France: Language, Community, and Social Change

Homestays

“What I valued most about this program was the homestay aspect. It was the most helpful for both learning French and adjusting to French culture and society.”

Riley McCarthy, University of Colorado, Boulder

Homestays give students the opportunity to experience life in France as residents instead of tourists. The program includes two homestays: a 12-week homestay in Toulouse and a 10-day homestay in either Ariège, in a rural town bordering the Pyrenees Mountains (fall), or in a village in the Pyrenees Orientales (spring). By participating in contrasting homestays, students gain insight into the lifestyle differences among urban and rural communities as well as the impact of immigration and political policies on residents.

Toulouse homestay
During the Toulouse homestay, students experience the rich diversity of France's fourth largest city. Toulouse host families are from varied backgrounds, giving students a unique perspective on French culture and urban life. Students benefit academically and personally from interactions with their host families, while the city of Toulouse provides students with an intellectually vibrant and diverse environment in which to study French culture.

Village homestay
Students spend 10 days living with a host family in a small village. During this period, students explore the identity and cultural heritage of the village. At the end of the stay, they give a formal presentation of their findings for the local community. Past village study papers focused on the work of immigrants in the countryside, regional minority languages in France, rural unemployment, and Franco-Spanish border relationships.

The village stay enhances students' ability to adapt to a new location in France, the opportunity to work on language skills in a different context, and the chance to ascertain information firsthand through meeting with members of a small community.

Other accommodations on the program could include hotels, an environmental center, and a renovated farm house.

Credits: 16

Duration: 15 weeks

Program Base: France, Toulouse

Language Study: French

Prerequisites: One semester French or 2 semesters of another Romance language Read more...