France: Language & Culture
*Please note: The next time this program will run is Spring/Summer 2023. Details below are subject to change.
Paris & Bordeaux, France - The program starts in Paris, one of the world’s greatest cities and the ideal point of departure for your study of French culture. The first three days are spent visiting La Ville des Lumières and adjusting to the time zone and language. Then you will take a comfortable trip through the countryside on a French high-speed train down to Bordeaux, a port city in southern France. In Bordeaux, you will attend personalized courses at a language school several mornings a week, and spend your afternoons with GVSU faculty in the exploration of local culture, historical sites, and the area's natural beauty. After 5 weeks in Bordeaux, you will return to Paris for 3 final days of language and cultural immersion, where you will do your own independent exploration of this amazing city.
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Program Dates and Application Deadline
(6 weeks)
Courses

Students will register for a total of 6 credits:
FRE 385: French Language (3 credits) AND
FRE 386: French Culture (3 credits)
Fulfills General Education Global Perspectives requirement. Fulfills (1) General Education Issues course requirement. Reflection required
Language of instruction: French
Housing
Program participants will stay in a hotel and with host families.
Cost and Scholarships

2023 PROGRAM COSTS:
Program Fee: $5,375
Includes
- Round-trip transportation from Grand Rapids
- Accommodations
- Most meals
- Most field trips
- Most ground transportation
Other Expenses
- GVSU Tuition - 6 credits ($3,690)
- Personal expenses ($600)
- Additional meals ($600)
- Passport fee ($200)
TOTAL PROJECTED COST (Program Fee + Other Expenses) = $10,465
SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS:
Students may fund study abroad by using financial aid, scholarships, grants and personal funds. A study abroad adviser can help you create a funding plan.
FACULTY-LED PROGRAM GRANT (Up to $1,500): All degree-seeking students who apply to their faculty-led program by the priority deadline are automatically considered for a grant of up to $1,500 from the Padnos International Center. Students must have a current FAFSA on file to be eligible. No application required.
Global Programs Scholarship (Varies): The purpose of this scholarship is to reduce the financial pressure on students and their families and make a Grand Valley education accessible to students from all backgrounds. This need-based scholarship will ensure that financial need does not become a barrier to intellectual and personal growth for students planning to study abroad or complete an internship abroad.
James F. and Virginia L. Goode Global Programs Scholarship: The purpose of the scholarship is to reduce the financial pressure on students and their families and make a Grand Valley education accessible to students from all backgrounds. This need-based scholarship will ensure that financial need does not become a barrier to intellectual and personal growth for students planning to study abroad. To apply, visit MyScholarships.
Visit www.gvsu.edu/studyabroad/scholarships for more information on these and other grants/scholarships.
FINANCIAL AID:
To contact the Financial Aid office, email [email protected] with “Study Abroad” in the Subject line. Include your G Number and Total Projected Cost of the program in the e-mail.
Non-GVSU Students: Non-GVSU students admitted for study abroad are not eligible for Financial Aid from GVSU. Check with your home school’s study abroad and financial aid offices for details on applying for financial aid from your home school toward study abroad program costs.
Eligibility
Open to students who have taken FRE 201 or higher.
2.7 GPA required.
GVSU is happy to extend this opportunity to Non-GVSU Students.
Proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 vaccine is required for participation in this program
Already Applied
CDC Report
CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.
Checkout CDC Report For France
US State Department Information
The first step to an international trip is to read our Traveler’s Checklist to find out things to consider before you go. Pay special attention to our safety and security information and assess for yourself the risk of traveling to a particular country or region. Some U.S. citizens with special considerations – such as students, women, and LGBTI travelers – may face additional challenges when abroad. If you do decide to travel, make a plan for what to do if something goes wrong overseas.
Contact Information
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