Study French in France

Visit the French in France Photo Gallery

Check out the video created by students after their experience last summer!

Current participants may find copies of the program handbook and current syllabi for this summer's courses at the bottom of this page.

Dates

26 May 2012 - 23 June 2012

The Program

As the birthplace of the French language, France is the ideal location for students to learn its language, experience its customs, and discover its history and art.

The University of Southern Mississippi's study-abroad program in France offers students the opportunity to actively participate in every facet of French's rich culture and heritage.

Location

Paris is located in the heart of France. Because it is the capital and the largest city, Paris is also the economic, cultural, gastronomic, and artistic center of the country.

Academic Program

The Southern Miss French program will be hosted by the France Langue institute at their school in Paris. This center offers e-mail and internet access to students free of charge. Students may also borrow books, videos or music CD's from the library. Classes meet in small groups led by highly qualified instructors who specialize in teaching French as a foreign language.

Program participants will be assigned to classes based on their academic background in French. All courses emphasize communication skills and oral proficiency.

Southern Miss' French in Paris Program awards six (6) semester hours of credit in French to students who complete four weeks of coursework with passing grades. These hours may be taken at any level, from beginning French through graduate-level work. The level of credit depends on the individual's academic background in French, as determined by his or her transcript.

Eligibility

Minimum program eligibility requirements include the completion of at least 28 semester hours with an overall 2.0 GPA for undergraduates and graduate standing for graduate students. All students must be in clear academic standing. Students must also satisfy any additional prerequisites described under the individual course listings. The director of the program, in consultation with the Foreign Languages department chair and the Director of International Education are responsible for final enrollment decisions.

Housing

Every student will live with a French family. Sharing in a family's home life is an essential part of this program, because it immerses students not only in the French language but also in everyday cultural practices impossible for outsiders to observe. It also provides a safe, comfortable environment and a sense of stability that helps counteract culture shock. Students will share morning and evening meals with their host family. Many students form lasting friendships with host family members and continue to correspond with them long after they return to the United States.

Cost

The cost of the program is $4799 for undergraduate credit and $4999 for graduate credit. This price includes, tuition and fees, international student identity card, subway pass, room and board, two weekend excursions (including transportation and, when necessary, hotel). Students will need to make their own flight arrangements.

Financial Aid

The French Studies in France Program qualifies for financial aid in the form of guaranteed student loans, Pell Grants, or applicable graduate assistantships. Southern Miss students requiring financial aid should contact Frances Sudduth in the International Programs Office before requesting a 2011 - 2012 Study Abroad Financial Aid Application from the university's Financial Aid Office.

Please note: If you are eligible for both the honors travel award and the Golden Key discount, only one may apply to the cost of the program. We will apply the award/discount which gives you the highest award/discount.

Application Deadline

Completed online application, with $250 deposit, will be accepted until 26 March 2012, space permitting. Southern Miss will acknowledge receipt of applications and students will be informed of their registration status. The balance of fees will be due on 2 April 2012. Applications are processed in the order of receipt. Students may apply at any time prior to the deadline and are urged to apply early.

Cancellations and Refunds

Except in cases of academic ineligibility or course cancellation, deposits are non-refundable. Fees, exclusive of deposit, are refundable if written notification is received prior to 2 April 2012. Thereafter, no refunds will be available. The International Programs Office should be notified of all cancellations. Refund requests must be made in writing.

Program Director Information

Dr. Joanne Burnett, Director
Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
Phone: 601.266.4964
Fax: 601.266.3316
E-mail: joanne.burnett@usm.edu

 

Current Syllabi