F&M in Paris

F&M in Paris is a full-semester program which takes place in Paris, France in the fall semester of each year.  This program is designed to provide students with insider European perspectives on culture and society.  Coursework enables students to cultivate language skills to the point where they become useful in discussion and research.  F&M in Paris develops practical skills: cross-cultural understanding, communication, and critical thinking for an era of globalization.

Eligibility

F&M in Paris aims to develop French-language skills.  It is intended for students who wish to increase their linguistic abilities in French, but who may not be advanced enough to enroll in a program in which all courses are given in French.

This program is intended for current sophomores and juniors who have had one or two years of college-level French or the equivalent by the time they attend the program.  To be eligible students must either complete French 101 and at least be enrolled in French 102; have fulfilled the F&M language requirement in French; or demonstrate an equivalent level of preparation in French.

Preference will be given to applicants demonstrating an on-going commitment to improving French language skills (e.g. through current enrollment in French classes).  Applicants must be in good academic and disciplinary standing.

Coursework

Students will enroll in a total of four courses during the program. Two of the courses are taught by Professor Whiteside.  The remaining courses are taught by language faculty from a partner institute in Paris.  Each course is worth 1 F&M credit.  Some classes will take place around Paris, in the form of special tours or visits to museums and institutions.  There will also be two group excursions outside of Paris.

International Studies 273: Cross-Perceptions France-USA (taught in English by Professor Whiteside)
In this seminar, European and American perceptions of each other serve as the starting point for cultural analysis. The course examines the impact of four formative moments -- the Roman Empire, the rise of Christianity, the Enlightenment, and total war and the Holocaust -- on European and American civilization. This course takes students into Paris many times during the semester, to analyze historical sites, monuments and museums.

Government 372: French Government and Politics (taught in English by Professor Whiteside)
A study of the evolution of French politics since 1958. Major themes include the functions of executive power, the changing party system, and movements for government decentralization. Typically, this course addresses France's role in the European Union and includes a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

French Language: Students will continue their study of French at a level appropriate to their placement at the beginning of the program (this may be FRN 201, 205 or in some cases, higher).  The objective is to boost language skills quickly, so that students can engage in discussion and research in French, both in the program and afterwards.

French Phonetics: All students will receive special instruction in pronunciation and French conversation.

Housing & Meals

Students will live with Parisian host families. Host families provide breakfast every day and dinner three days per week.  As part of the program, there will be one group dinner organized every week.  Students are responsible for lunch every day and dinner on their own three days per week.  This system allows for students to travel on weekends without double-paying for prepaid dinners.  It also gives the students flexibility in planning their evenings.  For non-programmed dinners, students may be able to make arrangements with host families to prepare their own meals at home, or the can eat inexpensively at French university cafeterias, or at other restaurants of their own choosing.

Cost

Accepted students will pay a $300 deposit to secure a place on the program.

Students will pay F&M tuition for the fall semester plus a fee for housing.  This amount includes instructional costs, housing, partial board (as described above), $750 airfare allowance, and one excursion.  Not included in the fee are: lunch every day, dinner three days per week, monthly subway passes, ground transfers from/to airport, visa and passport fees, books, personal travel, and cell phones.

Fall semester payments will be due according to the College's regular billing schedule.

Students on need-based financial aid will be asked to complete the Off-Campus Study Expense Planner and submit it to the Office of Financial Aid in the spring before attending the program.

Apply!

Applications for F&M in Paris are available from Professor Kerry Whiteside.  The deadline for early admission is in October.  Admission will remain open until February, or until all places are filled.

Submit your application to the Office of International Programs in the Joseph International Center, 701 College Ave.

Direct all questions to Professor Kerry Whiteside at kerry.whiteside@fandm.edu.