Program Description

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 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 125,000, 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. Students must have completed at least two semesters of elementary French to be accepted into the program. They must also attend a mandatory orientation meeting in April. Each student is tested for placement by the institute faculty upon arrival.

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 who have completed at least two semesters of university-level French. Applicants are considered on a continuous, first-come, first-served basis. Students are encouraged to apply early, as enrollment is limited.

Faculty

Students are accompanied to Besançon by a Penn State faculty member. All courses are taught by faculty of the Centre de linguistique appliquée.

Expenses

The total program fee includes two components: tuition (based on the number of credits) and a class fee (based on activities and location). All students will pay in-state tuition for 2008 Summer Abroad programs.

Tuition (7 credits)

$3,871 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 $1,700 includes administrative costs and transportation from Paris to Besançon.

Total Program Fee

The program fee of $5,571 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 Scholarship 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 class, and you will be held responsible for all fees. Full refunds minus the $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.

Expenses NOT covered are:

Housing is available with a local host family. The cost is estimated at $28 (21 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 (approximately $15 per trip)
personal expenses
passport

Information Technology Fee: 1 to 4.5 credits, $53; 5 to 8.5 credits, $106; 9 or more credits, $159

For passport information, visit http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/index.html

How to Apply

The Student Support Initiative for Penn State undergraduates enrolling in our Summer Education Abroad programs will continue for summer 2008 . If you would like to be considered for such an award, please indicate this in your short essay, giving the reasons why you should receive financial assistance.*

All applicants must send in the application form. To register, complete the Adobe.pdf printable registration form or the Word.doc printable registration form and return it with:

the $1,000 application fee (nonrefundable unless applicant is not selected) to be applied toward the class fee
*a short essay (course background, previous travel, etc.)
a current, unofficial transcript
a sealed letter of recommendation form from your adviser or a faculty member with whom you have studied

All applicants will be screened by the Office of Judicial Affairs.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 17, 2008

Return all items together to:

Summer Education Abroad Programs
The Pennsylvania State University
225 The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel
University Park PA 16802

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 other 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 814-863-5170.

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
Assistant Professor of French and Applied Linguistics
The Pennsylvania State University
211 Burrowes Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-1492
E-mail: mcd15@psu.edu

Regarding application process:
Carolyn Andersen, Conference Planner
The Pennsylvania State University
225 The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-5170
Fax: 814-863-5190
E-mail: SummerAbroad@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 scholarship information, visit the financial aid and scholarships page.