SPACES NOW AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER 2010. NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT OF $200 DUE JAN. 15, 2010

Photo by Prof. Clyde Willis   The Eiffel Tower at night with some students from 2008

UNIVERSITÉ d'ÉTÉ en NORMANDIE, FRANCE June 11-July 9, 2010 (Including 6 days of sightseeing in Paris)   EARN SIX CREDITS OF FRENCH: FREN 3910 or FREN 2910 Students must have completed 2 semesters of college French with grades of C- or better and must be in good academic standing (2.0 GPA overall)   ALL ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED IN FRENCH: MORNING CLASSES 9:00-12:00: EMPHASIZE IMPROVEMENT IN SPEAKING AND LISTENING IN FRENCH AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES 2:30-5:00:  HISTORY and CULTURE of NORMANDY, GUIDED VISITS TO PARIS, BAYEUX, MONT ST. MICHEL, COUTANCES, CAEN, AVRANCHES, ST.-LÔ, THE D-DAY BEACHES, CHÂTEAUX, MUSEUMS and MORE!! SEE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Delicious Local Products

Students from the 2006 grouP

PRICE OF LAND PACKAGE : ABOUT $1800*, includes lodging and 2 meals a day with a home stay family, museum entrances and excursions throughout Lower Normandy, including excursions to Caen, Bayeux, Omaha Beach, Mont St. Michel, Coutances, Avranches and more with lodging and breakfast, lodging and breakfast in Paris for 6 days at the 3-star Grand Hotel du Calvados, museum pass in Paris, subway pass in Paris, Seine River cruise, round trip transfers from Paris airport, and internet access at the Institut Universitaire de Technologie-Cherbourg-Manche. Students will need to have access to spending money for souvenirs, lunches at the student cafeteria at the IUT and non-program meals in Paris and during field trips. *estimated price depending on fluctuation of the Euro. This price is an estimate of total costs in France, and DOES NOT INCLUDE airfare, MTSU summer tuition and fees for 6 credits, non-program meals, the ISIC Card ($22) and passport fees ($67). Please note that the price quoted above will increase if less than 10 students enroll. Maximum number of students who may enroll: 15; minimum: 5.

With the Norman Folklore Group, the Alfred Rossel Society   Some students from the 2008 trip at Pointe du Hoc, near Omaha Beach, where American troops landed on June 6, 1944

Students are encouraged to apply for the MT Abroad Scholarship. All financial aid may be applied to this course. REFUND POLICY: The deposit is non-refundable. Half of other fees paid may be refunded before March 1. No refunds are possible after March 17, 2010. All deposits will be refunded if the course is cancelled.   READ WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING: "I love this trip!-- I'm so very sad that it is ending. My time in France has opened my eyes to the world. I can't wait to plan my next trip and continue to work on other languages." (Student evaluation) "I would like to thank MTSU and the Foreign Languages department for offering this course. I have never studied abroad before and this trip was my first time in Europe. It was the most amazing thing! I wish I had studied abroad more in my college career. This trip to Normandy is a part of me forever and I have seen things I may never see again and have met many new friends that I am happy about." (Student evaluation) "My exchange was a truly invaluable experience which I can never forget. It helped me to understand and experience first-hand the language and culture in a way that could never be taught in a classroom. In addition, I left with lasting friendships both at home and abroad." Joe Duke, 2008   Go to Frequently Asked Questions

FOR MORE INFORMATION contact DR. NANCY GOLDBERG
 goldberg@mtsu.edu 898-2281 with your name, major, GPA, telephone and email, and a list of your French courses and grades

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IMPORTANT DEADLINES:

PROGRAM

Students will spend four weeks on the campus of the I.U.T. Cherbourg Manche (University Technological Institute of Cherbourg and the Manche) and other locations in Normandy and Paris, France studying the French language and extending their knowledge of French daily life and culture. Through a wide-range of teacher-led activities, both inside and outside the classroom, students will improve and develop their speaking and listening skills. Afternoon activities and excursions will present students with the opportunity to use their language abilities in an enjoyable but structured environment. Living with host families will provide students with increased opportunities for progress in their language skills and will allow them to expand their knowledge of French society and value systems. Students will spend 6 days touring Paris, its landmarks, and museums (museum and subway passes are included in the price), and will also visit important sites in or near Normandy, including Mont St. Michel, St.-Lô, Caen, Bayeux, Omaha and Utah (D-Day) Beaches, and several historical, botanical, and art museums.

Frequently Asked Questions:
 

Q: Should we try to speak French as much as possible? What if we don't understand everything?

A: Mais oui!! The only way to learn a language is to use it!! And global comprehension is often all that's needed. Besides, don't forget this is a French course and you are earning six credits of French.

