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Programs : Brochure

This page is the brochure for your selected program. You can view the provided information for this program on this page and click on the available buttons for additional options.
  • Locations: Montpellier, France
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: UM Learning Abroad Center 
  • Restrictions: U of U applicants only
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Program Start Date Program End Date
Fall 2024 06/01/2024 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA
Academic Year 2024-2025 06/01/2024 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA
Spring 2025 11/01/2024 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Program Type: Affiliate Click here for a definition of this term Housing Type(s): Apartment, Dormitory, Homestay
Click here for a definition of this term Home Campus: U of U: Utah Campus Click here for a definition of this term Credit Type: Undergraduate Transfer
Click here for a definition of this term Language(s) of Instruction: French Click here for a definition of this term Minimum Language Prerequisite: Advanced English Language Fluency, Check with Affiliate
Click here for a definition of this term Badge Opportunities: Independent Options, Language Immersion Click here for a definition of this term Field of Study: Business Administration, Education, Culture, & Society, English, History, Humanities, Languages & Literature, Science
Click here for a definition of this term Eligibility: Good Academic & Judicial Standing, Minimum Age: 18, OPEN to ALL Majors Click here for a definition of this term Pre-departure Requirements: Learning Abroad 101, Pre-Departure Orientation, Participation Requirements for Learning Abroad, Post-Decision Health Assessment, Pre & Post Commitments
Click here for a definition of this term Program Cost: $$$
Program Description:
 

Study Abroad in Montpellier

Integrate into French culture in Montpellier, a vibrant city located just miles from the Mediterranean. Hone your French language skills and take classes in a variety of subjects alongside French students at Paul Valéry University, one of Europe’s oldest universities. Enjoy the city’s college-town atmosphere, medieval and contemporary architecture, and sunny climate. 

Academics

  • Attend classes at Paul Valéry University.
  • Choose between a language and culture program, an integrated studies option, a May session, an advanced summer program, or an intensive summer language study.
  • Improve your French language skills.

This program offers options for students at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced language levels at Paul Valéry University.

Courses are offered in French language, culture, history, literature, humanities, social science, sciences, and business for advanced students.

Students at an advanced French language level choose from the regular course offerings at Paul Valéry University.

  • Program type:
    Take classes at Paul Valéry University and choose between four program options. Instruction is in French by French faculty.
  • Level:
    Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced
  • Term:
    • Language and Culture: Fall & Spring semester
    • Integrated Studies: Fall and Spring semester, Academic Year
    • May Session: Three weeks
    • Advanced French Summer Program: Five weeks
    • Intensive French Summer Program: Four or eight weeks
  • Prerequisites:
    • Language and Culture: 2–5 semesters of college-level French
    • Integrated Studies: 4 semesters of college-level French*
    • May Session: No language prerequisite
    • Advanced French Summer Program: 5 semesters of college-level French
    • Intensive French Summer Program: No language prerequisite

    *Fall and Academic year students who have 4 semesters of French and wish to enroll in the integrated studies track are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Intensive French Summer Program.

  • Courseload:
    4 credits

Faculty

Françoise Defrecheux-Chaton is the on-site director. She provides participants with an in-country orientation, academic advising, on-going support during the program, and oversees housing arrangements. She has coordinated this program for many years and has taught at US and French institutions.

A team of additional on-site staff--an administrative assistant, a housing coordinator, and two social assistants--provide support to participants and organize a variety of cultural activities.

How to Apply

Click the button below to visit this program's web page for more information about the application process for this program.

About This Program

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 for an introduction to French language and culture.

Three photos from previous trips

Based at the Paul Valéry University, the liberal arts division of the University of Montpellier, this program also provides access to the highly regarded medical, engineering, and law departments through an extremely flexible course structure. Choose from a mix of special courses with American and foreign students, and regular University of Montpellier courses with French students.

Host family, apartment, or dormitory living allows for different types of integration into everyday French culture. Summer students live in the university dorms.

  • Homestay
    Homestays are a vital connection to local culture and social life and provide students with the opportunity to experience daily life of the French from a first-hand perspective.
  • Apartment
    Students are placed with other program participants in shared apartments.
  • Observatoire
    Students are housed in single studio apartments in a dorm-like setting.
  • Dormitory
    The university dormitory is conveniently located near the Paul Valéry campus. Students are placed in a single room.

