*Small Classes
*Excursions
*One week in Paris
*Full semester’s credit
Participants in the Semester in France program study French language and culture at the Université du Maine in Le Mans, a beautiful and historic city on the Sarthe River near the Loire Valley. Le Mans is only one hour from Paris (by train). Excursions are planned to Loire Valley castles and vineyards, to Mont-Saint- Michel , and to the coast of Brittany. A week is also spent exploring Paris.
COURSES
Students earn a total of 15 credits (FRE 397) for their experience at Le Mans.
QUALIFICATIONS TO APPLY
A student must be at least a sophomore with a minimum GPA of 2.5. One year of college French or equivalent is required. Two years or more is preferable.
TRANSCRIPTS AND TRANSFER OF CREDIT
Students should clear all courses with their advisor and home college before going to France. Official transcripts are sent to the student and, on the student’s request, to the college.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
UMF handles all arrangements for the group on regularly scheduled flights from Boston to Paris. Students are responsible for their own travel to and from Boston. Although most students return to Boston as a group, it is possible to extend the stay in Europe and arrange individual return. Students may purchase Eurail passes so that they can visit other European countries as well as France. In past years, students have traveled to England, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, and Belgium. Two vacation periods during the program--one four-day and one seven-day--offer students time to explore. Inexpensive travel by bus or train is also possible.
LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
The Université du Maine enrolls about nine thousand students; and students in UMF ’s Semester in France Program live in individual rooms at the Cité Universitaire . They receive a 50 Euro weekly food allowance to eat at the university cafeteria or prepare meals on their own. Students in UMF ’s Semester in France program are the only Americans studying at the Université du Maine. Therefore, they have many opportunities to integrate themselves into French life.
Nearby recreational opportunities include yoga, tennis, karate, and swimming. The city of Le Mans also offers many opportunities to join specialized clubs, focusing on interests such as music or sports.
SAFETY
Follow this link to Travel Tips For Students - a publication of the U.S. Department of State
HEALTH CARE
Students are responsible for arranging their own health coverage. The French system of socialized medicine makes health care very inexpensive, and excellent facilities are available near the university.
WHAT THE STUDENTS SAY
"The semester I spent in France was the best time of my life. I loved it so much that I am still in France looking for a way to study in Angers next semester. I don't want to leave."
Phoebe Plourde Rogers
"I would have to say I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. Choosing to come to France was one of the best decisions I've made in my life."
Rebecca Deschaine
"France is a great opportunity to learn about your 'American-ness' and see things from a different perspective. Tie your tongue; close your eyes, and jump into a French world! You won't regret it!"
Jennifer McNamee
COSTS
Maine resident tuition and fees, room and board in Le Mans, round-trip transportation to Europe from Boston, and excursions are included in the program fee of about $7400.00 Out of state students pay a higher tuition fee. Personal expenses are not included.
During the week in Paris, UMF arranges and pays for lodging (room, breakfast, and one other meal per day) but students are responsible for all individual expenses.
Upon acceptance, a $500 non-refundable deposit is required, and all fees must be paid before students leave for France. Students have found that an average budget of $20 per day is adequate for entertainment, laundry, and other personal expenses. Obviously, during travels one should budget more. Students in the past have spent $1500 to $2000 for the semester.
FINANCIAL AID
With the exception of Federal Work-Study, most regular financial aid may be applied to the cost of the Semester in Oxford program, but all students planning to use financial aid for study abroad should plan to meet, early, with a financial aid officer in the Financial Aid Office, 224 Main Street, Farmington, ME 04938; telephone (207) 778-7100.
REFUNDS
Should a student withdraw for any reason after arriving in France, only the unused portion of room and board fees can be refunded. In case of academic dismissal, no fees are refunded.
PROGRAM DATES
The program runs from early January through late April. For specific dates for the upcoming program, see the Handbook for Accepted Students.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
For participation in the Spring Semester in France program, completed applications must be received by October 15.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL OR WRITE:
April Spencer
Special Services/International Advising
101 South Street, Farmington, ME 04938
Phone: (207) 778-7273
E-mail: aprils@maine.edu