Scholarships - Montpellier, France
Paul Valery University
Applications are invited from University of Louisville students with an interest in French culture and language, for study at the Université Paul Valéry (UPV III), Louisville's Sister City in France, Montpellier. The UPV III at the Université de Montpellier is the equivalent of an American College of Arts and Sciences. It sponsors the Institute for Foreign Students, home to many internationals studying in Montpellier. All classes are conducted in French.
Applicants may come from any academic discipline. Scholarship recipients are expected to return to the University of Louisville to resume their studies. The scholarship recipient will study in Montpellier for one academic year (i.e., from October to mid-June). Students are advised to arrive in Montpellier by mid-September to register for classes.
The scholarship recipient is expected to arrive in Montpellier by the fourth Monday of September. The student will take an oral and written examination French placement test before the end of the month. Test results will be used to determine appropriate course placement. The Louisville exchange scholar will be studying intensive French courses and, depending on placement exam results, will study subject area courses/attend lectures in French. General information on the Université Paul Valéry and course listings are available at the International Center and at http://iefe.univ-montp3.fr.
The Montpellier exchange scholarship recipient is required to work for ten to twelve hours each week in the Bureau des Relations Internationales of the Mairie de Montpellier. By working in the Mayor's Office in downtown Montpellier, students will have an opportunity to make contacts, improve their French skills, and receive a monthly stipend to help with their living expenses.
Applicants must have completed thirty semester hours of college courses with a grade point average of 3.0 or better at the time of the award. They must have completed courses in French through the intermediate level with a grade point average of at least 3.2. The scholarship period is for ten months (September through mid-July). The scholarship provides 437.35 Euros monthly for ten months. This stipend is sufficient to meet student living expenses in Montpellier (dormitory, meals, etc.). Montpellier exchange scholarship recipients are not charged tuition fees at the UPV III. The scholarship recipient must arrange and pay for transportation to and from Montpellier.
To apply, submit the following materials by February 15:
The application form
Complete transcripts beyond the secondary level
Two letters of recommendation. At least one letter must be from a professor of French. The other may be from an employer.
A 750 word statement of purpose that outlines the proposed course of study, the applicant's qualifications, as well as educational objectives to be achieved by studying in France. In addressing his or her qualifications, the applicant should include a discussion of career goals, work experience, special skills or licenses, foreign language proficiency and foreign and domestic travel experience.
The period of study in France should contribute to the field of study or career that the applicant intends to pursue upon his or her return. Applicants should demonstrate the ability to conduct themselves in both interpersonal academic situations to the credit of the University of Louisville/Sister Cities of Louisville and the United States.
Application deadline: February 15
Return Scholarship Materials to:
International Center, Office of Education Abroad
101 Brodschi Hall
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292