| Description |
Study abroad programs offer students a unique opportunity to encounter other peoples through emersion in their cultures and landscapes. In this program, students will engage and explore the French culture through language study, cultural excursions, discussion and reflection, with a special focus on the role of “place” by addressing how the environment influences culture and how human culture impacts the environment. |
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| Location |
The program will mainly take place in La Rochelle, France, and will culminate with short stays in Amboise and Paris. La Rochelle is on the west coast of France north of Bordeaux. This medieval town, which was later active in the European settlement of the New World, was a bastion of Protestantism in France. Today, La Rochelle is known most for its seaside location, cultural festivities and forward-thinking philosophy regarding urban ecology. Paris, known as the “City of Light,” is the largest city in continental Europe and the capital of France. Famous for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and sidewalk cafés, Paris has long been a destination for the sophisticated and provincial traveler alike. Amboise, located approximately 150 miles southwest of Paris, lies in the Loire Valley, known worldwide for its châteaux and wines. The visit to Amboise will afford students the opportunity to see small town French life in a unique historical and agricultural setting. |
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| Faculty leader |
Dr. Laurie Furlong, a member of Northwestern’s biology department faculty since 2001, will lead the program. Dr. Furlong has extensive travel experience and recently served as an instructor for the Creation Care Study Program in Belize. |
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| Course and credit |
This program is comprised of two courses, Gen 316: Cross-cultural Preparation, 1 credit, and Gen 350: Culture and Environment, La Rochelle, France, 4 credits. The Gen 316 course will be taught during the second half of spring semester 2006. Credit will fall under spring-semester loads; regular credit overload policies apply. The Gen 350 course fulfills NWC’s cross-cultural general education requirements. All participants must take both courses. Summer study abroad courses cannot be taken for audit. Upon return, students may choose to take the NWC French placement exam. |
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| Program structure |
Participants will take Gen 316 during the second half of spring semester 2006. This course will cover various academic and logistical aspects of the program via lectures, readings, assignments, discussion and Q&A sessions. The first two days of the summer program will be held on the NWC campus. Final travel arrangements and research projects will be discussed at this time. Once on-site, participants will spend the first three weeks living in La Rochelle with French host families, attending daily French language classes at the French as a Foreign Language Center (CUFLE), enjoying cultural excursions, and meeting with the program group. Additional assignments and activities will also be planned during this time. The final week of the program will be spent in the Loire Valley and Paris, where students will enjoy both guided excursions and time to themselves. Please see the faculty leader for a complete syllabus. |
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| Transportation |
Current plans have students flying as a group to/from Paris. Trains will transport participants within France. Normal modes of local transportation will be used within each city. |
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| Housing and meals |
While in La Rochelle, students will live and take breakfast and dinner with their French host family. Lunch in La Rochelle and meals in Paris and Amboise will be provided. Housing in Paris and Amboise will be in hotels. |
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| Excursions |
In addition to Paris and Amboise, participants will enjoy a variety of excursions in and around La Rochelle. There will also be time to explore La Rochelle, Paris and Amboise on one’s own. |
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| Passport and visa |
For U.S. citizens, a passport is required for entry into France; a visa is not required for tourist stays of less than 90 days. Information on how to obtain a passport is available from the summer study abroad office (SSAO) or http://travel.state.gov. |
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| Vaccinations and health information |
No vaccinations are required for U.S. persons traveling to France, although it is recommended that all immunizations be up-to-date. Hepatitis A, hepatitis B and DPT boosters may be recommended. There are other health risks. See the Center for Disease Control website for more information and complete details. |
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| Eligibility |
All NWC students with one semester (or equivalent) college-level French and a minimum GPA of 2.5 (or with the consent of the faculty leader) are eligible to apply. This program is also available to non-NWC students on a space-available basis. |
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| Application |
The 2006 France application consists of the two-page application form, two recommendations (one from a faculty member, one from a resident director), and a (student copy) transcript. Applications are available from the faculty leader, the summer study abroad office or on the website. |
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| Application deadline |
Early application is encouraged, as space is limited. A minimum enrollment is needed for the program to run. After the deadline, call for space availability information. |
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| Program fee |
Tentatively, the program fee will be between $4,200 and $4,600 per student. The final fee will depend on the actual number of participants and confirmed prices for airfare, exchange rates, etc. A better estimate of cost will be given in February, and the final fee will be determined around April 1. Every effort is being made to keep the cost at a minimum. The program fee includes tuition for four credits (at a reduced rate of half off regular summer school tuition rates), CUFLE fees, airfare, in-country transportation, housing, meals or meal stipend, international insurance (medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, basic health), excursions, and museum and general entry fees. Participants will need to cover books, passport and pictures, international phone cards, housing on NWC campus (for the two-day pre-trip seminar), some meals, individual travel and spending money, and tuition for the Gen 316 course, among other items.
Northwestern College summer study abroad programs are academic, educational, credit-bearing experiences—not mission projects. Study abroad programs are for-credit opportunities that focus on broadening students’ worldview through immersion in and academic exploration of a different culture. Therefore, the Northwestern College summer study abroad office does not sponsor nor coordinate fundraising activities to help participants cover the cost of the program fees. Payment of the program fees remains the responsibility of the participant. |
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| Tuition waiver |
The regular Northwestern College tuition waiver policy applies to summer study abroad courses. Eligible employees and their dependents may use the tuition waiver for the tuition amount only of the summer study abroad program fee. (See the staff and faculty handbooks for more information.) Tuition waivers may not be used for the $250 deposit.
A full-tuition waiver for a 2006 four-credit course will equal $520 off the final program fee. A full-tuition waiver for a 2006 six-credit course will equal $780 off the final program fee. (These figures equal the actual amount of tuition charged to participants as part of the final program fee, which is a special half-off discount of 2006 summer school tuition rates.)
Interested students should see Jill Fischer in the summer study abroad office for more details. |
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| Deposit |
Upon acceptance into the program, a $250 deposit will be required to hold a participant’s slot. This deposit will be applied to the final program fee. |
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| Financial aid |
Financial aid in the form of loans may be available. Contact the NWC financial aid office for more information. |
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| Payment deadline |
After determination of the final program fee, on or around April 1, the SSAO will send out billings. Deadline for payment is May 1. Participants will be provided with the Payment, Cancellation and Refund policies upon acceptance into the program. |
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Summer study abroad
