Nice - Ecole Supérieure de Commerce

Nice Program Brochure

Q. What does this program offer?
A. Beginning the Summer of 2008, the International Center and the MU Department of Romance Languages will offer a four week study abroad program to Nice, France. Hosted by IPAG (Ecole Supérieure de Commerce), students will study intensive French language and culture alongside other international students. IPAG, founded in 1965, is a world-renowned business school which offers courses in French language and culture, in addition to business classes with an international focus. At IPAG, you will study with students from around the world, while learning firsthand about French and European culture. Dr. Tara Foster of the MU Department of Romance Languages and Literatures will accompany the group as the Resident Director of the program.

Q. What is it like there?
A. Nice, the "unofficial capital" of the French Riviera, is known for its chic, cosmopolitan population. Nice's art museums, outdoor markets, glitzy nightlife, pebble beaches and palm-lined boulevards make this vibrant city a popular tourist destination. Nice also lies at the center of a very dynamic business region, acting as a world leader in the Tourism and Congress industries and the perfume research and development industry and serving as a high-tech center of the French Silicon Valley together with nearby Sophia Antipolis. If you like to travel, Nice is perfectly located for a Mediterranean tour. The city is minutes away from Monaco, and only half an hour from Italy or Cannes.

Q. What will I study?
A. You will study French language and French culture. As part of the program, you will enroll in an intensive French language class. The language and culture courses will be taught by faculty members from IPAG. The IPAG faculty is made up native French professors experienced in teaching French as a Second Language. Class size varies from 10-15 students. In addition, depending on level of language proficiency, students will take either a French culture course taught in English or Literature and Cinema of Provence taught in French by Dr. Foster.

Q. When does the program run?
A. The tentative dates for this program are June 23 to July 18, 2008. Please double-check the program dates with your advisor.

Q. Where will I live?
A. IPAG is centrally located in Nice but, like most schools in France, does not have dormitories. Students will share a room in a hotel in Nice. The hotel includes breakfast for the entire four week period, sheets, towels, and housekeeping services.

Q. Will I get academic credit?
A. You will earn 6 hours of academic credit for successfully completing your program courses. Depending on your previous language study, you will take either French 2100: Elementary French III, French 2160: Intermediate French Composition & Conversation, or French 3160: Advanced Composition and Conversation. You will also take French 2310: French culture, taught in English. Students at the advanced level may opt to take French 3001: Literature and Cinema of Provence with Dr. Foster in lieu of French 2310.

Q. Can I afford to go?
A. MU attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you, however this is a fee-paying program, where MU students pay the tuition and fees for visiting students set by the host university. You will pay MU educational fees, non-resident fees (for non-Missouri residents), the information technology fee for 6 hours and a $350 study abroad fee to cover MU administrative costs. In addition to paying for the academic credits, you will pay a program fee, which will cover your housing and most meals, some excursions, and administrative costs. Additional expenses for each program depend on the cost of your personal spending, extra travel, international airfare, and exchange rates. Estimated costs for this program are listed below.

Q. Can I get financial aid?
A. Most financial aid that you normally receive for your classes at MU will apply to the cost of the program. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs incurred on this program. Please see the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office for more complete information. More information is also available on the MU Financial Aid Office website.

Q. Am I eligible?
A. You are eligible to participate if you have completed either French 1200 or French 2100 prior to start of the program, and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Q. How do I apply?
A. See the Study Abroad Application Instructions on this web-site for more information.

Q. Where can I find out more?
A. In the Study Abroad Resource Room at the International Center, you will find additional information on this and other overseas opportunities. Peer Advisors will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and Study Abroad Advisors are available by appointment. You can also visit the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce website for more information about the program.