During the 4 week Paris program, language classes meet every morning (and some afternoons) at the Institut Catholique de Paris (ICP).  These classes are supplemented by cultural activities included in your program fee such as a walking tour of Paris, a boat ride on the Seine, and an overnight group excursion to Normandy, including a visit to Bayeux (known for its tapestries), and the D-day beaches.  The group stays in a French dorm on Boulevard Saint Michel, right in the center of Paris in the Latin Quarter!  July is a wonderful time of year to be in Paris with the Fête Nationale on the 14^th, the arrival of the Tour de France, the national semi-annual sales (les soldes) and “Opération Paris Plage” which is an initiative of the city of Paris to bring summer vacation into the city (you’ll have to see it)!

Uniquely designed so that Mason students can complete the full university language requirement (9 credits) in 6 weeks, the Montreal program is now in its third year! This is a great program option for advanced French language speakers, too!  By the end of this program, students should expect to have a better understanding and mastery of French, but also a deeper familiarity and kinship with Montreal and Quebec society.  Classes take place every morning (and three afternoons per week) at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM).  Participants are housed in the UQAM dorms, with single rooms en suite (sharing a living room and kitchen).  The dorms are located right on campus, which itself is right in the heart of the city!  During the summer there are several festivals going on in Montréal and the program includes two day-trip excursions to Quebec City and to Mont-Tremblant Village and National Park.  UQAM also offers several other excursions that Mason participants can purchase separately.  Be sure to sample the poutine during your stay in Canada!