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 Program
Students may study in France for a summer, a semester, or any combination of academic units. Vanderbilt's program in Aix-en-Provence celebrated its fortieth anniversary in 2001 and is one of the two oldest study abroad programs for Americans in this charming city. Vanderbilt in France has been located for thirty-five years in a historic building on one of the most picturesque streets in Aix, la rue Cardinale. The Vanderbilt Center is just beside the Eglise Saint-Jean de Malte (which celebrated its 750th anniversary in 2001) and the Granet Museum, and is a couple of blocks away from the famous seventeenth-century fountain of the four dolphins.
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 The capital of the old kingdom of Provence and currently the capital of its region, Aix is a town of about 140,000 inhabitants (and a student population of 40,000) located eighteen miles north of Marseilles. The TGV (fast train) travels directly between Paris and the new Aix train station at Arbois. Aix was acknowledged to be an artistic center and a seat of learning as early as the thirteenth century and is also renowned for its beautiful surroundings and superb climate. The Vanderbilt program is developing new emphases to respond to the geo-political realities of the 21st century. Emphases on the European Union and on the Mediterranean world range from an excursion to the European Parliament in Strasbourg to the study of the literature and film of North Africa and the study of the novelists of Provence. The expansion of these emphases to include more links to Spain and to North Africa is expected in the near future. Vanderbilt offers a rich program of excursions throughout the southern region, as well as options relating to academic work such as visits to museums in Paris. A special effort is made to enrich the cultural life of students through social experiences, supplementary courses in cuisine and oenology, and special events. The aim is to provide support to students as they move to linguistic and cultural competence.
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The Vanderbilt program has always attracted students with a variety of majors. In 2000/2001, students were enrolled who were majoring in Economics, English, History, Oceanography, Political Science, European Studies, Religious Studies, and Spanish, in addition to French. All students have access to native tutors.
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In addition to course work, Vanderbilt students are encouraged to volunteer. Individualized placements exist to work with children, youth, and adults in a variety of sectors, ranging from teaching conversational English to assisting in child care centers or tutoring disadvantaged students. Other volunteer opportunities offer students the chance to work to preserve the environment. Internships for credit are available to students who meet a level of competence in language. Recent internships have been arranged in business, law, and primary education.
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Students majoring in French and European Studies or taking Political Science courses in Aix relating to the European Union now have the opportunity to visit the regional office of the European Commission, which is located in Marseille. The only other such office in France is in Paris. Directed by Monsieur Jacques Huchet, the office offers live video of debates from Strasbourg and Brussels and an extensive library and documentation center where students may do research.
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Courses
Courses are offered at the Vanderbilt Center by French faculty with a strong reputation as excellent teachers, as well as scholars. At the same time, close cooperation exists between Vanderbilt and other educational institutions in Aix, making possible opportunities for specialized courses outside the center on the rue Cardinale. In addition to core courses in French language, literature, and culture, courses are also offered in a variety of disciplines, from political science to art history. Students who require a special course for their major may take it at another institute in Aix. For details on the core courses please click here. For details on the revolving courses, please click here.
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Living Arrangements
Housing is in private homes. Students are individually placed in housing according to their preference, ranging from rooms with close contact with families to semi-independent studios. In either case, students may come or go as they wish. Meals are taken with French families four evenings a week.
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Application Requirements
Applicants must be undergraduate students of an accredited American college or university who have a good academic record (2.7 GPA or better) and sufficient knowledge of French to pursue their studies successfully. The minimum language requirement is two years of college French or the equivalent with grades of B or better. It is highly desirable that students intending to participate in this program should be studying French during the entire year preceding their arrival overseas. Before applying, students should consult with their academic advisers to determine whether remaining general and concentration requirements can be completed on schedule. Students must be in good academic, financial and disciplinary standing in order to apply or participate in any Vanderbilt Study Abroad program. For application deadlines, click here. Earlier submission is advisable. If spaces are still available, consideration will be given to late applicants. In addition to the application form, students must submit an official transcript, a brief (no more than 2 pages) essay in French, and a written recommendation from their current or recent instructor in French. Applicants from institutions other than Vanderbilt must also submit a letter of recommendation from their Dean stating they are in good academic, financial and disciplinary standing with their institution. Applications cannot be processed until all materials have been received.
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Costs
Basic costs are kept at a minimum so that they compare favorably with the expenses on the Nashville campus. As this is a direct-credit program, students pay Vanderbilt tuition. In addition, there is a program fee and a $10 activity fee. This includes housing and a demi-pension plan which provides dinners Monday through Thursday (only 3 evening meals are covered in the summer program). To view current costs, please go to our Programs page and click on the "Program Costs" link (http://www.vanderbilt.edu/studyabroad/programs). Depending upon individual choice, additional food costs should be in the range of $1,500 - $2,500 per semester. Vanderbilt students' scholarships or financial aid may be applied toward the program. Students from other institutions are not eligible for financial aid from Vanderbilt.
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