Exchange Programs - Montpellier, France - Work Exchange
Program Information
The Montpellier Work Exchange began in 1954 as one of the many activities run jointly by the city of Louisville and her sister city, Montpellier in France. It is the longest-standing Sister City exchange in the United States. The program provides students with the opportunity to live and work in Montpellier, France during the month of July, enabling them to gain first-hand knowledge of French culture and expanding their abilities in the French language. At the same time, the city of Louisville hosts a comparable group of students from Montpellier, enabling them to gain first hand knowledge of U.S. culture and to have time to practice their English.
The program basically operates in the month of July. The 2007 dates will be Sunday, July 1 through Saturday, July 28, 2007.
Sister Cities of Louisville, Inc.
Jobs in Montpellier
The paid jobs provide practical experience with using French in the workplace. Students are cautioned to see these jobs less as training in a specific field and more as creative opportunities for them to practice the language and learn more about the French lifestyle.
Course Credit & Tuition Remission
U of L students may earn up to six credit hours in French in French 551 (Oral Practicum) and/or 552 (Research project). Students must complete the U of L Department/Tuition Remission form, which is in the Work Exchange Education Abroad Packet. Once students register for the courses and notify the International Center, a tuition remission approval will be sent to the Bursar’s Office.
Housing & Host Families
Students reside in dormitories and are responsible to cover the costs of their room and board. The estimated amount is $500 and includes linens.
Each student is assigned a local host family, who will serve as a community liaison. Students do not live with the host families, but participate in various activities with them.
Travel & International Student ID Cards
Students make their own travel arrangements. However, the International Center can help with this. Students must also purchase International Student ID cards from the International Center at a cost of $22. These provide for basic insurance and access to student discount airfare rates.
International ID Card Information
Eligibility and Selection
Students from any discipline are welcome to apply. However, they must be full-time students at the time of applying and continuing students upon their return. Graduating seniors must provide documentation of acceptance to graduate school in the semester after their return. Students must also have a GPA of 2.75 or better and be at the 300-level or above in French language. Students must also be U.S. citizens.
Complete application includes:
- Completed application (in English and in French) due by February 15
- A French "Letter of Motivation" (cover letter)
- French resume
- Full transcript (unofficial transcript is acceptable)
- For graduating seniors, letter of acceptance or other documentation for graduate school
- 2 Recommendations
- Photocopy of passport
- 4 passport-size photos
- $50 application fee (money order only)
Students accepted for the Montpellier Work Exchange (WEX) are expected to complete the U of L Education Abroad packet. This packet includes forms for financial advising, tuition remission, emergency contact, and student responsibilities. These materials are to be submitted within one month after acceptance.
Program Expenses (Sample Budget)
The application fee is $50. Those not accepted to the program will have their application fee returned. A non-refundable program fee of $300 (money order only) is due within 10 days after notification of acceptance. Students are responsible for covering other costs, such as airfare, room and board, local travel, and personal expenses. A basic budget estimate for this is $3,000 (including application and program fees). Financial aid and scholarship support may be available through the Department of Classical and Modern Languages.
Rates current as of 6/24/04. Current rates can be calculated at Oanda, The Currency Site.
| Program Fee | $350.00 |
| Airline Ticket | $1,200.00 |
| Living Expenses (including local travel, laundry, phone cards) | $1,075.00 |
| Room and Board (Meals) | $500.00 |
| Insurance | $22.00 |
| Visa | $50.00 |
| Passport | $85.00 |
| Total: | $3,282.00 |
Some of these expenses will be compensated by your stipend received from your job placement in Montpellier.