Summer Education Abroad
French language and culture
France
6 or 7 credits in French Language
June 30–July 31, 2009
Dr. Kathryn Murphy-Judy
$3,150 plus VCU tuition and airfare
Registration deadline: End of April or until program is full.
Status: Program full
The Office of International Education and the School of World Studies are pleased to offer an intensive cultural immersion program in French language and culture. The program offers an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in French history as you travel from Paris through the famous French countryside, and experience their unique culture during your month-long homestay in La Rochelle. La Rochelle is a beautiful port city situated on the Atlantic Coast. It was founded in the 10th century and has a rich history visible in both the architecture and the culture of the people.
French teachers: A special opportunity exists for a teachers-only two week program, either a part or in combination with the regular program. For more details, contact Dr. Kathryn Murphy-Judy.
Course and credit options: Course options include FREN 102 Elementary French; FREN 201 Intermediate French, FREN 202 Intermediate French Readings, FREN 205 Intermediate Conversation, FREN 305 Advanced Conversation, FREN 321 French Civilization and Culture, FREN 420 French Regional Culture, FREN 421 French Contemporary Culture, FREN 491 Topics, and FREN 492 Independent Study.
Course description
Classes last for four weeks, four hours each day. Emphasis is on language, culture and civilization. Additional online assignments and pre-departure BlackBoard assignments will be required by Dr. Murphy-Judy, including participation and reflection on the field trips and excursions.
The program is directed by Dr. Kathryn Murphy-Judy, associate professor of French in the VCU School of World Studies. Murphy-Judy has taught French for more than 30 years and has lived extensively in the French-speaking world. This is the third time she has led the program to La Rochelle.
Registration deadline: End of April or until program is full.
Applications will be accepted until the deadline or until participant space is full.
Program cost
$3,150 plus airfare and applicable VCU tuition
The program fee is $3,150 and includes the following:
- Accommodations
- Breakfast and dinner during the homestay in La Rochelle
- Accommodations and in-country transportation during the travel portion
- On-site program director support
- Application fee and deposit
- Pre-departure orientation
- VCU administrative fees
- International Student Identification Card
The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
- Airfare
- VCU tuition and fees
- Some meals
- Passport application fee
- Personal expenses during the program (estimated at $800)
- Anything not specifically mentioned above
Airfare
Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for their own round-trip travel arrangements from the U.S. to France. Murphy-Judy will assist participants in identifying a low-cost option for the group. For best fares you should purchase your ticket prior to April 15.
While in France
The program will begin with two nights in Paris, two and a half days in Normandy including visits to Giverny, Bayeux and Arromanches (one night in Lisieux, one night at the Mont St. Michel), four weeks in La Rochelle at the Institut d’Études Françaises and two excursions. Optional excursions may include trips to islands like Ile de Ré, the chateaux of the Loire Valley or the Cognac region. Other activities may also be organized by the Institut in La Rochelle.
Students will be housed with host families who will provide breakfast and dinner daily. Students will be able to buy lunch near campus at a reasonable expense.
Important facts
- Tuition
- Financial aid
- Passports
- Payment of fees
- Refund policy
Tuition is charged separately and additionally at standard VCU rates for in-state students and at a 40 percent discount for out-of-state students. Estimated costs, based on current tuition per credit, are as follows: undergraduate in-state, $208.55 (per 3 credit class: $619.05); undergraduate out-of-state, $421.20 (per 3 credit class: $1,257); graduate in-state, $428.68 (per 3 credit class: $1,279.44); graduate out-of-state, $543.90 ($1,625.10 per 3 credit class).
Eligible VCU students may apply for need-based financial aid to participate in this program. Contact VCU Financial Aid, Ginter House, Room 110B at (804) 828-6669 or e-mail faidmail@vcu.edu. VCU offers its students a limited number of scholarships for study abroad participation. Contact VCU Education Abroad or see our Web site for further details.
If you have a passport, make sure it is valid for at least six months after your return date. If you do not have a passport, apply early because the processing time can take up to eight weeks. For more information on how to apply for a passport, visit http://travel.state.gov.
The non-refundable registration fee of $250 is due upon registration. The balance of the program fee and the tuition costs (based on the number of credits taken) will be billed separately through VCU Student Accounting after May 2009 (both amounts may be billed at the same time).
All withdrawals must be made in writing and submitted to the Director of Education Abroad.
The refund schedule is as follows:
- Prior to Jan. 8: I am eligible for a refund of the portionof the program fee that has not already been expended in payment of costs outlined on the individual program sheet in support of my participation. I understand that, as the spring progresses, the charges may reflect an increasing amount, depending on what payments have been made on my behalf. After Jan. 8, I understand that the entire program fee may be due. I understand that the refund amount cannot be determined until I formally submit written withdrawal from the program.
- After Jan. 8: I will be responsible to pay the entire program fee. In the event of an unexpected emergency that occurs after Jan. 8, I understand that I must provide a physician’s certification that my condition prohibits participation. In this case, refunds will be limited to recoverable expenses.
Every effort is made to provide updated and accurate information at the time of publication. The sponsors reserve the right to make necessary changes to the programs and costs. The university reserves the right to revise or alter all fees, regulations pertaining to student fees, and fee collection procedures at any time.
