Study Abroad in Montpellier, France

Montpellier

Program Information

Live and study in Montpellier, one of France's fastest growing cities and an emerging cultural and educational center. Within easy reach of both mountains and the Mediterranean, and home to 100,000 university students, Montpellier is a young vibrant city with a centuries-old history of intellectual advances and social tolerance. It is the ideal place for an introduction to French language and culture.

Based at the Paul Valery University, the liberal arts division of the University of Montpellier, this program also provides access to the highly regarded medical, engineering, and law departments through an extremely flexible course structure. Choose from a mix of special courses with American and foreign students, and regular University of Montpellier courses with French students.

Curriculum

All semester and academic year students begin their studies by enrolling a pre-session intensive language and culture program at Paul Valery University. This program includes excursions and numerous opportunities to practice conversing in French.

Montpellier offers options for students at the intermediate, and advanced language levels at Paul Valery University. After the orientation period, intermediate students (2-4 semesters of college-level French) will enroll in the Language and Culture option, where more advanced students will enroll in the Integrated Studies option at Paul Valery, where courses in French language, culture, history, literature, humanities, social sciences, and business are offered. All classes in the Integrated Studies option are taught in French by University faculty.

Housing and Meals

Semester and academic year students may choose between three housing options. Students can select a family, apartment, or dormitory option to enhance their integration into everyday French culture.

Homestay

Homestays are a vital connection to local culture and social life. Host families are carefully selected by the on-site director. Students will receive breakfast and dinner during the week and all meals during the weekend. Housing is not provided during programs breaks unless specifically arranged.

Apartment

Apartments are in town and within walking distance of the University and downtown Montpellier. Students will share the apartment with two to four other students from the program, with two people sharing a bedroom. The program fee for their option does not include meals, utilities, or the rental deposit.

Dormitory

The university dormitory is conveniently located near the Paul Valery campus. Students will be placed in a single room with modest cooking facilities available on each floor. The program fee for this option does not include meals.

Detailed information about each housing option is provided with acceptance materials.

Excursions and Social Activities

An excursion is included each term and introduces students to the unique character of southern France. In addition, the program's social and administrative assistants organize activities to familiarize you with the city and provide you with opportunities to meet French students. Students are encouraged to participate in local clubs that offer activities such as skiing, hiking, and photography. A two-week break in December and in the spring as well as travel before and after the program are excellent opportunities to explore France.

Requirements

Minimum GPA : 2.75

Language : Must have completed level 102* of college French

*For students fulfilling the requirements of a language major or minor, or the International Studies major, the completion of 201 or equivalent in the appropriate language is required prior to beginning the program. 

Must have attended Pacific University full-time for at least one semester.

Important Dates

  • Advising Appointment : During Fall Semester
  • Application Deadline : February 10

Program Dates :

  • Fall: starts 3rd week of August
  • Spring: early January until May

More Information

Check out the University of Minnesota’s website for more detailed program information.