Q. Why do we stay with host families and not in a dorm?

A: When students stay with a real French family, they do more than just improve their French, they also learn about daily life, customs, and culture. It is an exciting cultural exchange for both sides.

Q: What are my responsibilities to the host family?

A: Students should always remember that they are guests in someone's home and should act accordingly with politeness and tact. The families prepare meals and weekend activities for you, and you should always remember that you are an ambassador of MTSU and of our program. Each student should bring a small gift to the family, and should write a thank you note as soon as possible after returning to the US.

Q: Must I buy my own airline ticket?

A: Yes, individuals can buy them for less than current group rates. Since you will have the ISIC card that entitles you to student rates at the Student Travel Agency (www.statravel.com), you might check there for good rates, especially during the early spring, as well as orbitz.com and expedia.com and similar sites.

Q: When I buy my ticket is there a special time I need to arrive in Paris? At which airport?

A. You should plan to buy a ticket that leaves the US on June 11 and goes to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. This is an overnight flight. Make sure your plane arrives at CDG  NO LATER THAN (11 am June 12).  I will meet you at the airport, and we will take the train to Normandy. The price of transportation is included in your program fee, so students arriving at CDG AFTER (11 am June 12) should plan to travel alone to Normandy and will have to pay for the transportation. I will provide explicit directions in case anyone needs them.

Q: Am I required to get the International Student Identity Card?

A. Yes, MTSU requires that every student purchase the ISIC for $22.

Q: How much of the program is pre-paid and how much should I bring to cover the direct costs in France?

A: The program cost estimate includes everything in France except some meals, snacks and souvenirs. You will have to pay for these directly  in euros (see below for estimate)

Non-covered meals:  I have estimated  that each student will need approximately 3€-10€  per lunch for 15 days at the I.U.T. and 30€-40€ a day for lunch and dinner on field trips and in Paris. You will need to bring a credit card, a debit card, or Travelers' Cheques (as a last resort because it is difficult and expensive to get them cashed) to pay for these meals. The rate of exchange and service fees associated with Travelers' Cheques make them the least favorable choice. The estimated amount for these non-program meals may seem high, and of course, what you spend will depend on your appetite, but please remember that restaurant meals are very expensive in France as elsewhere in Europe. The lunches in the student cafeteria at the I.U.T. are approx. 3€ for a three course meal.

Q: Why can't I pay everything at once? I'm a little confused!

A: There are three separate categories of payments:
1) the Land Package that must be paid in dollars to the Université d’Été Program account before departure:  
2) tuition and fees that must be paid in dollars directly to MTSU
3) expenses that are paid in euros by each individual once we are in France for non-program meals and snacks (about $400-$800 depending on your appetite and the exchange rate)

Q: Can I use my check card or debit card in France for these payments or for gifts?

A. Yes! Visa Check Cards are accepted everywhere. You can also use ATM cards from your bank (a small fee will be charged to your account). A Visa credit card  (known as Carte Bleue), is accepted everywhere, although sometimes there are slight problems because French Visa cards require a password that ours do not have. Although some places take American Express, I've never seen a sign for Discover. Each student is required to have  two different ways to obtain cash, such as a credit or debit/check card, as well as some Travelers' Cheques as a back up.

Q: What if I run out of money before the end of the trip?

A: Each student will give me $200 in Traverlers' Cheques that I will hold as an emergency bank until the last day of the trip. If you haven't needed the money, of course, you'll get it back then. (You can spend it in Paris!)

Q: How soon should I get my passport?

A: As soon as possible!!! Go to a large post office, get the form, and follow the directions. You will need to have a special passport picture taken. Allow at least 3-4 months for processing.

Q: Are any visas or special vaccinations needed to travel to France?

A: No, just a valid passport.

Q: What about health insurance?

A: The ISIC card provides basic accident/health insurance. Additional coverage may also be purchased from AVI International (www.avi-international.com)

Q. What special things should I bring with me?

A. PACK LIGHT!!! But plan to bring a month's supply of any medicines you normally take with the RX label clearly printed on the bottle, a small gift for your host family, hiking shoes, and a SMALL backpack (put it in your suitcase).

Q. What do I need to bring for class?

A. Paper, pens, pencils. A small dictionary is useful when you're out on your own or with your family.

Q. What's the weather like in Normandy?

A. It is cool there and sometimes really cold!!! In May and June, it should range in the 50's during the day and going into the 40's a night. The average Norman almost always carries "une petite laine" (a  medium sweater or jacket), no matter what time of the year. It often rains in Normandy, and people say the climate resembles that of Seattle. Remember that Normandy is roughly on the same latitude as Canada!!! You should bring a heavy sweater, jacket or coat and a rain poncho or some other raingear that will fit over the heavy sweater. Layers are the best way to go, because you can always take off your jacket if it warms up. Don't forget to bring shoes and heavy socks that you can wear in the rain.