Live and study in Montpellier, one of France’s fastest growing cities and an emerging cultural and educational center. Within easy reach of both mountains and the Mediterranean, and home to 100,000 university students, it is the ideal place to experience French culture and strengthen your French language skills.

This University of Minnesota semester or year program in Montpellier offers options for students at intermediate or advanced level of the French language. Courses are taught at the L’Institut universitaire d’Enseignement du Français langue Etrangère (IEFE) which specialize in French courses for language learners. In addition, longstanding partnerships with the University Paul Valéry (UPV) and the University of Montpellier (UM) allow you to take electives in the arts, business, languages, humanities, and social sciences. 

Ongoing support and activities for cultural enrichment are provided by the on-site director and staff. Participants join a group of students from the University of Minnesota and other U.S. colleges and universities.

Academic Program

For updated course offerings, descriptions, and syllabi, visit Montpellier program webpage.

For semester-length programs students are expected to enroll in 15s.h. to 18s.h. UI students earn resident credit on this program.

Intermediate Track: Students will enroll in Intermediate Grammar & Methodology, Writing in French: Tools & Techniques, Conversation, and Phonetics. In addition, all students will select one or more elective courses (available in English or French). Students are able to select a Community Engagement course & placement which provides a cross-cultural experience of working with a local company, school, or nonprofit organization.

Advanced Track: Students will enroll in Advanced Grammar & Methodology I or II, Writing in French: Tools & Techniques OR Phonetics. In addition, students can enroll in 1 or more direct enroll courses at University Paul Valery (UPV) or University of Montpellier (UM). Students also have the option of enrolling in 1 or more electives with the UofM Program Center. Elective courses are available in French or English.

Courses offered may fulfill General Education requirements in:

• Historical Perspectives
• International and Global Issues
• Literary, Visual and Performing Arts

Please contact your study abroad advisor if you have additional questions about fulfilling general education requirements. They’ll be able to confirm which requirements can be completed abroad and help confirm Gen Ed approvals for your preferred courses.

Internship and Directed Research: Credit-bearing internships and directed research opportunities are available to students enrolled in the advanced track. Students can review the syllabi for both courses on the program website. Sample internship placements can be reviewed here.

Cultural Activities

Two or three day-long excursions are planned each semester to introduce you to the unique character of southern France. In addition, the program’s social assistants organize activities in Montpellier to help you get to know the city and to provide you with opportunities to meet French students. Optional longer excursions are also organized by the Program Center staff during the semester and are offered (at an extra cost) if there is sufficient interest.

Typical Semester Excursions may include:

Aigues-Mortes and the Mediterranean Sea

Arles and the Carrières de Lumière

Nimes and Pont-du-Gard

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

For additional information on the excursions please visit U of M’s website.

Program Dates

Program dates mirror the U.S. calendar: semesters run from early September to mid-December, and mid-January to mid-May. You can find the specific dates for the upcoming sessions on U of M's website.

For more information

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with the University of Minnesota, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa. 
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

  

Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email:study-abroad@uiowa.edu

University of Minnesota Program Center Montpellier

This program is based at the University of Minnesota’s Program Center in Montpellier. Depending on the academic track students will take courses at The Institute of French Study for Foreign Learners (IEFE) or direct enroll in courses offered by the following host universities, University Paul Valery (UPV) or University of Montpellier (UM).

Montpellier

Montpellier is a young, vibrant city with a centuries-old history of intellectual advances and social tolerance. It is geographically close to both mountains and the Mediterranean, and home to 100,000 university students. Students attracted to the bustle and style of a big urban center will be happy in Montpellier.

France

For as long as the United States has existed, France has been considered a center of culture within the world and has had a significant impact from contributions to food, art, fashion, and sciences. The largest country in the European Union is also one of the greenest, with stunning natural views and iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Lourve and the Palace of Versailles. The French people are passionate about their country and their way of life. Explore a rich history by visiting classic churches, dive into French cuisine, and enjoy a glass of wine or latte at any of the wonderful French cafes.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

Students will have the option of homestays, traditional French apartments, student studio apartments, and French dormitories during the semester-length program. You can review details for each housing option by visting U of M's program page.

Housing is included in the program fee (billed through U-Bill). Students are responsible for paying the housing deposit directly to University of Minnesota.

For more information on housing & meals, please visit: U of M's program page.

Passport

US Citizens

If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins. US citizens can find more information about how to apply for a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Important notice for students without a valid passport or whose passport will expire within the next 12 months:

US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Students without a valid passport should apply for a new passport or a passport renewal as early as possible.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated date of return to the US, you must renew your passport before applying for the visa you will need to enter your host country.

Expedited processing service is available for US passports (although this still takes several weeks and is at an additional cost). UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-US Citizens

Students who are not US citizens should contact their consulate for more information if they need to get a new passport or renew their passport.

