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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