France: IFALPES Semester
Program Overview
IFALPES, the Institut Français des Alpes, with two sites -- Annecy or Chambéry -- specializes in the teaching of French language courses. The methodology is direct and communicative, and the program is intensive -- four hours or more daily. The student body is drawn from countries around the world, not just American students. The academic program is under the supervision of the Université Catholique de Lyon and is identical in Chambéry and Annecy.
Annecy is located on the Lake of Annecy, not far from Geneva. The city boasts cultural and sports activities all year long. Because of its proximity to the lake and the Alps, it is a summer resort as well as a ski resort in winter. Classes are held in a modern facility overlooking the lake.
Chambéry is a mid-sized city of about 100,000 inhabitants. It is also in close proximity to the mountains and national parks. Classes are held in the Château de Boigne, a historical building near the center of Chambéry.
IFALPES in Annecy or Chambery
Annecy is located by the lake of the same name, Greater Annecy. Because of its proximity of the lake and national parks in the summer and the ski resorts in winter, it provides students with cultural and athletic activities within a pleasant urban environment. Chambéry is located in the French Alps, near Geneva and Lyon. It is a city of art and history and the historical capital of Savoie (Savoy). Classes are held in the Chateau de Boigne, housing the classrooms and administrative offices of the Institute Français des Chambery (IFALPES). Both Chambery and Annecy are located near the town's medieval center and have approximately 100,000 inhabitants.
Course Offerings
Institute Français des Alpes (IFALPES) is a leading French language-training institute. It operates in cooperation with several universities and institutes, both in France and abroad. It has an international student body, not just American students. The Institute is open all year round. French language courses: beginning, intermediate, advanced are specifically designed for those interested in learning or becoming more proficient in the French language. The teaching methods are based on active participation by students (Communicative Method) and the scope of the program includes understanding, speaking, reading, writing and cross-cultural studies. The academic program is under the supervision of the Université Catholique de Lyon. The goal of the Institute is to encourage the use of spoken French by students outside of classes.
Duration
Spring: January 4 - April 30, 2010 and February 1 - May 28, 2010
Fall: August 30 - December 17, 2010
Application Deadline(s)
Fall: June 15
Spring: November 15
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum GPA 2.5 on 4.0 scale; freshman standing or higher; transcript; two letters of recommendation and statement of purpose.
Language
French as a foreign language courses at Annecy and Chambery
Costs
$4,392 (CCIS members)
$4,592(non-members)
Truman requires a $300 deposit, deducted from total amount due, upon acceptance to the program, but does not have an application fee.
Miami Dade applicants are responsible for a $30 application fee, no aditional deposit is required.
Costs Included
Instructional costs, CCIS and sponsor fees, orientation, health insurance, $500 deposit (deducted from the first rent payment of the student)
Costs Not Included
Estimated: Airfare ($1,500), personal and miscellaneous expenses ($2,000), textbooks ($70), room and board ($520-$850/month), daily commuting expenses, passport and visa
Related Links
Student Life
A meal plan, usually breakfast and evening meal, is available in “demi-pension” arrangement in the French homestay. Students in dorms are normally responsible for meals. International student body. Planned excursions at extra cost. Summer program offers hiking, boating, visits to historical and cultural sites, led by an IFALPES staff member.
Housing
Students may opt for a French homestay or for student residence/dormitory-type accommodations.
CHAMBERY
Host family Bed & Breakfast
4 weeks: 485€
5 weeks: 606€
Host family half board
4 weeks: 640€
5 weeks: 800€
Shared apartment
4 weeks: 410€
5 weeks: 460€
Hotel residence
Furnished studios with bathroom and kitchen corner
7 ~ 30/ nights : 38€* per night
30 ~ 90/ nights : 28€* per night
* sheets + electricity package included
Reservation fees
< month = 40€ > month = 70€
ANNECY
Host family Bed & Breakfast
4 weeks: 470€
5 weeks: 588€
Host family half board
4 weeks: 640€
5 weeks: 800€
Shared apartment
4 weeks: 420€
5 weeks: 525€
Student residence
● 310€ per month - basic comfort
Bedroom + private shower, WC and kitchen to be shared
Crockery and sheets not included
Alumni Feedback
"I had the time of my life in the beautiful city of Chambery and found my semester abroad not only to be an academically enriching experience but also an extremely enjoyable time. IFALPES has great teachers and does an excellent job organizing a whole host of exciting excursions from amazing ski trips to weekends in Venice. I came away with a greater understanding of the French language, many strong friendships, and many wonderful memories of all I was able to do while I was there."
- Noel Sterett, Truman State University
Submit Application Materials To:
MDC Informational Booklet for France
Miami Dade Study Abroad
Eva Fernandez
Programs Manager
Office of International Education
Miami Dade College
300 NE Second Avenue
Suite 1450
Miami, FL 33132
efernan1@mdc.edu
(305) 237-3008
(305) 237-7439 (Fax)
or
Leeza Fernand
Office of International Education
Miami Dade College
300 NE Second Avenue
Suite 1440
Miami, FL 33132
lfernan7@mdc.edu
(305) 237-3580
(305) 237-7439 (Fax)
- or -
Rosa Virginia Mendez, Study Abroad AdvisorTruman State University
Center for International Education Abroad
Kirk Building 114
Kirksville, MO 63501
(660) 785-4076
(660) 785-7473 (Fax)
rvmendez@truman.edu
How do I apply?
Start the CCIS Study Abroad application process by downloading and printing the following forms. These PDF documents are viewed using Adobe's Acrobat Reader plug-in, which is available free. If you don't have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, click here.
CCIS APPLICATION PACKAGE AND INSTRUCTIONS
All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.
CCIS IFALPES Study Program Sponsors:
Miami Dade College
Eva Fernandez,
Program Manager,
International Education
View MDC Study Abroad Programs for more info.
Truman State University
Alci Arias,
Assistant Director, Center for International Education Abroad
© 2008 College Consortium for International Studies
2000 P Street, NW, Suite 503 Washington, DC 20036
Phone 800-453-6956 or 202-223-0330
Fax 202-223-0999
info@ccisabroad.org