Penn-in-Tours, France

• Program Intro
• Events
• Calendar
• About Tours
• Course Information
• Housing
• Costs
• Travel Notes
• Contact
• APPLY

Program Introduction

Penn-in-Tours is designed for students interested in French language, history, culture and civilization. The program, held at François Rabelais University, offers intensive intermediate and advanced French language courses, a course that focuses on medieval and Renaissance history of France, as well as one that studies contemporary France as seen by the media. Classes are conducted in French; students in language courses receive intensive training, enriched by daily contact with local residents and students. The history course includes field trips to historic sites.

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Upcoming Events

Information Sessions

Join us at any of the following sessions to learn more. Click on the dates for details.

• Tuesday, November 17, 2009. 3:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 18, 2009. 5:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 7, 2009. 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 19, 2010. 4:00 p.m.
  

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Program Calendar:

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About Tours

The cradle of the French Renaissance, Tours is the capital of the Touraine region, renowned for its formal gardens, and wide boulevards.  It is widely believed that its residents speak the most perfect French to be found anywhere. Tours abounds with museums, historic churches, 15th-century residences, cinemas, and discos, and as such is the ideal location to view how medieval history and a cosmopolitan city fuse seamlessly. The city is a hub for excursions to the Chateaux of the Loire Valley and can be reached conveniently from Paris, Bordeaux, Biarritz, and the Côte d’Azur. Experience the old-world charm first hand amidst street markets, independent bakeries and shops, and luscious gardens.

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Course Information

Students register for a total of two course units (CU). Course preferences are made on the application and are subject to approval by the program director. Course registration is completed by the Penn Summer Abroad office for students who confirm their intent to enroll in the program and submit required pre-departure documents. 

Note for Visiting Students: One CU is generally considered to be equivalent to three semester hours when Penn coursework is transferred to another institution.

Courses:

French 134: Intensive Intermediate French
Prerequisite: French 120, 121 or equivalent (1 year of college French)

An intensive course in intermediate French, it stresses the development of functional proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing, combined with a systematic review of grammar. It includes a strong focus on French culture, in particular contemporary France with a special emphasis on youth culture. It meets five days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Out-of-class activities are regularly integrated into classroom assignments. French 134 covers the equivalent of 130 and 140 at Penn. This course is also open to students who have completed third-semester French or its equivalent at Penn (French 130). Students who have completed French 130 receive credit for 140 and for one free elective at the advanced level. The course cannot be taken Pass/Fail. (2 CUs)

French 216: Advanced French with a Cross-Cultural Focus

This is a third-year-level French course designed to help students become autonomous learners of the language so that they will gain the maximum benefit from their time in France. It will also give them the tools to continue to learn the language independently in the future. At the beginning, students will explore their personal learning styles and use of language-learning strategies in order to become more reflective learners. While the course touches on some grammar review, its main emphasis is on colloquial French with special emphasis on the listenint and speaking skills. Readings and class discussion are centered on cross-cultural issues that help the students in their adaptation to life in France. Assignments regularly involve observation activities by the students and discussion with their host families.  Class meets four days a week for a total of six hours a week. (1 CU)

French 226:  Tours de France: French History Seen Through the Prism of Tours Fulfills Sector Requirement II: History & Tradition

This course will introduce students to key chapters of French history from the Gallo-Roman period to WWII. As "lieux de mémoire" which witnessed and still bear the traces of a rich and eventful past, the streets and monuments of Tours will guide our steps through this historical voyage.  The major chapters of the historical narrative will focus on the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and World War II, periods that are clearly visible in the cityscape of Tours and its surroundings.  Class will include regular outings to historical sites. This course may also be taken for 300-level credit (additional work required). Class meets four days a week for a total of six hours a week. (1 CU)

French 233/French 312: Contemporary France through the Media (in French)
Fulfills General Education Requirement: Cross-cultural Analysis

This course offers a socio-cultural survey of contemporary France through its media. It acquaints students with the daily press, magazines, and television, while tracing emerging cultural trends through music, cinema, video, advertising and comics. Students follow recent developments in French society, and look into the current cultural forces at work today. This summer, particular attention will be given to youth culture and French cinema. Cultural events such as the "Fête de la musique" will also be discussed. Readings and documents introduce new vocabulary in context, and provide a better grasp of the changes shaping daily life in France in 2009. This course may also be taken for 300-level credit (additional work required). Class meets four days a week for a total of six hours a week. (1 CU)

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Housing

Students live with French families in order to experience full linguistic and cultural immersion. Housing is prearranged through a local coordinator and all students will be asked to complete a host family accommodation form to list any special dietary needs or allergies. Breakfast and dinner are provided by the family.

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Costs

Note: All tuition charges and fees are subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and may change without notice.

Tuition: $5,866 (2009 rate)
$2,933 per course unit (CU). Students are required to enroll for two CUs.

Program Fee: $2,425 (2009 rate)
Includes accommodations with breakfast and dinner, transportation from Paris to Tours, cultural activities and program excursions. 

The tuition and program fee are billed to the student’s Penn account according to the Summer Sessions billing schedule.

Other Expenses: Students are responsible for other direct expenses including 

• roundtrip air ticket to Paris
• course materials
• local transportation
• meals not taken with host family
• return travel at the end of the program from Tours to Paris
• personal expenses and entertainment

William A. Levi Travel Fellowship

Financial Aid
Penn Summer Abroad programs may be supported by financial aid. Penn students seeking financial aid for a program abroad should contact Student Financial Services (www.sfs.upenn.edu) and complete the undergraduate student financial application for the summer term. Visiting students apply for financial aid from their home institution.

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Travel Notes

Passport: Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end date of the program. If you do not already have a passport or need to renew it, you should begin the process immediately. Passport application forms and instructions can be obtained at the U.S. Post Office or at http://travel.state.gov/.

Visa: France does not require an entry visa for U.S. Citizens for visits of up to 90 days. Citizens from other countries should confirm with the French Embassy whether or not a visa is required. If so, you will need to apply several months in advance. Contact the Penn Summer Abroad office for assistance in obtaining required documents for the visa.

Air Tickets: Penn Summer Abroad does not organize travel overseas. Start researching flights early. There are many possibilities and a large variation in prices. You will receive the list of all students in your program. Contact the ones who are likely to travel from the same airport. You may be able to travel together.

Immunizations:Make sure you receive all appropriate inoculations. Consult with your physician and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, which provides information on vaccines and immunizations for travel abroad. http://www.cdc.gov/.

Additional information will be provided in the acceptance packet and in pre-departure orientations that will take place in the spring.

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Contact Information 

Program Director
for details about the program, courses, or location including academic advising, travel dates, housing and orientation

Kathryn K. McMahon 
Director of Language Programs
Department of Romance Languages
University of Pennsylvania
E-mail: kmcmahon@sas.upenn.edu
Tel: 215-898-7440

Penn Summer Abroad Office
for assistance with application, financial questions, pre-departure, or other general information

Penn Summer Abroad
College of Liberal & Professional Studies (LPS)
University of Pennsylvania
3440 Market Street, Suite 100
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3335
Tel: 215-573-7537
Fax: 215-573-2053
E-mail: summerabroad@sas.upenn.edu

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