DATES:
January 5 - 19, 2013
Application Fee
$100
Program Fee
$3,750
The Program Fee includes tuition and program expenses. Click on Program Fee for details.
International airfare and personal expenses are not included in the Program Fee and are the responsiblity of the participant.
Application Deadline
October 5, 2012
Eligibility
This program is open to all undergraduate students with a min. cumulative GPA of 2.25, including students who do not attend George Mason University.
Credits
Undergraduate
3 semester credits in FREN 115, 210, 250, 300, 310, or 460
Housing
Family stay (2 students per family)
Excursions
City tour of Bordeaux; visits of the Musée d'Aquitaine, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and the Musée d'Art Contemporain; cooking class with a French Chef; and a trip to the Chateau Montlau and the charming city of St. Emilion
CONTACT: Erin Mateu via email or by calling 703.993.3864 or toll free at 866.468.1243. The toll free number does not accept calls from the 703 or 571 area code.

Syllabus available upon request
Winter 2013 Itinerary coming soon!
Faculty Info
Dr. Janine Ricouart - BiographyImmerse yourself in French culture through study abroad in Bordeaux, France this January during Winter Break!
Bordeaux is located on the Southwest coast of France in the region of Aquitaine. It was an important port city with historically strong ties to England.
"My host family was phenomenal. I LOVED them and they really helped me speak and understand more French."
-- Student on Winter Break 2012

Discover the 18th century architecture, the French history, and rich local literary heritage (Montesquieu, Montaigne, Mauriac). Located one hour from the Atlantic Ocean, Bordeaux is a city of 700,000 inhabitants and a World heritage site.

Photo of Old Bordeaux
The Bordeaux region boasts products such as oysters and wine, and the regional vineyards are acclaimed worldwide. Some of the most prestigious Bordeaux vineyards include the Médoc, Pomerol, Saint Emilion, Sauternes, and Graves.

Bordeaux's Wine Region
In the area surrounding Bordeaux, you'll find not only amazing vineyards but also an amazing bay. The Bassin d'Archachon and Cap Ferret are well-known vacation spots on the Atlantic.

Le Bassin d'Archachon
Students will have free time on the weekends in order to travel up to Paris (about 2 hours by TGV) or to explore any of the local destinations, such as those listed above or elsewhere in the region.
Academics:
Students can enroll in "false-beginner" (FREN 115) to advanced French language classes. Prior to departure, students take an online placement exam and are placed at the appropriate level of study for onsite courses. Classes are 20 hours per week (Monday - Friday) at the Alliance Francaise (AF) and are supplemented by cultural activities. One of these activities is an excursion to the charming city of Saint Emilion and the Chateau Montlau.

The Charm of St. Emilion
The methodology adopted by their qualified and experienced teachers is interactive and dynamic using innovative technologies. Courses are structured around the four fundamental competencies: oral comprehension, written comprehension, oral production, and written production. Students will have to buy a course book and exercises books at Mollat Book Store, but the professors on-site will indicate specifically which book to buy for your level (cost: around 25 €). You should bring paper and a pencil to class.
Language learning will be reinforced by the homestays arranged for the participants. The host family will meet you at the airport or train station upon your arrival. Host families are situated mainly in the city center. The distance to the Alliance Francaise can vary from 5 minutes by foot or 20 minutes by bus/tram.

The City Tram
Additionally, there are 3 computers with free internet access for a period of 30 minutes and a WIFI network available at the AF.
Life in Bordeaux...
You will be enchanted by the charm of these posh Southwesterners! During your stay, try to pick up some of the local vocabulary. Instead of ordering a "pain au chocolat" at the bakery, ask for a "chocolatine"! ... Or try the local specialty called a "canelé" (also found at the bakery)!

Canelés, a Specialty of Bordeaux
One of the most famous streets in Bordeaux is La rue Sainte Catherine, located right in the heart of the city center. This mostly pedestrian street is along the path of the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostella but is also a hot spot for amazing shopping!

La rue Ste-Catherine
Academic Director

Professor, Program Coordinator, French - Department of Modern and Classical Languages, George Mason University
French: 20th and 21st Century French Literature and Film; Quebec Studies; and Women and Gender Studies
Dates: January 5 - 19, 2013
You should plan to leave the United States at least one day prior to the program start date to arrive in France for the first day of the program. You can schedule your return to the United States from France for the last day of the program or choose to travel independently.
Do not purchase airfare until you are advised by your Program Officer.
Program Fee: $3,750
The Center for Gobal Education Program Fee includes:
Tuition
Housing (2 students per family stay)
Tram/bus passes in Bordeaux
Breakfasts and dinners in the family stay
Welcome and Farewell group meals
Guest lectures
Guides and entry fees for program events
Pre-departure orientation
Emergency medical insurance, including medical evacuation and repatriation
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to George Mason students. George Mason students can click here to download the CGE Global Perspectives scholarship application. Mason students may also use financial aid to cover a program's cost. If you are not a George Mason university student check with your study abroad office or office of financial aid to learn more about how to cover the cost of your study abroad.
How to Apply
Consult the How to Apply section for detailed instructions. Start by completing the online application. Pay the $100 application fee.
Note that all supplemental documents are required by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Contact the Program Officer for further application forms and instructions specific to your program.

