France

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Program Location

Map of France with the French flag

Quick Links

Scholarships & Funding

Program Brochure

Contact the Program Director

Dr. Mary Aldridge

English Department
P: 480-461-7361
Office: LA3 - 13
[email protected]

Not Offered in 2025

The Nice and French Riviera (Cote d’Azur) program visits one of the most beautiful parts of the world in order to learn more about the history, language, culture, and marine habitats of this area that is bordered by the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean and the grandeur of the French Alps.

The program’s home is Nice, the 5th largest city in France, and classes are held in a school in the Liberation-Borriglione quarter of the city, where participants can enjoy the Mediterranean sun between classes in the school’s garden. Nice is home to the famous Promenade des Anglais, which runs along its famous pebbled beach as well as several open-air markets and unique buildings. The location also offers easy access to other cities such as Cannes, Monaco, and St. Tropez.

Participants spend three weeks exploring the rich heritage of one of the world’s most beautiful and diverse areas with excursions to Antibes, St. Jean Cap Ferrat, Cagnes sur Mer, Monaco/Monte Carlo, and Beaulieu sur Mer. These excursions will offer participants the opportunity to visit historic sites, to go kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and whale watching. Students will also visit sites in Nice such as Villa Massena, Museé Marc Chagall, Musée Matisse, Musee Archeologique, and Vieille Ville (Old Town).

Because the course focuses on the humanities and on marine biology, no knowledge of French is necessary. However, students will benefit from some short French lessons, taught by native speakers, that will help them converse in everyday situations in shops, restaurants, markets, and train stations.

View 2022 France Marine Biology blog!

Program Excursions

In addition to our planned excursions, participants may also take part in optional activities such as excursions to Cannes, Corsica, and Italy.

Summer Courses You Will Take During Program

  • 4 credit program - Registration for courses will begin on March 4 for current MCC students and on March 18 for all other students.
  • HUM107: Humanities Through the Arts (3 cr), [HU]
  • BIO149SV: Field Biology: Ecological and Environmental Field Experience (1cr)
  • REQUIRED predeparture online coursework: TBA
  • Mandatory study abroad orientation on TBA from 9 am - 2 pm at MCC.

Photo Gallery

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A group of students pose in front of a tree along the French Riviera
A scuba diver underwater poses for the camera
Two scuba divers underwater swim near the sea floor
Students listen to a guide in Cannes
Students in front of a fountain and statue in France
A view of boats in the water from the French Riviera
An ornate villa in the hills of Cannes
A row of sailboats tied up in the harbor in France
A group of students pose in front of a dock in France
Students pose in front of the Palace of Festivals and Congresses of Cannes

Detailed Information

Nice Program Details

  • Benefit from a French language immersion experience while studying the culture of Nice and the French Riviera. No previous French language skills are required!
  • Homestays are provided with local families that include daily breakfast and dinner.

Did You Know?

  • Under the monarchy, the heir to the French throne was called le dauphin (the dolphin), in reference to his coat of arms.
  • Pets are very important in French culture, and pet dogs are allowed in public places like airports, malls, and many restaurants.
  • France attracts more tourists than any other country in the world.
  • The French population tends to resist foreign fast food because of concerns about genetically modified foods and globalization, which is seen as a threat to France's small farmers.
  • The currency used is the Euro (sign: €; code: EUR).
  • Read more detailed cultural information on France provided by CultureGrams™.
    France (2023). CultureGrams Online Edition. ProQuest.
  • Diversity Abroad France Destination Guide

Estimated Program Costs & Deadlines

Expense Type Estimated Cost Deadline

Program Fee
Includes homestay lodging, academic facilities, cultural excursions, in-country ground transportation, daily breakfast and dinner while living with your host family, and secondary medical insurance.

How to Pay

 $TBA
  • Program Fee Due: TBA
  • $250 Confirmation Deposit Due (towards total program fee): upon acceptance to program
  • Confirmation deposit is non-refundable after the program fee payment deadline.

