Program Location
Quick Links
Contact the Program Director
Dr. Mary Aldridge
English Department
P: 480-461-7361
Office: LA3 - 14
[email protected]
May 24 - June 16, 2026 (in country)
May 20-23, 2026 (pre-departure coursework)
Visit one of the most beautiful parts of the world in the Nice and French Riviera (Cote d’Azur) Study Abroad Program! Participants will be immersed in the history, language and culture of this area that is bordered by the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean and the grandeur of the French Alps. In addition, participants will explore the richness of the marine life and habitats of the area through activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
The program’s home is Nice, the 5th largest city in France. 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.
Participants spend three weeks exploring the rich heritage of one of the world’s most beautiful and diverse areas with excursions to Beaulieu sur Mer, (Tempe Sister City), Antibes (kayaking), Cagnes sur Mer estuary, Villefranche (snorkeling/scuba), Monaco/Monte Carlo, and Villa Euphrussi de Rothschild. Students will also visit sites in Nice such as Musée Massena, Musée Marc Chagall, Musée Matisse, Musée Archéologique, Musée des Beaux-Arts de nice, 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. While in Nice, local families provide homestays (including breakfasts and dinners), thus providing homestays an invaluable cultural, language, and food immersion experience.
Program Excursions
- Guided tour of Nice
- Excursion to Beaulieu sur Mer (Tempe Sister City)
- Excursion to Antibes including kayaking in Cap d' Antibes
- Excursion to Monaco and Musee Oceanographique
- Visits to Nice Museums: Musée Masséna, Musée Marc Chagall, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice
- Excursion to Villa Euphrussi de Rothschild
- Walking tour of Cagnes-sur-Mer estuary
- Whale watching and scuba/snorkeling near Villefranche-sur-Mer
Summer Courses You Will Take During the Program
- 4 credit program - Registration for courses will begin on March 2 for current MCC students and on March 23 for all other students.
- ENG 217: Personal and Exploratory Writing (3 cr), [L] | Section No. 16513
- Instructor: Dr. Mary Aldridge
- BIO149SV: Field Biology: Ecological and Environmental Field Experience (1cr) | Section No. 16539
- Instructor: Dr. Alex Cheroske
- REQUIRED online coursework: May 20-23, 2026
- Mandatory study abroad orientation April 11, 2026, from 9 am - 2 pm at MCC, Navajo Room.
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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).
- Diversity Abroad France Destination Guide
Estimated Program Costs & Deadlines
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
Program Fee | $2,935 |
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Registration Fee Tuition: 4 credits | $ 15 $ 388 |
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| 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 | $5,338 | |
| 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. | $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 HereYour 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 8-10 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. |
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Scholarships and Funding Your Program
| Title | Date(s) | More Information |
|---|---|---|
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
March Application Deadline March 6, 2025 Application NOW OPEN!
GILMAN SCHOLARSHIP WORKSHOP Come learn how to write essays for the Gilman International Scholarship! Tuesday, February 4, 2025 1:30 pm
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| Gilman-McCain Scholarship | Maximum Award: $5,000 October Application Deadline
January Application Deadline Thursday, January 9, 2025 Application cycle is now OPEN!
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