Eligibility

GPA	2.5
Hours completed	12
Student Conduct	Good status
Grad credit	No
Non-WIU	No
Pre-requisite	FR 122 or equivalent or instructor permission
Student Year	Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior

 

Entry Requirements

Passport required  - Must be valid until at least February 5, 2024.  For information on how to apply for or renew a passport, see Passports 101 . 
Current passport processing times are 8-11 weeks.  Plan accordingly to avoid issues obtaining your ETIAS, visa, airline tickets, and other necessary items for travel.  Failure to receive your passport in time can lead to postponement of your program.

Visa required if not a US citizen.  It is your responsibility to check the Consulate General of France in Chicago website for more information.  Visa cost not included in program cost.

 

Health Insurance

You must have international health insurance for the time you will be on your program. Only two options are approved to meet this requirement:

• WIU student health insurance
• A supplemental policy (Patriot Travel Medical) purchased through International Medical Group.

 

Health Precautions

COVID-19 - You are REQUIRED to fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate in this program.  Proof of vaccination required prior to acceptance of your deposit.

Walking/mobility - Expect to walk 1-2 miles per day.  It is not consecutive but scheduled throughout the day.  Walking will sometimes be over uneven, hilly terrain and up/down flights of stairs. 
You will also be responsible for handling your own luggage.

Environmental - Highs in the upper 70s, lows around 60.  Excursions and some portions of the program will be conducted outside, rain or shine.  Sun protection is strongly recommended  

Dietary - Some meals are included in the program cost. Contact Kim McDaniel  if you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions.  

Vaccinations - None are required for entry into France.  Up to date vaccination recommendations are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website .

Accessibility - Accessibility and accommodation may be very different than that found in the United States.  Please contact the Disability Resource Center for questions on the availability of accommodations for your specific situation.

PLEASE NOTE   It is your responsibility to request accommodation from the DRC; faculty and staff are not legally permitted to inquire about such needs.  Requests should be made as early as possible so there's sufficient time to arrange accommodations in your location.

 

Costs & Dates

Estimated Cost*	$4,800-$5,200 based on 8 students
Included in the program	Round trip airfare from Chicago, in-country transportation, lodging, entry fees to scheduled sites, some meals
Application Deadline	January 31, 2023
Payments
Commitment Fee	$75 due February 28, 2023
Non-refundable deposit	$1,500 due March 1, 2023
Final payment	Balance due March 31, 2023

* Costs are subject to change based on student enrollment, exchange fluctuations and flight costs.

WIU reserves the right to adjust the cost or arrangements of this program due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond the University's control.  For details about this or individual withdrawals, see Cancellations and Withdrawals .

Important Dates

Passport copy deadline: March 31, 2023.  Failure to meet this deadline will result in removal from the group flight and possible increased costs.

ETIAS copy deadline: May 1, 2023

Pre-departure meeting: TBA, Spring 2023

Academics

Credit offered

FR 361 - Taught by Dr. Edmund Asare.  Includes cultural components of program    

FR 499 (French Language course) - Taught by UCO instructors.  Placement at UCO determined by Foreign Languages.

Participation in this program counts as upper-division elective credit for FL majors/minors.  Option for Foreign Language/Global Issues graduation requirement.

Please check with your academic advisor for more information on how this Course fits your specific academic needs.

Objectives/activities

• Improve your speaking/listening and reading/writing skills in French in a total language and cultural immersion environment
• Learn aspects of French culture not easily gained from traditional classroom instruction--habits, food, traditions, etc.--by living and interacting with a host family
• Visit important historical and cultural sites in Angers and Paris
  

 

Class sessions

Active class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course.  You are responsible for completing pre-departure assignments including readings and discussion participation, attendance and active participation during on-site visits, guest lectures and activities, and post-return assignments.  Questions about course content should be directed to Dr. Edmund Asare .