Who can participate?

Anyone who wishes to learn French language and to discover French-speaking Canada by immersing themselves in a Francophone culture. Open to undergraduate and graduate students as well as other community members.

Where will the program take place?

Language and culture classes are taught by native French-speaking Canadian instructors at the Université Laval, the oldest French-speaking university in North America, located in the suburbs of Québec City. Québec City is the capital of the Canadian province of Québec, a predominantly French-speaking region located just north of New England. Québec City has been described as the most "European" of North American cities, with the charm of the old town fortifications, the Citadelle of the Plains of Abraham, and the grandiose Château Frontenac that dominates the skyline. Québec City is an 8-hour drive from Boston (also accessible by rail or bus) and is 2-hours north of Montréal. So close to us, and yet culturally and linguistically very French, Québec is the perfect site for a foreign immersion experience without the complications or expense of transatlantic travel!

What courses can I take?

Laval offers undergraduate French language courses for non-native speakers of French at three levels: elementary, intermediate and advanced. Advanced courses may also include the study of Québécois literature and culture. Participants may transfer up to 6 credits of French back to Salem State: FRE101-102, FRE201-202, or 6 credits at the advanced 200 or 300-level, depending on the courses taken. A placement test the first day of the program determines the level at which students start their summer courses.

Where would I live?

Participants typically live in a dorm room on the Laval campus. Students who live on campus can use the dorm kitchen or dine at any of the campus cafeterias or cafés, paying for whatever meals they have there as they go. There is no meal plan for on-campus students. (Accomodations with a host family in Québec City are also available. Ask about this option if you are interested.)

How much does it cost?

Total cost for tuition, room, insurance and fees is approximately $1,200 USD. Students should budget additional money for meals (appx. $600), books ($100), transportation to/from Québec, and spending money for shopping and excursions. Extra financial aid is available for summer programs! Approximate required program costs in US dollars:

Approximate program  costs (as of February 21, 2008):

Total cost for tuition, room, insurance and fees is approximately $2,240CAN ($2,234US as of 2/8/08). Approximate required program costs in Canadian dollars:

Students should budget additional money for SSC fee ($100), meals (appx. $500), books (appx. $100), transportation to/from Québec, and spending money for shopping and excursions. Extra financial aid is available for summer programs!

How do I get there?

Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Québec, though most usually drive or get rides from other students who are driving there. Students who wish to drive may make arrangements for on-campus parking when the arrive and can purchase a campus parking sticker (appx. $30). Assistance will be provided in making travel arrangements and carpooling.

What cultural/recreational activities will be offered?

Prof. Blood provides an orientation for SSC students the first week, including tours of the university and the social and cultural highlights of the city of Québec. During the program, Laval organizes a series of excursions to museums and cultural sites in the area, and the program also coincides with Québec's Festival d'Eté, with ongoing concerts and cultural events in the city. Students may also be interested in organized sports on campus, such as soccer, basketball, swimming or tennis. There are also social activities on campus (in French), such as chorus, cooking classes, and movie nights. Québec also has several theaters, in addition to great restaurants, cafés, cinemas, bars, and boutiques!

Who do I contact for more information?

Pick up an application from: Dr. Elizabeth Blood, Asst. Professor of French
Department of Foreign Languages, Sullivan 305C
978-542-6867
send email now

For additional info: Dr. Donald Ross, Director
Center for International Education
8 Harrison Road (South Campus)
978-542-6351
send email now

The Université Laval website: http://www.fl.ulaval.ca/elv/

Québec City (source)

Pictures: (click on the pictures to enlarge)

Location

The well preserved historic area of Quebec City is quite unique in North America. UNESCO cites the City of Québec as one of the best examples of a fortified colonial city. It was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.

Brief History (from UNESCO citation):

Québec was founded by the French explorer Champlain in the early 17th century. It is the only North American city to have preserved its ramparts, together with the numerous bastions, gates and defensive works which still surround Old Québec. The Upper Town, built on the cliff, has remained the religious and administrative centre, with its churches, convents and other monuments like the Dauphine Redoubt, the Citadel and Château Frontenac. Together with the Lower Town and its ancient quarters, it forms an urban ensemble which is one of the best examples of a fortified colonial city.

Maps

Québec province [MAP]

Québec City [MAP]

Université Laval [MAP]

(zoom in and out from one map to the others)

Learn more

Quebec City in the Summer Time (from gonomad.com)