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THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN
TOURS, FRANCE

INSTITUT DE TOURAINE

Each summer, the University of South Carolina offers a study program in Tours, France. Courses are held at the Institut de Touraine in the heart of Tours.

Tours is a charming provincial city of around 200,000, located in the beautiful Loire Valley, commonly referred to as the "jardin de la France." In a 2002 national poll it was voted the 3rd best town in France for quality of life (after Aix-en-Provence & nearby Orléans -- Le Point, issue 1530, 01/11/02). The region is famous for its fine wines and mild weather, its châteaux (former residences of French royalty) and its "pure" French, free from regional accent. Tourism is the major industry. The city is under an hour from Paris by TGV, the modern high-speed train, and there are departures for Paris almost every hour. The historic heart of the city, the "Vieux Tours," boasts many restored buildings dating from the Renaissance. It is closed to traffic, and the pedestrian streets are lined with numerous cafés, restaurants, perfect for enjoying local cuisine and the sights and sounds of a warm summer evening. USC's month in Tours coincides with numerous summer festivals.

The Institut de Touraine was founded in 1922 and has a distinguished history of teaching French to foreign students, beginners as well as advanced, who come from all over the world for intensive immersion programs throughout the year. 2001 marked USC's twentieth anniversary in Tours. Courses are taught entirely in French by native speakers. Classes are small, held in beautiful restored facilities, in and around the Place du 14 juillet, and the atmosphere is friendly. Students in the month-long June session generally average 20 hours a week in class, M-F. Excursions in the afternoons and on week-ends to various châteaux and to other tourist attractions are organized by the Institut at reduced fees. A wide variety of sporting activities are available as well, from swimming to kayaking to biking. The USC Director in Residence also proposes and organizes excursions: bicycle trips, wine-tasting tours, picnics, etc.

GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

Program Dates:
1. The 2008 Program Dates: May 26 - June 20.

Requirements for Admission:
1. It is strongly recommended that students have completed the equivalent of French 122 before participating in the program.

2. All students must be at least 18 years of age. They do not necessarily have to be enrolled at USC, but must pay USC tuition for three credit hours.

Available Courses:
1. Nine levels of French language courses are offered by the Institut. The upper levels include literature, culture and business French options. The student's level will be determined by diagnostic exams to be given at the Institut during the first day's orientation.

2. Classes and Grades: Courses at the Institut meet Monday through Friday for approximately four hours per day, for four weeks. Grades are determined by the Program Director, based on reports provided by the Institut faculty, and are directly transferable to USC.

Credit:
Six hours of undergraduate, FREN 350 credit are granted by the University of South Carolina and are generally transferable to other U.S. institutions.

Faculty:
The faculty are exclusively those of the Institut de Touraine, although a faculty member from the University of South Carolina will be in residence. S/he will also advise on travel, organize extra-curricular activities, handle all registration and fee payments, oversee program participants general well-being.

Travel, Accommodations and Meals:
1. Travel: Travel options to and from France will be discussed at meetings.

2. Accommodations and Meals: Single rooms in family homes screened by the Institut. Breakfast and dinner "en famille" as well as laundry service are included in the price. Though normally within walking distance, home locations may be in other parts of the city and require city bus transportation to and from class. The Director will make arrangements. Other housing arrangements (dorm rooms, studios, apartments) can also be made via the Director and the Institut. A wide variety of inexpensive and moderately-priced restaurants and cafés are within easy walking of both the Institut. It stays light until 10 PM in Tours in summer.


The cost of the program for 2008 is currently projected to be around $4000 (precise figures TBA), which includes room and board, Institut courses and books, USC tuition, Paris week-end accommodations and transportation to Tours. This does NOT include air travel to France, extracurricular excursions, return travel, or personal expenses. Students must make sure that they are covered by an accident and health insurance plan before leaving the U.S. Costs are based on 1€ = $1.45. Prices are subject to slight + or - change due to fluctuating exchange rates.

For more information, please contact:

Jeff Persels., Director
USC in Tours 2008
Dept. of Languages, Literatures, & Cultures
806 Humanities Office Bldg.
University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208
Tel: (803) 777-6088; Fax: (803) 777-0454
E-Mail: perselsj@sc.edu

• Scholarship Information
• Official City of Tours website

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