FRANCE STUDY
ABROAD PROGRAMS
The City – Paris, France
Paris dramatically wears its history on its sleeve, and today it is still centered around the Ile de la Cité, where over 2,000 years ago Celtic tribes first eked out a living. Despite its large size and population, city is easily walkable, with the excellent Métro system giving access to nearly every corner.
The varied populations within Paris define the city’s atmosphere just as much as its landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. The older French establishment resides comfortably in the smart 16th arrondissement, while more recent immigrants live in areas such as the burgeoning Belleville and the Goutte d’Or. Up and coming areas of the city include Bercy, where new flats, bars and restaurants are drawing a youthful and moneyed crowd east.
The University – Institut Catholique de Paris
Students from Marquette attend the Institut de Langue et de Culture Française (ILCF), housed within the larger Catholic University of Paris. Located in the heart of Paris, the ILCF has been teaching French and Foreign Language to over 3000 students annually for more than 60 years. ILCF is primarily a language and culture oriented institution, with courses focused on the French major or minor.
As an outstanding language institute, ILCF is known for its excellent teachers and small class sizes. Marquette students have all the housing options that Paris provides, but the ILCF also helps accommodate homestays and aids with finding apartments.
In addition to regular classes, ILCF also offers a variety of activities during the semester. Among these are conversation clubs, numerous cultural excursions a sailing club and a theatre club.
Housing
University students in Paris typically live in apartments as most universities have very limited on-campus housing, if any, and numerous agencies in the city assist students in finding appropriate lodging.
However, students attending ILCF have the option to live with a French family in a homestay. Marquette highly encourages this option in order to maximize language acquisition. Students who choose the homestay can select either a breakfast and kitchen access option, or a half board option which includes breakfast and five dinners a week.
ILCF also assists students with finding an apartment agency if they choose. In that case, meals are the student’s responsibility. There are a number of places to eat on campus and Paris is the home to thousands of restaurants. The cost of living is somewhat higher than Milwaukee, but a decent student meal can be purchased for 7-10 euros.
Academics
Eligibility
Sophomore standing; 2.75 GPA; 4 semesters of college level French or non-language courses taught in French
Language
Courses taught in French; some English courses available
Orientation
An orientation is held the weekend before classes begin. You will receive more info prior to departure.
Courses offered
The ILCF is a language and culture focused curriculum. The academic offerings are particularly appropriate for French majors and minors, although the Institut does offer a program of courses in English focused on European culture.
French language students can take a full roster of speaking, listening and writing courses at the beginning, intermediate and advanced level. Placement tests will be done at the beginning of the program to place students in the appropriate level.
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 at Institut Catholique for a semester, academic year or a summer. Typically the fall semester is mid-September to late-January, the spring semester is mid-February to mid-June and the summer session is July or August.
Spring 2012 |
Summer 2012 |
|
Program begins |
Feb. 16 |
July 2 or July 30 |
Orientation & Testing |
Feb. 13-16 |
|
Holidays |
Apr. 16-27 |
|
End of Semester |
June 15 |
July 27 or Aug. 24 |
Visa & Travel
A student visa is required for this program. Students must register with CampusFrance as soon as they are accepted to begin their visa process. OIE can help answer questions about the visa process, however securing the visa is the sole responsibility of the student.
Students participating in this program are expected to make their own flight arrangements. You must wait until you have been officially accepted to the program by ILCF before purchasing airline tickets. Student Universe
(www.studentuniverse.com) and STA Travel (www.statravel.com) are two travel agencies that can often help students find flexible, discounted tickets.
Program Type
This is a Marquette home billed program, so most financial aid generally applies. To learn more about how the program will affect your specific aid package, go to the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Office of International Education
