The city of La Rochelle is a popular seaside resort city situated about 300 miles southwest of Paris on the Atlantic coast. It lies about three hours from Paris via France's famous rapid transit train, the TGV. La Rochelle has wonderful, old cobbled streets, two stone towers guarding the entrance to the old harbor, and a very modern university to contrast it all. The regional climate is mild and conducive to wine production. The city is home to a population of approximately 75,000 and is both a commercial and cultural hive of activity.
The University of La Rochelle opened on January 20, 1993. Since that time, the number of students and staff has grown steadily. In 2009, the university enrolled 6,5000 students. It offers both undergraduate and graduate courses and is organized into four faculties: Law, Liberal Arts, Science, and the University Institute of Technology.
SUNY Cortland's exchange program with the University of La Rochelle seeks to provide you with an opportunity to advance your proficiency in French and to pursue your specialized fields of academic interest in an atmosphere that is especially conducive to cultural as well as intellectual enrichment. High-quality instruction by faculty members at the University of La Rochelle is combined with immersion in French language and culture as you gain new perspectives on French culture.
| City, Country |
La Rochelle, France |
|---|---|
| Session |
Semester and/or Academic Year |
| Dates |
Fall Term: Depart U.S. in Early September, 2012 Spring Term: Early January - Mid May |
| Requirements |
2.5 GPA Minimum of Four Semesters of College-Level French for CUFLE or Diplome Program. No French required for French Management and Culture Program- taught entirely in English! |
| Application Deadline |
Spring 2012 Admission: October 1, 2011 Fall 2012 Admission: March 1, 2012 Non-Cortland students must return completed Judicial Review and Code of Conduct forms along with the SUNY application. Please submit the following by the application deadline:
The Course Approval Form (due May 1st) is to be submitted by SUNY Cortland students only. Non-Cortland students must speak with their home campus study abroad office for information on the course approval process. Please follow the Application Instructions carefully and please view Accomodation Information |
| Visa Information |
A student visa is required to study in France. Student who have been successfully admitted to the La Rochelle program will receive instructions and support from their study abroad advisor throughout the visa application process. Before an interview with the French Consulate General can be arranged, students must register online with CampusFrance. After registering, students will mail a copy of their official program acceptance letter and money order of $70 to CampusFrance. Once these materials have been received by CampusFrance, students may schedule an appointment with the French Consulate General to apply for a student visa. Visa appointments can only be made within 90 days of a student's departure to France. Instructions on how to register with CampusFrance CampusFrance mailing instructions |
| Travel Information |
Flight booked by participant. Student arrives in Paris and then takes TGV train to La Rochelle. |
| Program Costs |
Accepted students will receive an updated budget as a part of their acceptance packet. |
| Program Course Information |
Courses are generally comprised of special courses for foreign students offered through the CUFLE or Diplôme Program. If taking the CUFLE you will also take regular courses taken with French students. Please refer to the CUFLE & Diplôme Program Description or contact International Programs for more information. If enrolling in the CUFLE program, you will need to take additional coursework. To find additional course please follow instructions for course offerings in Application Instructions. Please read the Exchange Program Guide before you depart for La Rochelle to learn important details about the program! Course Selection Videos Having trouble selecting courses for the CUFLE program? Check out the following two videos prepared by Kerrie Findlay, a current SUNY Cortland student who studied at La Rochelle in 2010: New Spring 2013! French Management and Culture - taught entirely in English. |
| Accommodations |
On-Campus Housing; Partial meal plan or self-catering available; Numerous cafes and university-owned dining options also provide meals on or near campus. More Information on University of La Rochelle Accommodations and Accomodation Application (to be submitted with all other applications) |
| Host Website |
Explore the city of La Rochelle through a virtual voyage and learn about French culture and civilization from SUNY Cortland International Communications & Culture Professor Marie Ponterio's award-winning web site. |
| Student Mentors |
Email one of our student mentors to learn more about La Rochelle, France! Kerrie Findlay: kerrie.findlay@cortland.edu |
