French in France By Shareka Alexander

In June 2009 the 2nd annual Jefferson Community and Technical College French in France Study Abroad Program will begin. Students and visitors will travel by plane to Montpellier, France with French Professor Marie-Pierre Good and Language Department Head Ed Wong for a month-long opportunity to study French language and culture. Students will visit museums, marketplaces, cafés, parks, shopping venues, bus and train stations, banks and post offices, and a host of other sites.

“You’re not just learning from a source such as a book, you’re getting hands on experience,” said professor Good. “It’s more challenging but more interesting. What happens when you miss the tram or have to order off a menu?”

The program is offered to students who are interested in French. People who are not students can apply as visitors but need to have had some French in the past. “We prefer that students have had French 101 & 102, and visitor’s some French,” said professor Good. “You will benefit more if you’ve had some French.”


Much like the 2008 program students will stay at the “La Colombiere” college dormitory complex. All rooms have private bath, there are laundry and cooking facilities in each dorm building and security is 24/7. Students will have the opportunity to take two accelerated French classes beginning from 101 to advanced 202 to quickly advance their knowledge of the French language. Students can earn up to 8 credit hours in French. Class room instruction is held Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. “Everything that is expected here in a classroom is expected there,” said professor Good.

“I believe as a teacher and a person that language makes sense only if you can experience it in real life,” said professor Good. “The experience affects how you view the world and how you view yourself. You’re putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, to be a minority opens compassion. It changes you completely.”

The estimated cost is currently at $3,750, which includes airfare, lodging, an 8 credit hour course load, a tram pass, and a $30.00, a day meal budget. “If eligible students can use aid to pay for class credit and left over aid for trip expenses, once aid is disbursed,” said Lisa Schrenger, Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid. “The student should check with the financial aid office for eligibility.” A $500.00 per student or visitor grant is also available.

On average the program has between 13-14 participants, those who apply are likely to be accepted. “The program is not competitive, if you’ve had French before the only problem may be finances and getting time off,” said professor Good. “Not difficult in competition but in practical senses”.

“It’s worth the time and money. Budget extra money to travel while you are there because you will want to go to different cities,” said Zinsious. “You will also want to eat out a lot.”

Montpellier, France is a beautiful city filled with architecture and history. It’s lined with boutiques and sidewalk café’s with proximity to the beach and numerous universities.
“Montpellier is right on the Mediterranean which has amazing beaches,” said Brandon Zinsious, former program participant.

“I would encourage everyone who is interested in learning French to not only learn it in the classroom, but also learn it by visiting, if their means allow them to do it, places where French is the native language and also meeting people in their communities whose first language is French,” remarked Guillermo Lopez, future program participant.

“I loved the program as a whole. It gave the students the chance to have structured classroom learning environments but also the chance to learn by experience. I liked that we took group trips to different areas in southern France and that we had a capable and caring teacher to guide us,” said Zinsious.

“Future participants should expect a great trip. The teacher (Marie Good) cares about the students and the program. She loves France and that will rub off onto you. Expect great architecture, great food and good time with the people that go with you. Be prepared to really focus learning the language and don’t just rely on formal instruction. You will get so much more out of the program and the experience itself if you take learning into your own hands and get out there and talk to the locals,” Zinsious continued.

The program plans to expand to include other departments. “I would like to see the program grow to as many courses as possible, Languages, Art, Philosophy, Homeland Security, Communications, Public Speaking, and other courses could tie into this program,” said professor Good. “I almost wish a part of education requirements were to take people to foreign countries.”