A Study Abroad Experience in Pontlevoy, France
Courses offered in Art, Economics, French Language, Geography, History, Literature, Political Science
Program Cost:$9,092
Spring Dates (spring only): Mid February – Early May
Deadline for Spring: October 1
Number of Positions: 20
Updated: October 23, 2008
Index:
Program Description
The Abbey is a new study abroad program located in France’s Loire Valley which is approximately two hours from Paris by train. The University of Southern Mississippi oversees the program and students from University of Wisconsin-Stout (UW-Stout), River Falls, Superior, and eight other national universities participate in The Abbey program, approximately 35-40 students attend the program.
Pontlevoy, France
The Abbey of Pontlevoy was founded in 1034 by a crusader and is one of France’s legendary historic monuments. The Abbey, situated on 20 acres of landscaped ground, has been renovated to accommodate today’s college student. It is equipped with a kitchenette, laundry facilities, lounges, a café, nine computer workstations in the lab, and a moat with gated entrances. Students share a bedroom with three other students and all rooms have a sink and shower. A few rooms have a bathroom with a toilet, but most halls have communal restrooms.
Pontlevoy, nicknamed “the Magic Place,” is located in the Loire Valley, which is home to France’s famous chateaux and vineyards. This charming, ancient village of 1,200 people is 150 miles southwest of Paris and draws a large number of European tourists in the summer. Students can rent bicycles for transportation. No moped rentals are allowed because it is simply too dangerous. Students can also travel by train from nearby Montrichard, St. Pierre des Corps, or Blois. Travel information can be found at: www.sncf.com. Click on the British flag at the bottom of the screen for the English version.
Courses
As part of the academic program, students will spend one week in Paris. Classes are held in conjunction with French universities and taught in English. Students will explore the streets, museums, and cafes of Paris. In addition, visits will be made to the Sorbonne and other French universities.
Students enrolled in the 12-week program have the opportunity to earn 12-18 hours of academic credit in history, literature, fine arts, economics, and a French language course. All classes are taught in English. All students are required to take The Ambassador Series (one credit) in addition to their chosen courses. Organized by The Abbey Program faculty, the Ambassador Series events enable the student to encounter various aspects of the host culture. Whether it is a musical performance, an exhibition, or a guest lecture, the series is dedicated to the understanding of the artistic, cultural and social movements, and heritage of the European Union. Themes and topics change weekly and are held both on and off The Abbey campus.
The program greatly focuses upon the life and customs of the Loire Valley. Visits to Chateaux, wine vineyards, and the local goat cheese farm, provide memorable experiences and appreciation for the culture and traditions of this region of France. All students are registered to receive one university credit hour for the Ambassador Series. Each student is required to attend eight events.
Students: Please remember that 85% of the grade is taken from attendance/participation in the aforementioned events. Friday excursions are optional. To receive the full 85%, students must attend a minimum of eight events. The final 15% is taken from student Vision Quest presentations. Further information about the Vision Quest description and requirements can be found in the WIF application packet.
Estimated Costs
Students will pay a program fee to the UW-Stout Business Office to cover the cost of tuition, housing, one week in Paris, daily breakfasts, required travel and museum visits, and cellular phone expenses. Along with those costs is the application/service fee and mandatory UW System health insurance fee. All other expenses are paid directly by students. Eligible students can use their financial aid. Costs are subject to change without prior notice and will vary with airfare, changes in exchange rate, and personal lifestyle. Scholarships may be available to both Wisconsin and Minnesota residents.
Spring Term:
Estimated Program Cost: $9,092
Estimated Housing Costs: (included in program cost)
Estimated Personal Expenses: $6,900
Total Estimated Costs: $15,992
For further breakdown of all estimated costs, please contact the Office of International Education (below).
Eligibility
The Abbey program is open to mature sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Housing and Meals
All students are housed at The Abbey, our beautiful campus in Pontlevoy. Students share triple rooms. The program cost includes lunch Monday-Friday. Students enjoy the chance to venture out into the community to purchase other meals or prepare meals with their new friends in a fully equipped kitchen.
Passport/Visa
Students must apply for their own passports and arrange transportation to France.
Application Procedures
Please make an appointment with the Office of International Education (OIE), 400 Bowman Hall, to review and receive the application materials. Completed forms are returned to OIE. A $100 nonrefundable application fee is paid to the Student Business Services Office located in the Administration Building at time of application. Once accepted by UW-Stout, a $200 nonrefundable service fee will be required to hold a place in the program.
For More Information
- Please contact OIE for an appointment
to discuss your Study Abroad options
and receive application materials.
715/232-2132, E-mail: globaled@uwstout.edu - For more information about the program, please visit:
http://www.usm.edu/internationaledu/programs/abbey%20program.htm