Drexel in France: Summer in Montpellier
The Drexel in France, Summer in Montpellier program is a unique opportunity that allows Drexel students to spend 5 weeks living and studying in Montpellier, France. This is your opportunity to take a variety of courses and be introduced to the beauty, excitement and special flavor of southern France. Located just 7 miles from Mediterranean beaches, Montpellier combines the excitement of a dynamic cosmopolitan city with the provincial charm and graceful lifestyle of southern France. This program is open to all majors and offered during summer term only. It is run in partnership with the University of New Orleans "UNO" (UNO is also the partner for Drexel in Prague, Cork, and Rome).
Perhaps more than any other country in Europe, France has something for everyone. The physical beauty of its Mediterranean coastline has few rivals in the world. Artists and writers have flocked to its capital for generations - for centuries, it seems, France has set the standards for elegance, style, and luxury.
Students are encouraged to be independent and to use their leisure time to their best advantage as long as mandatory meetings, excursions, and classes are attended. Participants have many options: the nearby beaches of Palavas, Carnon, and La Grande Motte are just a bus ride away; the University staff organizes events such as movies, sports, and parties; or you may choose to stroll downtown to the Place de La Comedie for a bit of café sitting. Students will have three-day weekends to explore the exciting sights that Europe has to offer. They may opt to schedule their own visits to Barcelona, Italy, or other places of interest.
Read more about this program from our past student blogger!
Watch video about the program
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Prior study of French language
- Sophomore status or higher
Courses are taught in English and some French, thus the language requirement is
French 101 or the equivalent. Drexel students take classes with a mix of other American college students, exposing them to a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
Course Availability
Students choose courses from a variety of subjects, such as French, History, Literature, Hospitality, and music. Each is worth 4.5 credits and is taught on an accelerated 5 week schedule. In addition to courses taken in Montpellier, all students are
encouraged to undertake an independent study (minimum 3 credits) over the summer term with a Drexel faculty member. This means choosing a subject and identifying a Drexel professor within that department to oversee and grade your independent study. You could choose to research a personal interest topic or a subject within your major. Review the
Independent Study /Online Course Agreement for details.
Course Equivalencies
Montpellier Course Offerings 2016
Grading
Students will receive a minimum of 13 Drexel credits and Drexel grades for this program. In addition to the courses taken in Montpellier, all students are encouraged to undertake an independent study (minimum 3 credits) over the summer term with a Drexel faculty member. See
Independent Study /Online Course Agreement for details.
Summer Dates and Itinerary
| Program Start Date |
07/04/2016 |
| Program End Date |
08/05/2016 |
*Since this program ends early August, students may choose to either return home afterward or stay in Europe for independent travel. This gives students nearly 5 weeks of summer vacation before the start of fall term.
Class schedule: accelerated 5 week session classes meet Mondays–Thursdays leaving long weekends for individual travel and group excursions. During the week, there will be planned group activities and excursions.
In Montpellier, students will be housed in single rooms that are part of the co-ed studios of the Université de Montpellier. The residence hall is conveniently located just a short distance from the university and the center of the city.
Program Costs
2016 Program Fee: $1,350
* Payment 1 due with application (no later than March 1st): $500 deposit (refunded if not accepted into the program)
* Payment 2 due no later than April 1st: $850 (non refundable)
Included in the program fee:
Accommodations in a private studio at the University in Montpellier with private kitchen and bath
Breakfast bar and lunch on class days (Mon – Thurs)
All class required academic field trips
Welcome party and farewell party
Excursions in the Languedoc/Provence region once a week
Bus transfer to the beach scheduled during the program
Weekend excursion to Paris with hotel (double or triple occupancy) and transportation
Onsite staff during the length of the program
On Call evacuation insurance
NOT included in program fee:
Drexel tuition
Round trip airfare
Dinners & weekend meals
Pending money
Books
Miscellaneous
Financial Aid
This is a Drexel sponsored program so all of your financial aid applies. Students will be billed a program fee to cover housing and other miscellaneous costs. Please refer to the program Budget Sheet for cost details. If you receive Federal Work Study, consider applying for the Study Abroad Online Journalist work study position (only available to students after accepted into the program).
Scholarships
To seek additional funding, review the Scholarship & Funding Opportunities. Remember that scholarship deadlines may be much earlier than study abroad deadlines, so plan accordingly.
For more information on these and many other scholarship opportunities, visit our Scholarships page.
