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Learning Abroad Center: France, Language and Culture in Southern France (Outgoing Program)

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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Education Abroad Adviser: Johnna Weston Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 2.5
Click here for a definition of this term Class Standing: 2.5 - Second Semester Sophomore Click here for a definition of this term Graduate/Undergraduate: School of International Affairs, Undergraduate
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, French Click here for a definition of this term Language Requirement: 2 semesters
Click here for a definition of this term Internship Available: Yes Click here for a definition of this term Fields of Study: Anthropology, Arabic, Archaeology, Art History, Biology, Business, Chinese, Communications, Education, Engineering, Environmental Studies, French, Geography, German, History, International Business, Internship, Italian, Linguistics, Literature, Marketing, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Portuguese, Psychology, Russian, Science, Sociology, Spanish, Visual Arts
Click here for a definition of this term Research: Yes
Program Description:
Due to COVID-19 regulations, all education abroad programs have been cancelled through spring of 2021. Though the University has hopes to resume programming and travel for summer 2021, future travel is subject to University approval, dates are subject to change, and programming may be altered or cancelled due to changing circumstances.

Overview

Eligibility

  • 18 years of age or above
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
  • 2.50 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
  • Second semester sophomore standing or above at the start of the program 
  • 2 semesters of college-level French language or equivalent for intermediate track
  • 4 semesters of college-level French language or equivalent for advanced track
  • Participants must have had French courses within 1 year of participation, or be able to demonstrate required language skills

Program Description 

This program is administered by the University of Minnesota and is open to all Penn State undergraduate students. Based at the University of Minnesota's Program Center in Montpellier, this program provides a strong foundation of French language (composition, grammar, conversation, etc.) and culture electives. In addition, longstanding partnerships with the University Paul Valéry (UPV) and the University of Montpellier (UM) allow you to take electives in the arts, humanities, engineering, sciences, and business. To meet your individual needs and take full advantage of Montpellier's many opportunities, the course selection process is individualized and the academic program is tailored. Choose from a mix of elective courses taught exclusively for French language learners and direct enrollment options with French students.

There are two different academic tracks available:

  • Intermediate Track - This track is designed for students with 2 or 3 semesters of previous college-level French study. This semester program is designed to help students advance quickly in their French language skills.
  • Advanced Track - This track is designed for students with 4 or more semesters of previous college-level French study. This semester program allows students to continue to strengthen their French language and grammar skills while also enrolling in one or more direct enroll courses at University Paul Valéry (UPV) or University of Montpellier (UM).

Dates

Fall: early September - late December
Spring: mid January - mid May

Refer to the program website for the specific dates, if available. 

Location

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 to experience French language and culture. 

Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation

In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Global Programs website.

Academics

Available Fields of Study

Anthropology, Arabic, Archaeology, Art History, Biology, Business, Chinese, Communications, Education, Engineering, Environmental Studies, French, Geography, German, History, International Business, Internship, Italian, Linguistics, Literature, Marketing, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Portuguese, Psychology, Russian, Science, Sociology, Spanish, Visual Arts

Course Listings

To find courses at the Learning Abroad Center: Montpellier, Language and Culture in Southern France, follow the instructions on the their website.

To see what Penn State students have previously taken on this program, see the Historical Course List, which is meant to be a guide as to what courses might be available and how they might transfer to Penn State. Courses listed here may not be offered during the semester you attend the program and the credit amount or course title may have changed. 

Note: You are not limited to choosing classes on the program Historical Course List. You should consult the full list of courses on the host program page before choosing a program.

Course Selection

To find appropriate courses that will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:
  • Research courses available on your program
  • Meet with your academic adviser to discuss potential courses abroad and your degree requirements 
  • Keep in mind that courses abroad may change or may be unavailable for your selected term, so you will need to discuss possible back-up course options
  • To register for courses on this program you will work with your host program
To see a list of required courses for this program, please visit the Language and Culture in Southern France program page.

Academic Policies

  • You must enroll in a minimum number of 15 credits and a maximum number of 18 credits 
  • You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
  • World Campus courses should not be taken in addition to or as a substitute for courses offered abroad
  • You may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad
  • If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation 

Course Equivalency Process

In order for courses from abroad to appear on your Penn State transcript, each course must be given a course equivalency. Please visit the Academics section of the Global Programs website for information on the course equivalency process.  

Courses can be submitted for course equivalency before, during, or after the education abroad program, however, you should begin this process as soon as possible as it can take on average 2-4 months or more for courses to receive a Penn State course number. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain syllabi from abroad before the start of the term, but when possible, courses can be submitted for review before departure. Talk to your Education Abroad Adviser about requesting syllabi.

Grade and Credit Conversion Scale

Grades and credit conversions from your host institution cannot be changed. They will be converted to Penn State credits and grades based on the following scales:
 
Grade Conversion Scale
Host Institution Grade Penn State Grade
A A
A- A-
B+ B+
B B
B- B-
C+ C+
C C
D D
F F
 
Credit Conversion Scale
Host Institution Credit Penn State Credit
3 3

Housing and Meals

Housing

Homestay
  • Homestays provide a vital connection to the local culture, as well as the opportunity to experience French daily life. Host families provide breakfast and dinner during the week and all meals on the weekend. Most families live in the suburbs of Montpellier, approximately 45 minutes by bus, tram, and foot from the city center and from campus.
Traditional French Apartment
  • Live with other program participants in typical French apartments. These are usually located in the center of town or close to the universities and are easily accessible to the program center and the university. You will share the apartment with 1–2 other students from the program, occasionally with two people of the same gender sharing a room. The program fee for this option does not include meals, utilities, or the $500 security deposit.
Student Studio Apartment
  • Small studio apartments within a student apartment building offer basic modern rooms with a small private bathroom and kitchenette. The rooms are furnished with a single bed and desk. The residence building is located in downtown Montpellier, about a 20-minute walk from the program center and a 30-minute commute from the university. This housing option does not include meals, but does include utilities. A $500 security deposit will be billed with your program fee.
Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions. 

Meals

Please read about meals in each housing option listed above.

Costs and Funding

Program Costs

Fall Costs
Spring Costs

The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser. 
 

Scholarships 

The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Global Programs. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.

Program Specific Scholarships

Student Aid

Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid. 

Withdrawal & Refund Policy 

Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies. 

After Commitment

Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred. 

Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.

After the Start of the Program 

If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.

For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.

Life Abroad

General Information 

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.

Accessibility 

Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Global Program Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.

Gender and LGBTQA

There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.

Race, Ethnicity, and Faith

When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.

Non-U.S. Citizens

It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.

Next Steps

Steps to Study Abroad

The planning stages outlined on the Global Programs website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Global Penn State website. 

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!

Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Global Penn State website. 

Deadlines

You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Global Programs website.

Contact Education Abroad 

If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.

Peer Advisers

Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website. 

Education Abroad Advisers 

Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Global Penn State website. 

Social Media

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For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Global Programs Events Calendar and follow us on social media!


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Academic Year 2020-2021 03/01/2020
03/12/2020 TBA TBA
Spring 2021 05/01/2020
06/05/2020 TBA TBA
Academic Year 2021-2022 03/15/2021
03/25/2021 TBA TBA
Fall 2021 03/15/2021
03/25/2021 TBA TBA
Spring 2022 05/01/2021 06/04/2021 TBA TBA

Indicates that deadline has passed