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St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University

Center For International Studies
Exploring the World - Study Abroad
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Study Abroad : Exploring your World

Study Abroad in Toulouse, France

Program objectives

The principal goal of the Study Center in France is to offer highly qualified American students the opportunity to study the French language and culture in Toulouse, France. It is designed to enable students to become more proficient in both written and spoken French. The program also provides a better understanding and appreciation of the richness surrounding the French culture. By living and studying in France for five months, students can make normal progress toward their degrees.

Location

Nestled in the valley of the Garonne River in Southern France, Toulouse is about two hours by train from both Pyrenees and the Mediterranean. The city of Paris is a seven-hour trip by train. Toulouse has a population of approximately a half a million people and is home to over sixty thousand university students. The SCSU program is hosted by the Université des Sciences Sociales. As a center for technology and aerospace industries, Toulouse has a rich history which can be traced back to the Greco-Roman period. The city has a rich diversity in its cultural life with many opportunities to satisfy a wide range of interests. Known as the "pink city," Toulouse and its residents make this area a wonderful place to live or visit.

Academic program

During the semester of study students earn 15-18 credits in French. The program begins with an intensive French class and then transitions into the courses organized for the group. These courses include civilization, literature, grammar, and individual projects supervised by a French tutor. Courses are taught in French by the SCSU program director and local French instructors. New possibilities of expanding the course offerings are being developed.

Living accommodations

Students live in university dormitories or with families and are able to participate in all aspects of university life. Meals are not included in the cost of the program. Students may purchase inexpensive meals at the Université with an identification card. Students choosing to live with families must pay a food supplement prior to departure.

Selection

Those participating in the program must have completed at least French 201 (third semester of university-level work) or the equivalent. Exceptions may be made by the French Department for students below this level. The program is limited to twenty students. Applications are due October 1 and students will receive notification of acceptance soon after that date.

Costs and financial aid

Students pay a comprehensive program fee. This includes room, tuition, roundtrip transportation, instruction, program administration, cultural events, and other excursions. Students choosing to live with a family will pay an additional fee that will cover a food supplement of two meals each day. Non-resident students are charged the difference between resident and non-resident tuition. This is added to the basic program fee. Personal expenses such as food, laundry, extra travel, books, and passport costs are not included in this fee. The comprehensive fee is subject to change without notice. All regular grant and financial aid programs available to SCSU students are applicable to students enrolled in the Toulouse study program. Financial Aid can be applied to your program cost once $1200 has been paid.

Orientation and calendar

Orientation sessions are held before the students depart for Toulouse in early January. During the first few days in France, students spend time adjusting to life in Toulouse and touring the city. Following an intensive French course and orientation to the city, regular classes are held throughout the term. Vacation breaks follow the calendar established by the Université des Sciences Sociales.

Application procedure and Deadline

You must fill out the application packet, write a brief typewritten essay about yourself and your purpose in going abroad, and submit both with an application fee by October 1st to the Center for International Studies.

See Applications and Deadlines for more information.

For more information and application packet, contact:

Center for International Studies
St. Cloud State University
720 Fourth Avenue South
St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498
Phone: 320/308-4287
Fax: 320/308-4223
TDD: 1-800-627-3529-outstate, or
612-297-5353 in the Twin Cities
study_abroad@stcloudstate.edu

If you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability, such an accommodation may be available upon advance request. Please contact the Project 504 Coordinator, 106 Atwood Center, as soon as possible so that arrangements may be made in a timely fashion.

SCSU is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Upon request this publication will be made available in large print or audio tape.

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