Registration Fee

Tuition: 4 credits
In-state: $97 per credit hour
Out-of-state: $217 per credit hour ($883 incl registration fee)

How to Pay

$ 15

$ 388
Airfare (estimated cost) $1,700

Do NOT purchase your flight until after the program fee deadline.  Your program director will provide you with instructions on purchasing airfare for your program once minimum enrollment has been met.  It is recommended that you purchase trip cancellation insurance in the event you are unable to attend due to new job opportunities, illness or an emergency.

Meals

Breakfast and dinners are included while living with your host family. Lunches are not included.

 $ 300 Not needed until you land in France!
TOTAL Estimated Costs $TBA  
 
ADDITIONAL COSTS    
Insurance for Participants 60+ Years of Age $3.56 per day The program fee includes secondary insurance for participants ages 18-59. There is an additional insurance charge of $3.56 per day for students 60 years and over.
Textbooks
No textbook required		 $0  

ETIAS travel authorisation (now scheduled to go into effect in 2026)

Entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. Linked to a traveller’s passport, it is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation. Cost will be 7 euros which is estimated to be about $8.

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en

 $8

Must have passport first!

Most applications are processed within minutes.

It is possible however that your application may take longer to process. If so, you will receive a decision within four days. Please note that this period could be extended by up to 14 days if you are requested to provide additional information or documentation, or up to 30 days if you are invited to an interview. This is why you should apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance of your planned journey.
Passport

Passport Info Here

Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date of your return to the USA.		 $165/130 (new/renewal) Be sure to allow at least 14-18 weeks of processing time for first time applicants and renewals.
Visit the U.S. Department of State website for current fees and processing times.

Program Application Deadline

Space is limited.  Apply early to reserve your place!

If program reaches full capacity, you will be put on a waitlist.
  • Application Deadline:  TBA
  • Complete online application.
  • Late applications will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
  • Applications are reviewed & approved on a rolling basis.

Scholarships and Funding Your Program

Title Date(s) More Information

Maricopa Grant

MAXIMUM AWARD: $500

  • England & Puerto Peñasco programs are excluded.
  • Requires 2024-25 FAFSA and demonstration of financial need.
  • Must meet course applicability requirements.
  • Must be in an approved degree program at Mesa Community College.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.

Deadline: 

Open from October 15, 2024-February 9, 2025

Must have put down a program deposit by Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 at 5 pm.

Maricopa Grants will be announced after Summer financial aid begins awarding (typically mid-April to early-May).

Scholarship Portal

Keyword Search: Study Abroad Program at Mesa Community College

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

PRIOR to applying for a scholarship, student must:

  • Be accepted into your study abroad program. Apply early!
  • Pay the program deposit online, at Cashier Services, or by calling 480.461.7400.
CashCourse
This free online resource is a great place to go for money management info, tips, calculators, articles, worksheets, and quizzes that can assist you in achieving financial success now and in the future.		 Take advantage of this great resource for Mesa Community College students to help budget for your study abroad program!

How To Register For Your Free CashCourse Account

1. Go to https://www.cashcourse.org/

2. Click on "Register for a Free Account" under the Students circle.

3. Fill in all of the required information fields and click Register.

Be sure to check out the Financial Tools. The Budget Wizard is an easy-to-use tool to start tracking where your money is going.
Title Date(s) More Information

Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Students MUST apply through the college they are receiving financial aid from (even if taking program classes from MCC).

Maximum Award: $5,000

October Application Deadline
2nd Thursday of October (awards announced by December)
11:59 PM PST

March Application Deadline
1st Thursday of March (awards announced by May)

March 6, 2025
11:59 PM PST

Application NOW OPEN!

GILMAN SCHOLARSHIP WORKSHOP

Come learn how to write essays for the Gilman International Scholarship!

