Can we obtain letters of recommendation
from people outside the French department?
The “Language Evaluation
Form” should be filled out by someone in the French department,
or by another instructor of French who can speak to your language
capacities. The “Reference Form,” on the other hand,
can be filled out by any academic referee. In other words, by
a professor or instructor who knows you well enough to judge
your character, maturity and general aptitude for Study Abroad.
I was wondering if the academic reference
and the language evaluation could be filled out by the same person.
No. The Idea is to have
two objective appraisals.
Do the recommendation letters have to be
from a University professor? My high school French teacher knows
more about my French than my college professor who only had me
for a semester.
If you are a first or second
semester student, you can ask your high school French teacher
to write either the “Language Evaluation” or the
“Recommendation” for you, but not both.
Should the 250 word personal statement be
in French or English?
You can write the essay
in English or French
Which transcripts should I include with
the application?
Even if you are a Freshman
you have a transcript from your first semester. You do not need
to provide a high school transcript.
Students at the three Regents’
institutions can obtain an unofficial copy of their transcript
online or directly from the Registrar. If you attend or have
attended other colleges or universities you will need to provide
an official transcript.
How much will my French grades affect your
decision concerning my dossier?
We take into consideration
your total GPA, but a strong history of success in French definitely
helps.
When will we be notified of our status
if we apply for the early deadline?
In all cases, expect to
receive an answer within four to five weeks of your application
deadline.
Do I need official transcripts?
Degree-seeking students
at the Iowa Regents institutions ONLY (UNI/UIOWA/ISU) do not
need to provide official transcripts.
When do I need to pay?
When you first apply to
the program you only need to pay the $35 application fee. We
generally establish the program cost in March, once we have
received estimates from our various service providers in France.
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How much spending money do I need for the
program?
That depends on you. If
you plan on doing significant amounts of shopping or socializing
you will obviously need more money. The key is to establish
a budget and stick to it. Most students end up spending
around $150.00 a week. Some spend far less, others far more.
Remember, the program costs
are fixed but you will need to purchase noontime meals in Lyon.
Even if you don’t plan on using it, you should also have a
Visa or Master Card for emergencies.
When Do I need to be in Lyon?
The program starts on a
Monday. However, you need to be in Lyon by Sunday. If you leave
the USA on Saturday it will in most cases be Sunday when you
arrive in France. Keep in mind that once you land in Paris,
you still have to take a train or another flight to Lyon.
Our meeting point is near
the central train station. You will spend the night in a hotel
near the rendez-vous point. We do this in order to give you
a chance to get over your jet lag before being immersed in the
family stay.
Should I bring cold weather clothes?
Not generally. It can, however,
be chilly and rain in France (especially if you’re in
the mountains). Bring a good rain jacket and perhaps a light
sweater. But do not over-pack. This is the number
one mistake Americans make when traveling in Europe. You
will be getting around on foot and in public transportation;
don’t ruin your trip by lugging around a 50 lb. backpack.
Pack only what you can comfortably carry. If you need
extra clothes you can always purchase them.
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When do we have class?
Classes are in session from
Monday to Friday. Attendance is mandatory. Friday afternoons
and weekends are reserved for group or individual excursions.
What supplies will I need for class?
Bring a small French/English
dictionary that fits in a bag or backpack but not much more.
School supplies are easily purchased in France.
Can we go to Italy or Spain for the weekend?
No. You must stay within
France for the entirety of the Regents’ program. However,
you are free to travel throughout Europe before or after the
official program dates.
What if I have an emergency?
The first thing you should
do is get immediate attention if it is a medical emergency.
If you’re at home, alert your family and the Director.
Always have the Director's phone numbers and contact information
with you. You might be surprised when you need to call!
In France dial:
“15” for an ambulance
“17” for the police.
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