options. For best fares, students are encouraged to purchase their tickets prior to April 15.

Experience Required

yes

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Other

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Letters of Reference

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Year Founded

1838