French-in-France and Africa

Program Type

SU Faculty-Led

Program Provider

Seattle University

Location

  • Rennes, France
  • St. Louis, Morocco

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    About this Program

    The program allows you to earn your French minor and work towards your French major in three separate Francophone countries. Your studies will begin in Rennes, France, during springquarter. Spring quarter will be concluded in Senegal, where you will complete the program at the Gaston-Berger University in St. Louis. SU Course(s): FREN 3000s towards French Major/Minor

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    Program Highlights

    Course(s):
    • FREN 3000s

    Level of Immersion

    Language(s) of Instruction:
    • French

    Features

    • Courses with Study Abroad Students
    • Hybrid Program
    • Experiential Immersion

    Housing Abroad

    • Homestay
    • Residence Halls

    Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.

    Housing Residence Life

    Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.

    Housing Application

    Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates

    • Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
    • Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
    • Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May

    Disciplines

    Courseload

    Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.

    Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.

    • Credit Range: 15-30
    • Credit System: Quarter Credits
    • Typical Course load: 3-6
    • Credit Per Course: 5

    Credit Conversion

    • Transcript Issued By: Seattle University
    • Credit Conversion Rate: 1 Quarter Credit = 1 Quarter Credit
    • Quarter Range: 15-30
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    Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:

    • Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
    • For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
    • Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
    • Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

    Transfer Credits

    Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.

    Placeholder Course

    The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.

    Program Fees

    Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.

    Fees not specified

    Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate

    Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.

    Budget Worksheets

    Participation Costs

    For Faculty-Led Short Term programs, you will be billed Seattle University (1) Summer Tuition, (2) Technology Fee, (3) Wellness Fee, (4) Global Medical Insurance, and (5) Program Fee for the term abroad. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses and discuss applicable financial aid with Student Financial Services.

    Payment

    For Faculty-Led Short Term programs, you will pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. In addition to a 1-3 credit Spring Quarter course, you will enroll in and be billed Seattle University tuition for a 2-4 credit summer course at the discounted summer rate. The remaining program fee that will be charged to student account once enrolled in the associated course(s), charged during Summer Quarter. Often includes most in-country expenses. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.

    Insurance

    When you participate in an Faculty-Led Short Term program at Seattle University, you are enrolled in comprehensive travel and global medical insurance through On-Call International for the duration of your program. Seattle University bills the insurance cost to your MySeattleU account.

    Scholarships

    There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.

    Scholarship OpportunitiesCost Comparison Calculator

    Student Journey

    Approximate TimelinePhaseMore details
    Sept-JanExplorationStudents will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals.
    Feb 1ApplyStudents will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st.
    Late Feb/Early MarNominationsEducation Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs.
    Mar-May (Fall)
    Sept-Dec (Winter)
    Jan-March (Spring)    		PreparationStudents will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc.

    Application Steps

    1. Contact Malick Ndiaye (ndiayee@seattleu.edu) for application steps and deadline.
    2. Questions? Email Malick Ndiaye (ndiayee@seattleu.edu)

    If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!

    Climate

    • France
    • Spring: Mild with frequent rain, temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Spring is an excellent time to visit gardens and outdoor attractions.
    • Summer: Warm to hot, with temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This season is perfect for exploring beaches and outdoor cafés.
    • Autumn: Mild and rainy, with temperatures from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The changing colors of the countryside make autumn ideal for cultural and wine tours.
    • Winter: Cold, especially in the north, with temperatures from 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F). Snow is common in alpine regions, making it great for winter sports.
    • Senegal
    • Spring (March to May): Hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). The coast is cooler due to sea breezes, while inland areas are hotter.
    • Summer (June to August): Rainy season, with temperatures from 26°C to 33°C (79°F to 91°F). Frequent rain showers, especially in the south, and high humidity levels.
    • Autumn (September to November): Warm, with decreasing rainfall as the dry season approaches. Temperatures average 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F).
    • Winter (December to February): Cool and dry, with mild temperatures between 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). This is the best season for travel with low humidity and pleasant conditions.

