Montpellier dates back to the 13th century and is today one of the largest cultural cities in France. Its southern location near the Mediterranean Sea, in an area lined with seaports and endless stretches of sandy beaches, offers an abundance of sunshine 300 days of the year on average. The city pedestrian center is lined with quaint, narrow streets, fountains, open squares, and numerous outdoor cafes and restaurants all of which are very typical of southern France. Renowned academically, Montpellier caters to a younger population of students during the year and attracts European tourists in the summer. Montpellier also prides itself in the great number of music, dance, and theater festivals it hosts all summer long. Plus, the high-speed TGV trains provide daily service to and from Paris in about 3.5 hours.

The program is open to students from around the world and includes 15 hours of instruction per week. The faculty is made up of native French professors experienced in teaching French as a Second Language. All classes are taught in French. Class size varies from 8 to 12 students. Groups are set up by levels (beginner to advanced), determined by proficiency tests given the first day of each session. Classes are held every morning, Monday-Friday, from 9am to 12pm at an accredited language institute affiliated with the Université de Montpellier, within a short walk from the center of town. The school is equipped with computers, internet access, coffee machine, and DVDs for additional practice outside class hours.

Course certificates are awarded upon successful completion of each program and must be requested directly from the admissions office in Montpellier. Official transcripts are processed by the host institution through the FAE office. Students must submit a Credit Transfer Request Form to the FAE office in Virginia to receive a transcript. One transcript is provided at no cost to each student. A fee of $20 is charged for each additional transcript. A weekly schedule of activities is available from the institute at final registration in France. Additional services are also available from the Office du Tourisme in town.

Housing is arranged by FAE and the host institution in your choice of a single room with private bath in a student dormitory, a private room with shared bath in the home of a local resident (with daily breakfast & dinner meal plan), or in a furnished efficiency apartment. Bed linens and bath towels are provided with all housing options. Please indicate your first and second choice of housing on your Application Form. Students may dine at any of the four student cafeterias: Arceaux, Boutonnet, Vert-Bois, Triolet, or at any of the self-service cafeterias around town. Please note however, that during the summer months only one student cafeteria is open at a time. Breakfast is not served at any of the student cafeterias. Discount student meal tickets may be purchased at any student cafeteria or at the C.R.O.U.S. office in Montpellier with your student ID card. Student meal tickets are only valid at the student cafeterias. You also have a wide selection of inexpensive restaurants and cafés around town that may be more convenient.

* Available in July and August only. ** Refundable security deposit required for apt rentals.

Note: Expenses may vary with fluctuating exchange rates.

A weekly schedule of activities is arranged by the institute, and is open to all students. There is also an optional excursion program, which requires an additional fee (see above). Students sign up for the activities of their choice once in France. Ask for a complete list of options at final registration. In addition to the activities and excursions organized by the institute, the Office du Tourisme offers a wide selection of guided tours and events. Activities range from a walking tour of the city or a visit to the Musée Fabre, to bus tours to one of the vineyards of the Languedoc-Roussillon region or private Chateaux of the Herault. Regularly scheduled departures from the Gare Routière will take you to see the wild horses of the Carmargues, the flocks of pink flamingos along the Etangs of Palavas or to the fortified mediaeval city of Aigues-Mortes.

You may also take a short train ride north of Montpellier to visit the Roman Coliseum in Nimes or the Pope's Palace in Avignon. Of course, if you prefer to simply relax at the beach, there are several buses that will take you to any of the stretches of sandy beaches between Palavas and La Grande Motte. Wherever your passion lies, you will find just the right place in and around Montpellier to make your Summer Study Abroad Program an experience you will want to repeat!