FRANCE STUDY
ABROAD PROGRAMS
The city - La Rochelle, France
La Rochelle is a beautiful port city of more than 70,000 inhabitants located on the Atlantic Ocean in the department of Charente-Maritime. Both the city and the surrounding area are extremely rich in history. In addition to having one of Europe’s most beautiful aquariums, La Rochelle possesses a large number of interesting museums. Being a fishing port, the city has a plentiful supply of fresh seafood. Thanks to its temperate climate, beautiful beaches and pleasant atmosphere, La Rochelle draws tourists from all over the world. In La Rochelle, students will live with carefully chosen families and take courses at the Institut d’Études Françaises.
The University - Minnesota State University Mankato
Minnesota State University, Mankato’s summer program is a cooperative venture with the Institut d'Études Françaises which is affiliated with the Université de La Rochelle. The teaching staff is made up of native speakers familiar with the difficulties encountered by foreigners learning their language. A staff member from Minnesota State University, Mankato, accompanies students and meets with them on a regular basis both in Paris where he serves as guide and in La Rochelle.
The first 10 days of the program are spent in Paris visiting major monuments, museums and neighborhoods. There are also excursions to Saint-Denis, Versailles, Vaux-le-Vicomte, Épernay and Fontainebleau. While in Paris, the students stay in a clean, modern, residential hotel. After Paris they leave for Normandy, visiting Giverny (Monet’s gardens and home), the Musée des Impressionismes Giverny, Lisieux, Bayeux (its museum and cathedral), Arromanches (its landing beaches and museum), the American Cemetery and le Mont-Saint-Michel. The month of July is then spent in La Rochelle. When the students return to Paris at the end of July, they will visit the cathedral at Chartres.
Housing
In Paris and while on excursions, students will stay in hostels or hotels. Upon arrival in La Rochelle, students will be placed with host families. With their host families, students will be served two meals per day.
Academics
Eligibility
Minimum sophomore standing; 2.75 GPA
Language
Courses taught in French
Courses offered
The "Institut" provides language courses at the elementary, intermediate and advanced levels specifically designed for the program’s students. They stress contemporary French civilization, grammar review and conversation. They meet for a total of 80 50-minute class periods. All students must enroll for nine semester credits. Undergraduates may enroll for a total of twelve.
On the weekends in La Rochelle, students travel to places like the Loire River Valley and Cognac region. The cost of these two outings is included in the program. Students may participate in other excursions sponsored by the Institut. No weekend trips to other parts of France or Europe are allowed.
Grades do not transfer to Marquette University for this program. Only credits will transfer provided that a grade of “C” or higher is earned.
dates
Students are able to study in La Rochelle for the summer. Dates are typically mid-June to late July.
| Summer 2012 | |
| Program begins | June 16 |
| End of Semester | July 30 |
Visa & Travel
A student visa is not required for this program, although all students must have a valid passport that extends three months past the ending date of the program.
Mankato may arrange group air transportation. If they do not, students participating in this program will be expected to make their own flight arrangements. You must wait until you have been officially accepted by the program before purchasing airline tickets. Student Universe (http://www.studentuniverse.com) and STA Travel (http://www.statravel.com) are two travel agencies that can often help students find flexible, discounted tickets.
Program type
This is an external approved program, so only federal and state financial aid applies. To learn more about how the program will affect your specific aid package, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Office of International Education