    Travel Resources

    • France
    • Air: France has several major international airports, including Charles de Gaulle and Orly in Paris, as well as airports in Nice and Lyon. Charles de Gaulle is the main hub for international flights. Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.
    • Train: High-speed trains (TGV) connect France's cities and neighboring countries. The Eurostar provides direct routes to London. For schedules and tickets, visit SNCF.
    • Public Transport: France's cities offer efficient public transportation systems, including buses, trams, and metro services. For local transit information, check RATP for Paris.
    • Senegal
    • Air: Major international airport is Blaise Diagne International Airport near Dakar. Domestic flights connect Dakar to other regions like Ziguinchor.
    • Train: Limited railway service is available, though a new line connects Dakar to Blaise Diagne Airport.
    • Public Transport: Buses, shared taxis (sept-place), and minibuses (ndjaga ndjaga) operate within cities and between regions. Taxis are common in Dakar.

    Cultural Resources

    • France
    • Historical Sites: France is rich in cultural heritage with must-see landmarks like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and the Palace of Versailles.
    • Language: French is the official language. While many people in larger cities speak English, learning basic French phrases is useful.
    • Festivals: France hosts several iconic events, including the Cannes Film Festival, Bastille Day celebrations, and the Tour de France.
    • Senegal
    • Sites: Key attractions include Gorée Island (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Lac Rose (Pink Lake), Niokolo-Koba National Park, and the bustling Sandaga Market in Dakar.
    • Language: The official language is French, and Wolof is widely spoken. Other local languages include Pulaar, Serer, and Jola.
    • Festivals: Major events include Dakar Biennale (Art Festival), Saint-Louis Jazz Festival, and Magal of Touba, a pilgrimage celebrating the Mouride brotherhood.

    Food & Diet

    • France
    • Cuisine: France is renowned for its culinary tradition, including baguettes, cheese, wine, and croissants. Regional specialties like crêpes in Brittany and bouillabaisse in Marseille are worth trying.
    • Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, especially in urban areas, although traditional French cuisine tends to be meat-heavy.
    • Senegal
    • Cuisine: Traditional dishes include thiéboudienne (fish and rice), yassa (marinated chicken or fish with onions), maafe (peanut stew), and fresh tropical fruits.
    • Dietary Needs: Vegetarian options are available, though many traditional dishes include fish or meat. Larger cities, especially Dakar, offer diverse dining options.

    Embassy/Consulate

    • U.S. Embassy in Paris: 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris, France (Phone: +33143122222)
    • U.S. Consulate General Marseille: Place Varian Fry, 13006 Marseille, France (Phone: +33143122222)
    • U.S. Consulate General Strasbourg: 15 Avenue d'Alsace, 67082 Strasbourg, France (Phone: +33143124880)
    • U.S. Consulate General Lyon: Espace Cordelier, 2, rue Président Carnot, 69002 Lyon, France (Phone: +33143124860)
    • U.S. Embassy in Dakar: Route des Almadies, Dakar (Phone: +221 33 879 4000)

    Identity-Specific Considerations

    • France
    • Accessibility: France’s major cities, like Paris, have made significant strides in improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, older buildings and rural areas may be less accessible.
    • LGBTQ+: France is known for its progressive and inclusive attitudes, especially in large cities. LGBTQ+ events such as Paris Pride are widely celebrated, though attitudes in rural areas may be more conservative.
    • Religion: France is religiously diverse, with a secular constitution promoting freedom of religion; Islam, Christianity, and non-religious groups are prominent, though tensions around religious identity can arise.
    • Race & Ethnicity: France has a diverse population, including significant immigrant communities, but racial minorities often face challenges related to discrimination and social integration.
    • Gender: France has strong legal protections for gender equality, though women still face disparities in pay, leadership roles, and instances of gender-based violence.
    • Senegal
    • Accessibility: Accessibility may be limited in many areas, though some modern buildings and facilities in Dakar are equipped for individuals with disabilities.
    • LGBTQ+: Senegal is socially conservative, and same-sex relationships are criminalized. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion.
    • Religion: Senegal is predominantly Muslim, with Islam deeply influencing its culture and daily life, alongside smaller Christian and indigenous spiritual communities.
    • Race & Ethnicity: Senegal is ethnically diverse, with major groups including the Wolof, Fula, and Serer, coexisting largely peacefully, though disparities in resources and opportunities can exist.
    • Gender: Gender equality is progressing in Senegal, with increasing female participation in education and politics, but traditional gender roles and challenges such as gender-based violence remain significant, particularly in rural areas.

    Visa Requirements

    What is a Visa?

    A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.

    Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by the French and Senegalese Government.

    U.S. passport holders are not required to obtain a student visa if their program in France or Senegal is 90 days or less (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates. Seattle University's Education Abroad can provide additional supporting visa application documents for Non-U.S. citizens, if applicable; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in Seattle University's control.) Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.

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