The University of Minnesota offers a study abroad program at Paul Valéry University, the liberal arts division of the University of Montpellier.  Montpellier is one of France's fastest growing cities and an emerging cultural and educational center.  It is home to 100,000 university students and is the ideal place for an introduction to the French language and culture.

You will begin your studies by enrolling in an intensive language and culture program. This program includes excursions and numerous opportunities to practice conversing in French.  You will also enroll in the one-credit online course Maximizing Study Abroad. This course enhances your learning abroad experience and covers topics related to intercultural communication. It also eases adjustment with strategies for learning culture and language.  You have the opportunity to enroll in the Language and Culture option or the Integrated Studies option.

Language & Culture Option

• 15–16 semester credits
• Intended for intermediate students (2–6 semesters of French)
• Courses with international students
• Curriculum designed to strengthen language proficiency
• Internship option for 6th semester students  

Integrated Studies Option

• 18 semester credits (15 for spring semester)
• Intended for advanced students (4 or more semesters of French; 5 semesters for Spring)
• Variety of course options available to meet individual academic goals
• Internship option

You may choose between three housing options, a family, apartment, or dormitory option. 

A homestay is a vital connection to local culture and social life and provides you with the opportunity to experience daily life of the French from a first-hand perspective.  You will receive breakfast and dinner during the week and all meals on the weekend. Housing is not provided during program breaks unless specifically arranged.

Apartments are in town and within walking distance of the University and downtown Montpellier. You will share the apartment with two to four other students from the program, with two people sharing a bedroom. The program fee for this option does not include meals, utilities, or the rental deposit.

The university dormitory is conveniently located near the Paul Valéry campus. You will be placed in a single room with modest cooking facilities available on each floor. The program fee for this option does not include meals.

Contact Renee Knutson, Director of Study Abroad, to discuss program fees and financial aid.

For more information on scholarships from the University of Minnesota, click here. 

The  tentative program dates for Fall Semester 2008 are August 13 - December 20.  The tentative program dates for the academic year 2008/2009 are August 13 - May 21.  Application deadline is April 1, 2008. 

To be eligible for the Language & Culture option, you must have completed 1 year college level French, have a cumulative GPA of 2.5, and a 3.0 GPA in French.  For the Integrated Studies option, you must have completed 2 years of college-level French or equivalent, have a cumulative GPA of 2.75, have a 3.0 GPA in French, and be of sophomore standing.

Submit University of Minnesota application, required items and $50 application fee to the Study Abroad Office.

Submit Saint Mary's required paperwork to the Study Abroad Office. 

Acceptance is contingent on a thorough review of the your application and subsequent approval from the University of Minnesota.

After acceptance, complete the following required items.

1.  Pay $400 non-refundable program deposit payable to SMU. 

2.  Attend all orientation sessions.

3.  Obtain a passport.  Submit a copy of the first page to the Study Abroad Office.

4.  Obtain a student visa. 

5.  Arrange travel plans.  Submit a copy of your flight itinerary to the Study Abroad Office.

6.  Purchase the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) for $22 in the Study Abroad Office.

Location

France is the largest country in Western Europe, with a population of 55 million.  Montpellier is in the southern part of France and is ten miles from the Mediterranean coast and about 125 miles from the Spanish boarder.  It is the capital of the region Languedoc-Roussillon and has a population of 300,000.

Climate

The average afternoon high temperature for the following months are:

January: 30 °F (-1 °C)
April: 59 °F (20 °C)
July: 75 °F (24 °C)
October: 61 °F (16 °C)

Time

When Central Standard Time is in effect in the United States, France is seven hours ahead.