Travel Arrangements

Students will work with their program provider to make travel arrangements to their program site. The cost of travel is not included in the course fee. UI Study Abroad will not arrange a group flight to your study abroad destination.

Do not purchase plane tickets until you have received instructions on how to do so from your program provider.

Local Transportation

Within your host city and around the country, students will utilize public transportation such as buses and trains. Excursions and general travel require a lot of walking, so bring some comfortable shoes!

Eligibility

This program is open to University of Iowa students who fulfill the following requirements:

Minimum 2.5 GPA- Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA to participate in this program. Applications from students who have a GPA below 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Language prerequisite:Students must have completed 2 semesters of college-level French prior to applying for semester or academic year programs.

Clear interest and commitment- Students must demonstrate a clear academic or personal interest in the program’s subject matter, and a commitment to engage responsibly in coursework abroad.

Demonstrated preparedness and maturity- Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel. Students must demonstrate a commitment to behave responsibly abroad while respecting cultural differences. Students are expected to obey both local laws and program directives conveyed to participants before and during the program. The University of Iowa Code of Student Life applies to all program participants while abroad.

Good academic and disciplinary standing- Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Students placed on either academic or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad on a University of Iowa program. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who are not in good standing at any point overlapping with the program dates will have their acceptance revoked and will be responsible for the associated late withdrawal fees.

Sophomore, junior, or senior standing- Applicants must have sophomore, junior, or senior standing by the time the program begins to participate in this program.

Approval by the University of Minnesota and UI Study Abroad- Applications will be reviewed by UI Study Abroad and by the University of Minnesota. Students will be accepted based on their review of their application materials.

Attendance at mandatory orientation programming- Students must attend all in-person and online pre-departure orientation programming presented by UI Study Abroad and the University of Minnesota.

18 years of age- Participants must be at least 18 years of age.

Costs

The cost sheet (forthcoming) outlines the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid purposes. It includes fees charged on students’ U-Bill, as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic.

The cost sheet includes the Study Abroad Administrative Fee and Mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Travel Insurance. Please see the respective websites for further details. If the fee is inclusive of UI tuition, it is calculated by Current Tuition. Please contact your study abroad advisor with questions regarding this cost sheet – call 319-335-0353 to schedule an appointment.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

For more information about receiving financial aid while studying abroad, please review the following:UI Financial Aid Information

You can find more information about options for funding your study abroad experience including scholarships on Undergraduate Scholarships for Study Abroad.

In addition, take a look at UMN Study Abroad Scholarship website for information about scholarships offered directly through your program provider.

How to Apply

Before starting an application for this program, students must meet with the study abroad advisor for this program to discuss their program selection and receive information about supplemental materials that are required for an application. Appointments can be set up in person at 1111 UCC or over the phone at 319-335-0353.

After meeting with your study abroad advisor, click the following application link to being the UI online application: Link to UI Study Abroad online application. Please note that the non-refundable $50 application fee will be charged to your U-Bill as part of this online application.

You will also need to apply on the University of Minnesota’s website. Click the following application link to being the UMN online application: Link to UMN Study Abroad online application.

Application Deadline

Spring: September 15

Fall/Academic Year: March 1

Health & Safety Planning

In addition to submitting their Confirmation of Participation form, students should review the following:

Prepare for Departure

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travel form with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Visa

U.S. passport holders should follow the Visa batch process instructions provided by UMN. Make sure to submit all required documents by the submission deadline. Otherwise you will have to apply for your student visa independently.

The closest Consulate available to UI students is the Chicago consulate.

U.S. Citizens will need a student visa if they are going abroad for a semester, or academic year. Typically, they will not need a visa for the summer sessions.

Non-US Citizens- should refer to the Campus France Visa website for more information on French visa requirements.

UI Study Abroad will hold advising appointments and/or information sessions to provide details on the visa application process. UI Study Abroad staff can provide some assistance on the French visa application process, but ultimately the individual traveler (the student) is the person who is responsible for providing correct information on the visa application and securing the visa and all other required documentation prior to travel.

Prior to starting the visa application process check in with UMN for more information; they have a preferred timeline that students need to follow.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals, and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.

Predeparture Resources

UMN will provide you with a variety of pre-departure resources to prepare you for your study abroad experience. These will include a packing list, cultural information, housing instructions, etc. Ensure that you thoroughly review any information provided to you by UMN and refer back to it if you have any questions.

These materials may be periodically updated to reflect new program information prior to departure. Be sure to check your UMN Account often.

There are no photos available for this program yet. Do you have any photos to share with us? If you do, please contact us at:

1111 University Capitol Centre
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1802
USA

Phone: (319) 335-0353
Fax: (319) 335-0343
E-mail: study-abroad@uiowa.edu