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Orléans, France

Program Brochure

Contact the Program Director

Dr. Mary Aldridge

English Department
P:  480-461-7361
Office: LA3 - 13
mary.aldridge@mesacc.edu

 

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Photo Gallery

Orleans Pont George

Program Location

Situated in the Loire Valley, Orléans holds onto the feeling and charm of a smaller town despite its easy accessibility to the capital. The people are very proud of their ancient city's history as one of the country's oldest cities and its intriguing history with the French hero, Joan of Arc. The Loire Valley is home to many of France's best preserved castles and beautiful green meadows. Appreciation for nature and agriculture is important to the region's people.

Cancelled for 2013

Centered in Orléans, this program is located in France’s famous Chateaux country and on the Loire River, which is the first river to be designated a World Heritage Site.  The city was once capital of France and is famous for its connection to Joan of Arc. Participants will spend 14 days immersed in the language, history, art, and culture of the Loire Valley. In addition to intensive language instruction, courses and related activities, students will address a number of different themes focusing on the arts, culture, daily life, general economic development, history, media, society, and national and regional traditions. 

Students will live and study in Orléans, and will take excursions to locations in the Loire Valley such as Chateau de Chambord, constructed by Francois I, and the Chateau de Chenonceau, begun by Catherine de Medici.  Students will also spend 3 days in Paris, where they will continue to practice the language and study the culture as they visit the Louvre Museum, the Musee d’Orsay, and other sites in the capital.  This will also allow students to contrast the culture of the Loire Valley with the global atmosphere of Paris.  There is an optional excursion to Normandy and the beaches of WWII.

Estimated Program Costs

  • Program Fee:  $1,839 (due 3/22/13)
  • Includes:
    • Cultural excursions, local transportation, lodging, and travel insurance
    • Admission fees
    • Unlimited pass for bus, tram or metro in Orléans.
  • Tuition: 4 credits
  • Registration Fee: $15
  • Airfare is NOT included (estimated at $1,500).
  • Meals are NOT included (estimated at $450).

Orléans Program Excursions

*UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Orléans Program Details

  • Students will immerse themselves in the French language while also studying the art, literature, and culture of the Loire Valley and Paris.
  • Students will earn 4 credit hours.
  • The first two weeks of courses will be held at MCC, then finished in France.
  • Download the rack card here.

Courses Offered (4 credit program)

  • FRE115 17758 Beginning French Conversation I (3) OR
    • Instructor: Dr. Maria Gardeta-Healey
  • FRE225 17759 Intermediate French Conversation II (3) AND
    • Instructor: Dr. Maria Gardeta-Healey
  • HUM298AA: Special Projects: Culture of the Loire Valley (1)

Dates to Remember

Title Date(s) More Information

Information Sessions

Wednesdays - 6:00pm - 6:45pm:
Sept. 12 & Sept. 26, 2012
Oct. 10 & Oct. 24, 2012
November 7, 2012
Jan. 30 & Feb. 13, 2013
Download the dates here.


Thursdays - 1:30 pm - 2:15 pm

Sept. 13 & Sept. 27, 2012
Oct. 11 & Oct. 25, 2012
November 8, 2012
January 31 & Feb. 14, 2013

Financial Aid Specialist available at all Thursday sessions!

Student Lounge

NU-6 building.

Scholarship Deadline

Friday, March 1, 2013

Get information on scholarships, grants, and financial aid for study abroad here.

Program Application Deadline

Friday, March 1, 2013

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply early to reserve your place!  Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Complete the Application - this pdf file can be completed on your computer and then saved and printed.


Submit directly to the Program Director or to the Study Abroad Coordinator.

Payment Deadline

Fri., March 22, 2013

Download the helpful guide: How to Pay for Study Abroad

Mandatory Orientation

Sat., April 13, 2013

9 am - 2 pm

Room LB145 in the Elsner Library at the Southern & Dobson campus.


You must attend the mandatory general study abroad orientation. There may be additional required meetings for your specific program. Contact the Program Director for details.