The Institut d'études françaises d'Avignon, under the auspices of Bryn Mawr College, offers a six-week summer program of intensive work in significant aspects of French culture. This advanced program, established in 1962, is designed for selected undergraduate and graduate students with serious interest in French language, literature and civilization, and primarily for those who expect to engage in professional careers requiring a knowledge of France and the French language.

Avignon is situated in the Rhone Valley, less than fifty miles from the Mediterranean. All of the finest monuments of Roman Gaul are easily accessible from the city. Within its walls stands the most remarkable complex of fourteenth-century architecture in France, dating back to the period when Avignon was the seat of the Papacy and supplanted Rome as the capital of Christendom. Today this region has recaptured much of its former cultural importance. Each summer internationally known festivals of drama and music are held at Avignon and neighboring Orange, Vaison-la-Romaine, Les Baux, Arles and Aix-en-Provence.

Bryn Mawr College offers a summer program of intensive work in significant aspects of French culture.The program is open to male and female students from other colleges and from Bryn Mawr. Some of the courses carry graduate credit. The Institut director and faculty members are French professors teaching in colleges and universities in the United States and Europe. Classes are held at the Palais du Roure.Library and research facilities are available to the students in the Médiathèque Ceccano, with its fine collection of 250,000 volumes, and at the Université d'Avignon. Applicants for admission must have strong academic records and have completed a course in French at a third-year college level or the equivalent.

At the Palais du Roure and during all activities of the Institut, students are required to converse only in French. Students will be asked to sign a pledge agreeing to comply with this rule.

During the Avignon Festival, students will have an opportunity to attend plays produced by various French drama groups. The architectural wealth of Provence will be explored during weekend excursions. These trips include attendance at concerts and plays at nearby Festivals.

RESIDENCE

Students live with French families or in a French Foyer mostly under a demi-pension (breakfast and dinner) arrangement. This residential plan insures both the development of fluency in French and intimate contact with French life and customs. In recent years, private rooms and studios have also been available. All housing options will be announced in early April.

 

COST OF PROGRAM FOR 2009

Tution	$5,400
Fees*	$400
Room and Board**	$900-$1900
* includes one-way train fare from Paris to Avignon, excursions, plays and concerts in Provence
** the actual cost will be announced in early April, but does not include transatlantic transportation to and from France
Fees are returnable to students who withdraw by April 30. Half of the tuition fee (TBA) will be refunded to students who withdraw between May 1 and June 1. There can be no refunds after June 1.

SCHOLARSHIPS

A limited number of scholarships are available (scholarship application deadline: TBA). All scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic excellence and financial need. Applications forms may be obtained from the Director of the Institut, e-mail avignon@brynmawr.edu.

TRANSPORTATION

Students make their own travel arrangements to and from Paris. Students should plan to meet the group in Charles de Gaulle Airport on Thursday, June 11, 2009 by 12:00 noon for travel by train to Avignon.

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