The program is open to anyone who has a strong interest in immersing themselves in another culture. Qualified high school seniors 18 and over may be accepted into the program. Community members are welcome.
Orientation
A mandatory pre-departure orientation will be held at College of DuPage. This typically occurs on a Saturday in May.
Language Classes
All students are required to enroll in a French language class, held at the Alliance Francaise, Bordeaux-Aquitaine. Classes accommodate students at Elementary French I and II, Intermediate French I and II, and Advanced French I and II. Prior to the beginning of classes, all students will be tested and placed at the appropriate level. Changes can be made if a student progresses at a faster rate or shows different learning needs.
Civilization and Culture of France
All students are required to enroll in this class, which covers the geography, history, political and social institutions and the art and architecture of France. This class first meets at the mandatory orientation session.
In France, the course will continue with guided cultural excursions to theaters, museums and other places of interest that are integral components of this class, and therefore, attendance is required. Written assignments are required.
Program Directors/Faculty
All language classes will be taught by instructors at the Alliance Francaise, Bordeaux-Aquitaine. The Civilization and Culture of France class will be taught in English by the COD Program Directors/Faculty, who are available daily to counsel, supervise and assist students.
Director
Anna Serrano is Assistant Professor of French and Italian at the College of DuPage. She holds a Master’s degree in French from Northern Illinois University, and she is currently working on a Master’s degree in Italian at DePaul University. She holds Teaching Certificates for French, Italian, and Spanish for grades K-12 in Illinois. During her undergraduate studies, Anna earned awards such as the Exemplary Student Teacher Award and the Outstanding Woman Award.
Prior to working at the College of DuPage, she spent several years working at the high school level and planned and led several trips abroad to France, including cities such as Paris, Nice, Avignon, and the Loire Valley. Anna grew up in a bilingual household of English and Italian and caught the “travel-bug” early on in life, having spent every other summer visiting family in southern Italy. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and chocolate lab, Jo.
Credits
Upon successful completion of classes, students will receive credit for Elementary,
Intermediate or Advanced French (3-4 semester credit hours) depending on placement, and Civilization and Culture of France
(3 semester credit hours.)
Housing and Meals
Students will be housed in carefully selected French homes. They will be provided with breakfast and dinner while at the home stay. Home stays provide the opportunity to practice speaking French and to share in the everyday life of the family.
Activities and Excursions
Activities specified in the program schedule are included in the price of the program.
Optional Excursions
Information will be provided on a variety of optional excursions that are not included in the price of the program.
Program Cost
The program cost includes: round trip airfare from Chicago to France, ground transportation in France, admissions and excursions as listed, course materials, room and board.
The program cost does not include: tuition for 6-7 credit hours, passport fees, visa fees (if not a U.S. citizen), optional excursions, personal expenses, some meals, telephone calls, checked baggage fees.
Program fees may be subject to change due to increased costs of transportation or currency fluctuations that are beyond the control of the College.
Late Applicants
We welcome students beyond the application deadline, space permitting. Additional charges may apply.
Passport
Each participant must have a valid passport that does not expire for at least 6 months after the anticipated return date to the U.S. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own passports. As passports can take substantial time to obtain, apply for it as soon as possible. Information can be obtained at travel.state.gov/passport
Visa
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to France. Non-U.S. citizens may need a visa.
Insurance
All participants are required to have medical insurance, which is valid outside the United States. Trip cancellation insurance can also be purchased to provide protection against cancellations and lost or damaged baggage.
Liability Release and Assumption of Risk Form
Participants in all Field and Experiential Learning/Study Abroad programs must complete the Liability Release and Assumption of Risk form.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
In the event that a participant withdraws from the program, a right to a refund is limited.
All cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing and sent to:
College of DuPage Field Studies/Study Abroad
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 3520
425 Fawell Blvd
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599
Contact Information
Field and Experiential Learning, Study Abroad and Global Education
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 3520
General inquiries: (630) 942-2356
Email: fssa@cod.edu
Additional Contact Information