PROGRAM LOCATION: The Saguenay-Lac St-Jean region of Québec is well known for its beautiful landscapes, including the majestic fjord of the Saguenay River and the famous Lac St-Jean. The region has many tourist attractions: the Saguenay Museum, a marathon summer swim across the lake, the Val Jalbert ghost town, the Saint-Félicien zoological garden, the Chicoutimi "Vielle Pulperie" (a cultural center and theatre), and cruises on the Saguenay River and Lac St-Jean. There are also many summer theatres and festivals. The city of Chicoutimi is the focal point of the region and offers all the advantages of a large city (10,000 people in the city and surrounding area) with the welcoming tranquility and beauty of rural life at its doorstep. It is this combination of urban center and countryside which has made the Lac St-Jean region so popular in the summer. The Université du Québec à Chicoutimi is situated amid this environment and ambience.
PARTICIPATING INSTITUTION: Université Laval is the oldest French-speaking university in North America and one of Canada's foremost centers of higher education. The language laboratory, an integral part of the immersion program, uses the most up-to-date equipment. Also, Laval has one of the most extensive sports complexes found anywhere in the world.
PROGRAM PERIOD:
May 4 - May 24, 1997 (3 weeks) Spring session
May 4 - June 7, 1997 (5 weeks) Spring session
July 6 - July 26, 1997 (3 weeks) Summer session
July 6 - August 9, 1997 (5 weeks) Summer session
PROGRAM FORMAT: Upon arrival, students take a preliminary exam to determine their degree of French proficiency. Each student is then enrolled in a special four or seven credit hour program of intensive French language study geared specifically to his/her degree of fluency and experience. Qualified instructors, using the most up-to-date teaching methods, introduce the students to the fundamental aspects of the French language and culture of Québec.
CREDITS: 7 undergraduate credits for 5 week sessions; 4 credits for 3 week sessions.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES: To give students an opportunity to put to immediate use the language skills learned in class, many cultural, social and sporting events are organized. Students are free to choose whatever activities interest them; among those available are arts and crafts, theater, music, photography, swimming, hiking, canoeing and other outdoor sports. A social center, library, language laboratory, cafeteria and discothéque are at the students' disposal.
HOUSING: To take full advantage of the experience and to provide continuous contact with the French language and Québec culture, all students live with a French-speaking family, and arrangements are made by the administrators at Chicoutimi.
ESTIMATED COSTS: U.S. Funds
Program Fee: A $175 administrative fee for one session, $200 for two sessions, and a $100 registration deposit, both non-refundable if a student withdraws from the program, are required soon after acceptance. The deposit is refunded after the completion of study at Laval. There is a $15 application fee. The estimated costs for SUNY students who are residents of New York State are given below for tuition fees, housing and meals, and insurance. Costs for out of state students differ. A more detailed financial sheet and out-of-state scholarship application are available on request.
Tuition, Room and Board: Tuition (7 credits), room and board for the five week session is $1,600. Tuition (4 credits), room and board for the three week sessions is $1,160. All students live with French-speaking family.
Insurance: It is mandatory that all students have health and accident insurance. Students must provide proof that comprehensive coverage exists while studying in Canada. If not, the SUNY Study Abroad insurance must be acquired ($105.50) for two months.
SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIPS: The Center, with assistance from the Québec Government, provides several scholarships of $300 (Canadian ) each to the most qualified and needy SUNY students. As mentioned above, scholarships are available for out-of-state students. Application forms and procedures may be obtained by communicating with the Center.
ELIGIBILITY: Undergraduates and graduates in good academic standing are eligible to apply. Graduating high school seniors who have been accepted for the fall semester at a college or university and are at least 18 years old may also apply.
APPLICATION FORMS: Prospective applicants must complete the standard SUNY application form. These forms are available from the Center for the Study of Canada and International Programs at SUNY Plattsburgh and may be obtained by calling or writing to the address below.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Spring Session: March 15
Summer Session : April 1
ALL INQUIRIES AND APPLICATION DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:
OTHER FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAMS IN QUÉBEC PROVINCE DURING THE SUMMER: In addition to this program at Chicoutimi, the Center sponsors similar programs at the Université Laval in Québec City and at Université de Montréal in Montréal. Details may be obtained by visiting our website: http://www.Plattsburgh.edu/studyabroad or by contacting the Center.