Faculty-led, world-focused

Penn State faculty-led programs offer students the guidance of trusted faculty, with the freedom to explore the world. Our faculty will create the ideal itinerary for you.

The fastest way to become fluent in a second language is to live where the language is spoken and where there are few English-speaking tourists.

The French language program at Besançon was established to provide this ideal environment for intermediate-level students of French who want to make a quantum leap in their oral language proficiency. Program participants enroll in the intensive French program at the Centre de Linguistique Appliquée, which is part of the University of Franche-Comté. Proficiency is developed through classroom work related to French language and civilization, with an emphasis on the culture of the region, French culture both high and popular, and life in contemporary France and within the European community. Small classes that meet five days a week, combined with host family lodging, provide students with an environment that promotes rapid progress.

Besançon is located two-and-a-half hours southeast of Paris, in the Jura Mountains, near the Swiss border. A city of 120,000, Besançon is near numerous small medieval towns and castles and also within three hours of a variety of interesting major cities, such as Basel, Lyon, Dijon, and Strasbourg. Students may plan weekend excursions independently or join trips organized by the institute. They must have completed at least two semesters of elementary French to be accepted into the program. A mandatory orientation meeting will be held in April. Upon arrival each student is tested for placement by the institute faculty.

Courses Offered

Penn State courses available for equivalent credit:
FR 003 Intermediate French
FR 201 Oral Communication and Reading Comprehension
FR 202 Grammar and Composition
FR 401 Advanced Oral Communication
FR 402 Advanced Grammar and Writing

Two of the above courses will be validated by the program director using a Penn State course substitution form available from the Department of French.

Eligibility

The program is open to all students who have a minimum 2.5 grade-point average and have completed at least two semesters of university-level French. Applicants are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are encouraged to apply early, as enrollment is limited.

Faculty

The students are accompanied to Besançon by a Penn State faculty member. All the courses are taught by faculty of the Centre de Linguistique Appliquée.

Expenses

The total program fee includes two components: estimated tuition (based on the number of credits) and a class fee (based on activities and location). All the students will pay the in-state tuition rate for 2010 Summer Abroad programs.

Expenses NOT covered are:

• room and board (Housing is available with a local host family. The cost is estimated at $31 [22 Euros] per day and includes breakfast and dinner.) 
• round-trip airfare (approximately $1,000 plus tax)
• optional weekend excursions sponsored by the Centre de Linguistique Appliquée
• personal expenses
• passport
• textbooks and supplies

Estimated Tuition

Out-of-state students will be charged the out-of-state tuition rate until the first day of the program. At that time the students’ bursar account will be adjusted to reflect the in-state-tuition rate of $613 per credit.

In-state students will pay tuition according to their standing and the Penn State tuition schedule. 

$4,291 in-state/out-of-state

The University reserves the right to revise the schedule of tuition and charges without further notice. For more information on tuition, visit http://tuition.psu.edu.

Class Fee

The class fee of $1,500 includes insurance, administrative costs and transportation from Paris to Besançon.

Estimated Total Program Fee

The program fee of $5,791 includes tuition as well as the class fee.

Financial Aid

For alternative grant, loan, and minority and Whole World Scholarship information, visit the Education Abroad Financial Aid and Scholarships Web page.

Refunds

All cancellations must be received by the conference planner, in writing, by mail or fax. Do not use eLion; it does not remove you from the course, and you will be held responsible for all fees. Full refunds minus the nonrefundable $1,000 application fee will be made for cancellations received at least thirty days prior to the first day of the program. Refund requests made after that time will not be honored, and the participant or sponsoring organization will be responsible for the fees.

Information Technology Fee: 1 to 4.5 credits, $78; 5 to 8.5 credits, $170; 9 or more credits, $230
For passport information, visit www.travel.state.gov/passport/index.html.

How to Apply

Financial assistance: The Student Support Initiative for Penn State undergraduates enrolling in our Summer Education Abroad programs will continue for summer 2010. If you would like to be considered for such an award, please indicate this in the required short essay you will submit with your application. Include the reasons why you should receive financial assistance.

Submit your online application through Penn State Education Abroad.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 18, 2010

Cancellation: The University may cancel or postpone any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled or postponed, the University will refund registration fees but cannot be held responsible for any related costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.

Access: Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the conference planner at 814-863-1738.

Space may be available after the application deadline. Please contact the conference planner to determine availability and/or to be added to the waiting list.

Contact Us

Regarding program content:
Meredith Doran
Department of French and Francophone Studies 
The Pennsylvania State University
237 Burrowes Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-6228
E-mail: mcd15@psu.edu

Regarding application process:
Carolyn Andersen, Conference Planner
The Pennsylvania State University
The 329 Building, Suite 213
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-1738
Fax: 814-865-3749
E-mail: ConferenceInfo2@outreach.psu.edu

Regarding financial aid:
Office of Student Aid
The Pennsylvania State University
314 Shields Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-6301

For alternative grant, loan, and minority and Whole World scholarship information, visit the Education Abroad Financial Aid and Scholarships Web page.