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THE PROGRAM IN A NUTSHELL

Now in its 22nd year, the Arizona Paris Program balances all aspects of the program -curriculum, housing, excursions, museum visits and tours - to maximize students’ opportunities to make rapid progress in fluency and comprehension while increasing their understanding and appreciation of France and French culture.

Students live in private homes with French families, carefully screened on an ongoing basis. Host families are drawn from a select group who participate during the academic year in the study-abroad programs of Columbia University, Sweet Briar, and Middlebury, three of the oldest and best American programs in Paris.

Courses are taught by members of the UA teaching staff. Students earn six units of UA credit.

Classes meet at the University of Paris 7 in le Marais.

The program includes a two-day excursion to Brittany/Normandy (Rennes, Arromanches, Omaha Beach, St Malo, Mont Saint Michel) and day trips to such places as Versailles, Reims or Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

HOW TO APPLY

Application Materials: In addition to the application form, you will need 2 letters of recommendation, one in the form of a character reference from someone who knows you well maybe an employer if you are working, and the other certifying your level of proficiency in French (oral & written).You will also need: one passport-size photo; proof of health insurance; $80.00 application fee. For questions, contact Prof. Ayoun (Department of French & Italian) at ayoun@email.arizona.edu

Orientation Sessions: Prior to departure, two comprehensive orientation sessions will be held to discuss program arrangements and to answer all questions—most of which are you will be able to read about in advance in the detailed “ Arizona in Paris ” handbook. They are required.

Deadlines : The Study Abroad Office must receive completed applications by Friday February 25, 2009 . Enrollment will be on a first-come basis. Since only a limited number of students can be accommodated, please apply early. Remaining fees are due on April 30, 2009.

COURSES

The Paris summer program carries 6 units of credit. Depending on the student's level, several different course combinations are available.

Prerequisites:

If you complete FRE 202 by the end of Spring 2009, in Paris you will take:

FRE 301: Spoken French in cultural context – 3 credits
FRE 302: Historical and contemporary Paris – 3 credits

If you complete FRE 301 and FRE 302 by the end of Spring 2009,in Paris you will take:

FRE 310: Spoken French in cultural context – 3 credits
FRE 320: Written French in cultural context – 3 credits

If you complete FRE 310 and 320 by the end of Spring 2009, in Paris you will take:

FRE 425: Historical and contemporary Paris – 3 credits
FRE 457: French film – 3 credits

FREN 301: Spoken French in cultural context – 3 credits
Focus is on oral communication. Materials used in the course will include items from current French newspapers and other Parisian publications, and may include radio, television, films, plays and music. Topics for discussion are derived principally from activities in Paris of interest to individuals and to the group. Prerequisite: FRE 202.

FREN 302: Historical and contemporary Paris – 3 credits
Chronological overview from Paris préhistorique to the present, with readings, discussions and visits to historical and contemporary sites and museums in Paris. Prerequisite: FRE 202.

FREN 310: Spoken French in cultural context – 3 credits
Focus is on oral communication. Materials used in the course will include items from current French newspapers and other Parisian publications, and may include radio, television, films, plays and music. Topics for discussion are derived principally from activities in Paris of interest to individuals and to the group. Prerequisite: FRE 301 or equivalent. (FRE 310 may be repeated for credit once, when content varies.)

FREN 320: Written French in cultural context – 3 credits
Focus is on written expression, in various formats and styles. Topics include social, historical, and artistic areas related to the Paris program travels and activities. Prerequisite: FRE 302 or equivalent. (FRE 320 may be repeated for credit once, when content varies.)

FREN 425: Historical and contemporary Paris – 3 credits
Chronological overview from Paris préhistorique to the present, with readings, discussions and visits to historical and contemporary sites and museums in Paris. Prerequisite: FREN 310-320.

FREN 457: French film – 3 credits
Selected films, from the origins of the cinema to contemporary films centered around France and Paris. Draws on the resources of the BIFI (Bibliothèque du film) as well as current expositions and screenings in Paris. Prerequisite: FREN 310-320.

COST

The cost of study and travel in Europe varies with the cost of the European currency (the Euro) in relation to the dollar. The University has no control over increases in program costs that result from decreases in the value of the dollar with respect to the euro. The projected per-student cost of the program for 2009 is $5780. If currency fluctuations prior to departure permit a lower figure or require a higher one, students will be advised before the payment deadline of April 30. The program fee includes tuition (6 units of credit), housing, meals (breakfast and dinner), all excursions and group activities. It does not include lunches, textbooks, or transportation to, from and within Paris. Various sources of financial aid are available (see below).

FINANCIAL AID

Several sources of financial aid are available through the Department of French and Italian (in the form of competitive scholarships and grants; watch for application deadlines in the Spring semester!), and through the Office of Study Abroad & Student Exchange.

DEPARTMENTAL. The Department of French & Italian offers scholarship prize awards on a competitive basis each year in the Spring semester. These awards have varied from $400 to $1,000. They include:

2) Prix de l'Alliance française de Tucson (Rufenacht). Essay contest and interview. Open to students at all levels, from French 101 through 4th year.

3) Sidney B. Brown Memorial Prize. Awarded to graduating senior French major with best all-around GPA in French.

4) John Gesell Travel Award
"John Gesell Travel Award" is offered to students who have been accepted to the Arizona in Paris program through the Department of  French & Italian. It is intended to help cover the cost of airfare to Paris. It is available to students who applied for but did not receive a Study Abroad Travel Grant through the Study Abroad office. To be considered for the John Gesell Travel Award, please send the same application and essay you used for the Study Abroad Travel Grant to the Arizona in Paris program director, Dr. Ayoun (ayoun@email.arizona.edu). As these awards are contingent on availability of  study-abroad funding,  we recommend that students apply first for as many of other sources of financial aid as they can. Please feel free to contact Dr. Ayoun for more information.

STUDY ABROAD. Through the Office of Study Abroad and Student Exchange (SASE), you may apply for:

      1) SASE Travel Grant (up to $500 for summer programs)

      2) Arizona in Paris Travel Grant (funding varies; awards up to $1000 in recent years)

OTHER. Students who are already on scholarship from other sources can in most cases apply their scholarship funds to summer school at the UA, including UA study abroad programs. For more information please contact: Office of Study Abroad & Student Exchange, 939 N. Tyndall Ave. Tucson, AZ 85721. Ph: (520)-626-9211.

How to attend the Paris summer program for virtually no cost by graduating a semester early

[From a former student (2003)]

 “Dear Prof Beck,You might want to pass this on to other students. If they’re like me, their first idea when they hear about this program is“I bet that’s a great way to learn French, but I can’t afford it!” That’s what I thought too. But then I sat down and did some calculations and figured out that with the 6 units I’d earn in the summer, I could double up with one or two extra courses when I got back, and graduate a semester early. And the money I’d save by graduating a semester early —tuition and books, living expenses in Tucson, meals and car expenses—was much more than the cost of the Paris program. So I got to go on this “experience of a lifetime” for virtually no extra cost, plus I added French as a second major and will now graduate a semester early. Pretty cool, huh?”

This may not work for everyone but it’s something to think about. Look at course schedules for what you need for major-minor requirements and graduation, and then do the numbers. It might work for you.

PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION. Two required orientation sessions are held in the spring to discuss program arrangements and to answer questions. Topics covered include:

TRAVEL

Director for 2009

Dr. Ayoun (E-mail). Associate Professor of French Linguistics and SLAT.