Program Description

An exciting program in Montpellier, France, offered by the University of Minnesota, captures the essence of picturesque southern France. Nestled among rolling hills leading down to the nearby sea and scattered medieval towns, it is a popular cultural and intellectual haven.

Located just ten miles from the Mediterranean coast, Montpellier boasts many cultural activities, manicured parks, and quaint narrow streets. Take in the sights and sounds of Montpellier at the Place de la Comedie where you can relax at one of the many cafes along this oval-shaped central hub. Meander through several outdoor and indoor farmer’s markets around the city where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables and cheeses to practice newly learned French recipes.

As the administrative capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, the central area of Montpellier embodies Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance history; whereas newer parts of the city feature modern architecture, fountains and parks. The people of Montpellier mirror the warm and friendly climate of Southern France. The city, with a population of 250,000, offers a rich array of international theatre, ballet, and concerts at discounted rates for students.

Montpellier’s intellectual life is centered at the prestigious University of Montpellier, one of the oldest universities in France. The Université Paul Valéry, the liberal arts campus of the University of Montpellier, lies in a 25-acre park at the foot of an alpine-covered hillock. With over 23,000 students, it offers a wide variety of courses in the humanities, arts, and sciences.

Academics

Participants enroll for a minimum of 15 other credits and select among the following four course types:
• Special courses for US students on topics students must enroll in a sex-credit grammar component.
• A limited number of advanced language classes in grammar, translation, and phonetics. These are offered exclusively for program participants and are designed to meet their particular needs.
• Regular (Integrated) Université courses in a wide variety of fields taken alongside French students.
• Topics in French/Francophone Culture taught exclusively to Spring semester program participants. Some of the topics include: Civilization of the South, Business French, French Seminar in French Politics and Culture.
• Internship course: The World of Work.

All courses are taught in French by faculty at the Université Paul Valéry. Participants’ language skills will be tested upon arrival, and course selection will depend on individual linguistic ability and academic objectives. Advanced students may choose classes from any of the four types discussed above. Students also have the option of doing an internship and taking the accompanying World of Work course.

Students less advanced in French take classes at the Institute for Foreign Students in language and civilization with the option of enrolling in one integrated course on a pass/fail basis if their schedule permits.

Housing

Participants of the program can choose to live in a homestay, an apartment, or in a university dormitory (limited space available). In the homestay options, breakfast and dinner are included in the program fee. The apartment and dorm options have kitchen areas so students can cook their own meals. Meals in the cafeteria cost around five Euro. Detailed information about each housing option is provided with the application materials.

Excursions and Activities

An excursion to a site of interest in or around Montpellier is included in the program fee. In addition, the administrative assistants organize activities to familiarize participants with the city and provide opportunities to meet French students. Costs involved with these activities are not included in the program fee. Students are encouraged to participate in local clubs that offer activities such as skiing, hiking, and photography.

Students will also have a one week on-site orientation.