Dijon, France
Two hours southeast of Paris by high-speed train, Dijon
was the medieval capital of the Dukes of Burgundy; the Palais des Ducs,
now housing a renowned art collection, is one of the many architectural
splendors of the city. Its location on major train lines also makes it
a wonderful hub for travel to any number of European countries. A medium-sized
city with an active cultural life, Dijon offers the foreign students
a complete immersion experience. Thus, a semester or a year’s study
assures that your French will get a thorough workout and become truly
your second (or third!) language.
Location
Foreign students of French language and civilization study at the Université de Bourgogne under the auspices of the CIEF: le Centre international d'études françaises situated just outside the city center in Dijon, France.
Click HERE for more country-specific information.
Program of Study
All courses are taught in French. Courses include French language (grammar, oral and written expression, phonetics) and numerous French civilization electives in art history, philosophy, theatre, music, and literature. Students with advanced language skills may take regular university courses for credit. French language students at the CIEF may sit for the following certifications: the Certificat pratique de language française (upper-intermediate level); the Diplôme d'études françaises and the Diplôme supérieur d'études françaises at the advanced level. Through the French Ministry of Education, the CIEF also offers students the opportunity to qualify for the internationally recognized DELF (Diplôme d'études de langue française) and DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française).
Housing
Students live at the co-ed Résidence internationale d'étudiants, just a short bus ride from the campus of the Université de Bourgogne. All rooms are singles, equipped with sinks and mini-fridges; full bathroom facilities are shared on each floor. In addition, the Résidence boasts a cafeteria, cleaning and linen service, as well as lounge (with cable TV), laundry, kitchen, and recreational facilities. Homestays may also be arranged. An excellent “in-between” option is the regular weekly meal plan with French families, which combines the independence of residence hall living with the opportunity to experience French family life from within.
Transportation, Cost, and Financial Aid
Students provide their own round-trip transportation to France, as well as within Europe. However, Saint Mary's can assist students in organizing group discount flights to Europe, and your international student ID card will assure discount rates on French trains and the Dijon city bus system. Eurail passes, for periods of unlimited train travel in a number of European countries, may be purchased in the U.S. prior to departure. Ffinancial aid from Saint Mary's will be applied to your semester or year in France. The current semester cost of the Dijon program, payable to Saint Mary's, is approximately equivalent to current Saint Mary's tuition, room, and board. These figures include tuition, housing, and all activities in Paris, Dijon, and excursion areas.
Eligibility and Requirements
Saint Mary's students wishing to spend a year or a semester in Dijon must have a minimum 2.5 GPA as well as at least a B average in French at the time of their application. Admission to the program, which is directed through CEA, is on a rolling basis, closing a month prior to the start of each semester. Application is made directly to the offices of CEA in Tempe, Ariz., which in turn solicits recommendation letters from the student's French professor(s) at Saint Mary's. It is expected that the student will be in good disciplinary standing at the College and exhibit the emotional maturity and openness to new experiences that make her a suitable representative of Saint Mary's College while abroad.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Renée Kingcaid, Professor of Modern Languages: (574) 284-5371; kingcaid@saintmarys.edu
To read more about the Centre International D'études Françaises
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