Minimester I
This four week program starts with two weeks of online classes, followed by two weeks in Annecy, France
Online-only (required):
Students take one course online BEFORE travel: May 17 – June 3
Travel dates:
Jun 4 – June 18
Location
The Country: France
France, in Western Europe, encompasses medieval cities, alpine villages and Mediterranean beaches. Paris, its capital, is famed for fashion houses; classical art museums, like the Louvre; and iconic monuments, including the Eiffel Tower. The country is also renowned for its wines and sophisticated cuisine. Lascaux’s ancient cave drawings, the medieval abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, and the vast Palace of Versailles attest to its rich history.
The City: Annecy
Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Annecy is one of France’s most beautiful and welcoming cities, making it an unforgettable destination for a study abroad experience. Often called the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy is famous for its crystal-clear lake, winding canals, colorful buildings, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Students can enjoy a unique combination of history, culture, and outdoor adventure while living in a safe, walkable city. The charming Old Town is filled with cafés, bakeries, local markets, and historic landmarks, providing countless opportunities to practice French in everyday situations.
Classes
This is a French academic program offered in two modalities over the course of the summer minimester: During the first two weeks, students will take one of three courses online: FORL 3100 or COML 2531 / 3030. All online courses are taught in English, and all count toward the French major (and any major in World Languages), or a CORE option for COML 2531, or electives for the two 3000-level courses. The second half of the minimester is spent in France, when students will take one FREN course based on their current proficiency and program of study. That course will be delivered by IF Alpes, in Annecy, France. This portion of the program lasts two weeks and includes face-to-face classes, home-stay with a local French family, weekly extracurricular activities on campus and around the city, and a weekend in Paris.
The general objective of the program is to progressively develop the four basic skills of the language: listening, speaking, reading comprehension, and written expression, as well as to provide students with the communicative tools necessary to understand and appreciate the socio-cultural manifestations of French culture.
Partner Language School
IFALPES is a private higher education institution. They have been teaching French as a Foreign Language (FLE) for more than 30 years. This is a small institution, welcoming about 600 students each year, which makes it easy for them to adapt to our specific needs, and will help ensure that our Georgia Southern students are not overwhelmed by this new setting. Furthermore, IFALPES is located at 8 minutes walk from the train station and the historic centre of Annecy. Annecy is a walkable city, and this school is at its center.
Excursions and Cultural Activities
- Guided tour of the Castle in Annecy
- Guided tour of the old medieval prison in Annecy (this site was used through the Second World War)
- Full day trip to Lyon, France’s second largest city, with its UNESCO World-Heritage old-town (Roman ruins, Renaissance neighborhood).
- Cheese tasting
- Cruise on Lake Annecy
Travel Documents
All participants need a valid passport to enter France. Please secure the passport as soon as possible. Medical and liability documents will be provided by the Study Abroad Office for each participant to complete prior to departure. International health insurance is included in the programs fees and is required by Georgia Southern.
Participants should also check if they require an .
Transient Students
Students from other accredited universities are invited to enroll in our Study Abroad programs. In order to receive credit at their home institutions, however, they must enroll as transient students at Georgia Southern for the summer.
Have Questions? Contact Us!
Virginie Ems-Bléneau, Ph.D.
Principal Lecturer
Interdisciplinary Academic Building #2086
Email:Ìývemsbleneau@georgiasouthern.edu
Phone:Ìý912-478-0119
Program Cost and Eligibility
Program Cost: $2,266
Includes:
- 2 weeks of intensive language training
- Housing with a family
- Two meals a day (breakfast and one other meal)
- Excursions (cruise on Lake Annecy, Lyon, guided tour of castle and old town)
- Transportation between Geneva airport and Annecy
- International health insurance (required by Georgia Southern)
Does Not Include:
- Georgia Southern Tuition & Fees ($1,134)
- Airfare (approx. $1,500)
- Lunches on weekdays (approx. $200)
- Incidental expenses (public transportation, etc.)
- Souvenirs
- Application and Deposit: $500 Non-Refundable Fee due February 15, 2027. (This amount will apply to the Program Costs. If application is accepted, deposit is non-refundable; if application is rejected, deposit will be refunded to student.)
- 1st Installment: $1,000.00 due March 1, 2027
- 2nd Installment and Required Insurance Payment: $766.00 due March 22, 2027
The $500 application fee is non-refundable. 80% of the remaining funds are refundable up to 40 days before the program start date, since program services are contracted in advance and must be paid whether or not the student is able to continue with the program.
- 2.0 Cumulative GPA
- Commitment to speak French during the program
Many forms of financial aid can be applied to the study abroad program costs; please note that the Hope scholarship applies to your Georgia Southern summer tuition, although it cannot be used to pay the program costs themselves. Georgia Southern students who intend to pay all or part of the study abroad program cost with financial aid should meet with their academic and financial aid advisor as soon as possible and should apply for summer financial aid no later than March 1, 2027. Students from other University System of Georgia schools should contact their academic advisor and financial aid office at their home institution for instructions.