Supplemental excursions introduce the unique flavor of southern France. An excursion is included each term and introduces students to the unique character of southern France. In addition, the program's social and administrative assistants organize activities to familiarize you with the city and provide you with opportunities to meet French students. Students are encouraged to participate in local clubs that offer activities such as skiing, hiking, and photography. A two-week break in December, a two-week break in the spring, and travel before or after the program are excellent opportunities to explore France.

About Learning Abroad Center

The Learning Abroad Center in the Office of International Programs is the University of Minnesota's comprehensive resource for study, service-learning, work, intern, volunteer, and travel experiences worldwide.

The Learning Abroad Center is a leader in providing innovative international learning experiences that expand and redefine the world for a diverse population of students, colleagues, and staff. The Learning Abroad Center staff and University of Minnesota faculty and staff participate in numerous leadership opportunities and serve on the advisory boards of organizations who provide and/or support education abroad programs. Through collaboration and individual attention, the Learning Abroad Center continues to promote empowerment, development, understanding, and responsibility in the global community.

A variety of program options--300 programs in over 80 countries--have been developed to address the diverse needs of students. Programs vary in length, level, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and degree of independence demanded of the participant.




 

WHAT IS AN AFFILIATE?

An Affiliate is a partner organization that is evaluated and approved by the University of Utah. Affiliates offer classes in both English and the host language. You may take classes with other U.S. students, international students, or students from the host country. Many affiliates provide special services such as visa support, housing, cultural excursions, and on-site staffing to help you navigate your host country.

APPLYING TO AN AFFILIATE PROGRAM

  1. Complete Learning Abroad 101. This is a short information session about programs, applications, financial aid, and scholarships. You can complete Learning Abroad 101 online.
  2. Submit your Applications. You will submit TWO Applications for this Program. These Applications can be completed at the same time.
    • U of U Application- Click Apply Now at the top of your screen to get started 
    • Affiliate Application- Click on the Homepage link above to find your Affiliate Application. Contact the Affiliate if you have questions.
  3. Commit to your U of U Application. You will receive an acceptance email to your Umail account. Log into your U of U Application and Commit to your Program within 3 business days of acceptance!
  4. Complete the Post-Decision Steps. Finish the Post-Decision steps in your U of U Application by the deadlines provided.

ACADEMICS & ACCOMMODATION

DATES & TRANSPORTATION

  • TENTATIVE dates are listed above. Compare the dates to the University of Utah academic calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts.
  • You are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the host country for most Programs.
  • Do not purchase your flight until you read the instructions in the Learning Abroad Handbook.

LEARNING ABROAD BADGES

Students enrich their time abroad by earning Learning Abroad Badges such as:
Badge Opportunities
This Program is eligible for the Badges listed in the Fact Sheet above. Some Programs offer opportunities to earn additional Learning Abroad Badges through independent options. Click here to learn more about the Global U Program.

FINANCES

  • Scholarships and Financial Aid may be available. Visit our Financial Aid and Scholarships page for more information.
  • Contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to determine if your financial aid and scholarships can be applied to your Learning Abroad program
  • Information about Program Costs, Billing timelines & Due Dates are available to help you plan. 
  • Affiliate Program Fees (non-billable) are established by the Affiliate and are in addition to any fees paid to the University of Utah. These fees are paid in lieu of University of Utah on-campus tuition and housing costs. Click on the homepage link above for more information on Affiliate fees and inclusions.
  • Read the full Withdrawal & Dismissal Penalty Policy before applying.

PROGRAM ADVISING

LEARNING ABROAD HANDBOOK

Interested in learning more about the academic, financial, and logistical aspects of our Programs? The Learning Abroad Handbook outlines the University of Utah's financial, disciplinary, administrative, academic, and logistical expectations. You’ll find videos, tips, and resources that help you make the most of your experience before, during, and after your Program.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

It is your responsibility to read, understand, and adhere to the terms and conditions of your Program. Terms and conditions are outlined in the Learning Abroad Handbook, Learning Abroad website, and in your Program Application. Terms and conditions may also be communicated to you through digital, verbal, and hard copy communication. Contact Learning Abroad with any questions or concerns.