French Language & Culture
Fall 2015 Semester French Alps: Grenoble

About the Program

Designed for intermediate French speakers and above, this program will help you improve your French proficiency while deepening your understanding of French culture. Language courses focus on oral expression, vocabulary development, phonetics, and listening comprehension. You'll also choose elective courses focused on the culture, history, and art of France; elective courses are taught in French to complement and enhance your language learning. Elective course options increase in proportion to your language level, but all are designed to expand your language skills while expanding your knowledge of French culture.

Program Structure

Each semester, you'll enroll in 1 language course at your level. Students at the intermediate to high intermediate level will also enroll in 1 French vocabulary course, and 3 elective courses, all taught in French. Students at the advanced to high advanced level and superior level will also enroll in 1 written and oral expression course, 1 French vocabulary or linguistic course, and 3 elective courses, all taught in French.

Contact hours for language courses vary, but generally range from 90-150 contact hours/6-10 credits per semester. Elective courses meet for 22-30 contact hours/1.5-2 credits per semester. You may earn 14.5-16.5 credits (up to 246 contact hours) per semester, and 29-33 credits (up to 492 contact hours) per academic year.

Classes meet Monday-Friday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.

You’ll take a language placement test online before you arrive in Grenoble. Once on-site, you will take an oral test (10-minutes conversation with a teacher). Registration will then be finalized on-site, based on the results of both of your language placement test. If you don’t test at the intermediate level or higher, you'll be moved to the Intensive Language Program (additional fees may apply). It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home university pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for France. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.

Excursions

Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs*. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.

Geneva

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This excursion takes you across the border to the heart of European diplomacy, beginning with a guided tour of the United Nations. Shop for Swiss chocolates and tour a local flea market before visiting the world-famous Jet d’Eau, or water jet, on Lac Leman. Traversing the lake by water taxi, you’ll have the opportunity to experience this well-known landmark up close. End the excursion with a visit to Geneva’s old town and the Art and History Museum, specializing in Swiss and international art and history exhibitions.

Exploring Provence

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The ancient city of Arles— the current capital of photography in France—is known for its Romanesque architecture and resident Vincent Van Gogh. Visit the local market, tour Arles with a guide, and spend the night in a 16th century hotel facing the Roman amphitheater and arena. A morning trip to the Mediterranean coast takes you to Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, where the annual Pelerinage d'Octobre or October pilgrimage celebrates the arrival of the town’s patron saints. The colorful procession dates back to the 12th century, where locals dressed in period costume re-enact the arrival of Les Saintes Maries. Observe this tradition while following the procession to the sea. You’ll have time to explore the village before testing your horseback riding skills along the marshy, windswept coastline.

Aix-en-Provence

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Begin your exploration of Aix-en-Provence with a stroll along the famous Cours Mirabeau before wandering through Aix’s bustling Provençal market area. A guided visit of Paul Cézanne’s studio brings you into the workplace of this great painter and renowned Aix citizen. The next day, you’ll visit the Maison Saint Victoire to view an exhibition depicting Aix’s long history, from prehistoric times to the present. Then we’ll head over to Mont Saint Victoire for a leisurely hike and relaxed picnic in the beautiful mountains so often portrayed in Cézanne’s paintings.

Annecy

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Get the chance to walk around the beautiful lake of Annecy, the purest lake of Europe and maybe take a swim! This small, picturesque town is worth the journey! You’ll be able to discover the old town and its boutiques, cafés, local restaurants and markets. Take beautiful photos on the Pont des Amours and from the castle of Annecy tower. At the end of the day, enjoy a hot chocolate while admiring the sunset on the lake.