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

1:30 pm

meet.google.com/ofr-piyd-jtn
  • Must be a Pell Grant recipient.  Students apply indicating the school they are receiving their Pell Grant funding from. If you are not a receiving Pell Grant funding through MCC, you must apply for the Gilman through the school that you are receiving financial aid from.
  • Applications are reviewed holistically, with consideration of the following selection criteria. View Gilman Presentation here!
  • Review Gilman Essays Writing Tips.
  • Review Gilman Brainstorming Worksheet to help articulate ideas to frame your essays.
  • Review writing resources for ideas on crafting your Statement of Purpose:
  • Bring your draft to the Writing Center and get feedback on how to polish your "diamond in the rough"!
  • For application instructions, review this walkthrough video.
  • Watch videos of Gilman scholars abroad, alumni interviews, and tips from advisors and application reviewers on YouTube.
  • Note for Gilman application: For Program Administrator, select Mesa Community College

Gilman-McCain Scholarship

Gilman-McCain Eligibility

Maximum Award: $5,000

October Application Deadline
2nd Thursday of October (awards announced by December)
11:59 PM PST

January Application Deadline

Thursday, January 9, 2025
11:59 pm PST

Application cycle is now OPEN!
  • Must be a child dependent of an active/activated US military personnel during time of application.
  • Must be a Title IV federal financial aid recipient.  Title IV funds include:
    • Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans
    • Direct PLUS Loans
    • Federal Pell Grants
    • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOGs)
    • Federal Perkins Loans
  • Use the same Gilman application system as other Gilman Scholarship applicants.  Applicants will simply confirm that they are child dependent of an active duty military member of the U.S. Armed Forces (Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps).
  • If a student is receiving a Federal Pell Grant and is also a child dependent of an active duty military member, then the student is eligible for both Gilman scholarships and will automatically be considered for both but eligible to receive only one. If they are selected for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, then they will no longer be considered for the Gilman Scholarship.
Title Date(s) More Information

A New Leaf Assets to Opportunity (ATO)

A match savings program designed to help individuals save their own money in a special savings account and have their money matched for tuition, textbooks, and some study abroad program expenses with an 8:1 match.

Deadline:
Contact A New Leaf

[email protected]

Eligibility:

  • Must have earned income
  • Be a resident of Arizona
  • Income must be at or below 200% of federal poverty line
  • Commit to saving $500 and saving for at least 3 months
  • Commit to making $30 deposits twice per month
  • Complete a financial wellness workshop and any other program requirements
  • Contact: [email protected]
Title Date(s) More Information

Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship

Application Opens:

Typically mid-November

Deadline:

Typically mid-January

Eligibility:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient.
  • Financial Need is determined by the Fund for Education Abroad Financial Aid Form.  Applicants must have a completed FAFSA for current academic year.
  • Demographic Factors that are considered include first-generation college student status, racial identity, and community college experience.
  • Academic Plan and Preparedness are determined by your essays and unofficial transcript.
Title Date(s) More Information
MCC Honors Program
Study Abroad Scholarship

Deadline:  March 3, 2025

Maximum Award: $250

Refer to MCC Honors Program for current details!

If you are a current MCC Honors Program student in good standing, you can apply for up to a $250 study abroad scholarship!

For more information, call 480.461.7143.

Honors Program Study Abroad Scholarship Application

Information Sessions & Mandatory Orientation

Title Date(s) and Time More Information

Virtual

General Information Sessions

Playback of webinar on Nov. 18, 2022 during International Education Week

Recording Password: 5mE6StzU

For any questions, please contact [email protected] or the individual faculty program directors.

Financial Aid Contact Information

Financial Aid FAQS

At Southern & Dobson, contact Adela Bob at 480.461.7436 or at [email protected].

At Red Mountain, contact Tori Stanton in Financial Aid at 480.654.7760 or at [email protected].

Mandatory Orientation

Sat., April 12, 2025

9 am - 2 pm

MCC Southern & Dobson campus

Room: TBA

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