Program Eligibility

GPA	2.5
Grad credit	No
Non-WIU	No
Pre-requisite	FR 122 or equivalent or instructor permission
Student Year	Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior

 

About Program

What you will learn

Western Illinois French Immersion France (WIFI France) gives you a four-week immersion in French language and culture while also providing on-site guidance and mentoring by a Department of Foreign Languages faculty member.  Not only will you study French language, you'll also participate in a service learning project you choose from a variety of possibilities, including working with children, physically challenged individuals, gardening, and healthcare.  This Study Abroad Program is conducted in cooperation with the Institut Mediteraneen de Langues et Services (IMLS) in Montpellier, France.  They provide a unique combination of theory in the classroom, practice of the language and experience in the community.

 

Entry Requirements

Passport required  - Must be valid until at least January 5, 2019

Visa required if not a US citizen

 

Health Insurance

You must have international health insurance for the time you will be on your program. Only two options are approved to meet this requirement:

• WIU student health insurance
• A supplemental policy (Patriot Travel Medical) purchased through IMG.

 

Health Precautions

Walking/mobility - Expect to walk 1-2 miles per day.  It is not consecutive but scheduled throughout the day.  Walking will sometimes be over uneven, hilly terrain and up/down flights of stairs.  

Dietary - Some meals are included in the program cost. Contact Kim McDaniel if you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions.  

Accessibility and accommodation may be very different than that found in the United States.  Please contact the Disability Resource Center for questions on the availability of accommodations for your specific situation.

PLEASE NOTE   It is your responsibility to request accommodation from the DRC; faculty and staff are not legally permitted to inquire about such needs.  Requests should be made as early as possible so there's sufficient time to arrange accommodations in your location.

 

Costs & Dates

Estimated Cost*	$5,975-$6,170
Included in the program	Round trip airfare from Chicago, in-country transportation, lodging (home-stay), entry fees to scheduled sites, some meals
Application Deadline	EXTENDED!!  February 18, 2018
Payments
Application Fee	$75 due February 28, 2018
Non-refundable deposit	$1,000 due March 1, 2018
Final payment	$4,975-5,170 due March 30, 2018

  * Costs are subject to change based on student enrollment

WIU reserves the right to adjust the cost or arrangements of this program due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond the University's control.  For details about this or individual withdrawals, see Cancellations and Withdrawals.

Important Dates

Passport copy deadline: April 13, 2018.   Failure to meet this deadline will result in removal from the group flight and possible increased costs.

Pre-departure meeting: TBA, Spring 2018

 

Academics

Credit offered

FR 361 - Taught by Dr. Edmund Asare    

French Language course - Taught by IMLS instructors.  Course number and placement determined by Foreign Languages based on placement tests.

Participation in this program counts as upper-division elective credit for FL majors/minors.  Helps fulfill Study Abroad requirement for French Teacher Education majors.  Option for Foreign Language/Global Issues graduation requirement.

Please check with your academic advisor for more information on how this Course fits your specific academic needs.

Class sessions

Active class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course.  Students are responsible for completing pre-departure assignments including readings and discussion participation, attendance and active participation during on-site visits, guest lectures and activities, and post-return assignments.  Questions about course content should be directed to Dr. Edmund Asare.