Semester in France

*Small Classes
*Excursions
*One week in Paris
*Earn up to 16 credits

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 can up to 16 credits for their experience at Le Mans. Each course taken will be graded individually.

1.Special Classes for UMF Students:

• Oral Communication (2 credits)
• Culture and Current Events (2 credits)
• Contemporary Literature (3 credits)
• Weekly Journal to improve and develop writing skills (2 credits)
• Field Trips are a central component of the program. The city of Le Mans, situated on the Sarthe River near the Loire Valley, serves as a laboratory for the study of French culture. In addition to weekly explorations of Le Mans, four days are spent discovering the rich culture and history of Paris. Additional field trips are planned to the Loire Valley Château and to Mont Saint Michel on the coast of Brittany. (3 credits)

2. Classes with French Students:

• Translation classes (Thème et Version) with first or second year French students, either in the LEA or English Dept. (2 credits)
• Students take at least one more class with the French students, in the field of their choice, e.g. history, geography, literature, business, etc. Students with an interest in elementary, secondary, or special education may elect to do a practicum in a local school, instead of taking an extra class. In any case, the program will be chosen with the help of an advisor. (2 credits)

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 CREDITS

Students should clear all courses with their academic advisor and home college before going to France. UMF students' grades are posted directly to the UMF transcript, factored into their UMF GPA, and are accessible through WebDSIS.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

UMF handles all arrangements for group travel on regularly scheduled flights from Boston to Paris. Students are responsible for their own travel to and from Boston. Although most students return from France as a group, it is usually possible to extend the stay in Europe and arrange individual return.  Two vacation periods during the program offer students time to explore. Inexpensive travel by bus or train is possible.

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

L'Université du Maine enrolls about ten thousand students; and students participating in UMF ’s Semester in France Program live in individual rooms at the Cité Universitaire . They are responsible for their own meals and should count on spending approximately 60 euros per week for food. Students in UMF ’s Semester in France program are among the few Americans studying at the Université du Maine. Therefore, they have many opportunities to integrate themselves into French life. Nearby recreational opportunities include soccer, dance, yoga, tennis, basketball, 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

All students studying abroad through UMF are required to purchase the International Student Identification Card, which carries some health insurance, as well as medical evacuation and repatriation insurance. Students should also check with their regular health insurance company to see if they will be covered while studying in France. 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

In addition to 16 credits of UMF tuition and fees, students are charged a program fee which includes the residence hall room in Le Mans, round-trip airfare (Boston/Paris), and cultural visits. The spring 2007 program fee was $3600. Students pay their usual tuition rate.  Students are responsible for obtaining their own passport and visa and paying for their own meals. Personal expenses are not included.

For accepted students, a $500 non-refundable deposit is required by October 25th and all fees must be paid before students leave for France. Students have found that an average budget of approximately $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 $2500-$3500 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 France program; however, international student waivers do not apply. All UMS students planning to use financial aid for study abroad should meet, early, with a financial aid officer in the Financial Aid Office at their home institution.

REFUNDS

Should a student withdraw for any reason after arriving in France, only the unused portion of room 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.