Program Information | Course Information | W&M Faculty | Dates | Deadlines | Program Fees | Eligibility | Handbooks

APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 2, 2024 (at 11:59pm)

Montpellier is located on the south coast of France in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, just a few miles from the Mediterranean. One of France’s fastest growing cities, Montpellier offers a relaxed atmosphere and treasures its 1,000-year-old history, preserved in an unusual medieval cathedral, an 18th century aqueduct and water tower set in formal gardens, and an elegant Old Quarter of 17th and 18th century residences. It was first settled under a feudal dynasty in the 900s and was once a leader in medical teaching. It was a key city during the 16th century Reformation and now is defined by its high population of university students and narrow, winding city streets.

Program Description:
William & Mary’s summer program in Montpellier offers students the chance to immerse themselves in French language, literature, and culture. 

Participating students live with French families in Montpellier. In addition to taking classes, students will conduct an independent research project on-site on life in either Montpellier or its region. There will be excursions to cultural and historic sites around the region.

Things to Do and See:
Montpellier is very walkable with beautiful boulevards and family-run restaurants. Take a guided tour of the Arc de Triomphe, complete with 90 steps to climb and views of Montpellier and its surrounding landscape, and visit Planet Ocean World, a large contemporary aquarium with a 3D ocean simulator ride. 

Course Information:
Students will receive 8 credits in the Montpellier program. Summer 2025 courses are still being determined but could be:

• FREN 299/300: French Language & Culture (4 credits)
• FREN 300: French Studies Abroad at an Advanced Level (4 credits)
• FREN 302: Perspectives on Contemporary Society - Independent Studies Project (4 credits)

There is a required 1 credit course to be taken in the Spring prior to departure, which you will be registered for following program acceptance. This course is designed specifically for students going on the summer program and is intended to enhance your cross-cultural understanding of Montpellier and to cover a variety of pre-departure information. The scheduling of this course will be dependent on the class times possible for program participants.

The FREN 301-01 pre-course meeting will be Tuesdays from 7:30-8:50pm beginning on March 4th in Washington Hall, 315. These meetings are mandatory.

Courses are taught by W&M faculty. Grades will appear on the W&M transcript and be included in GPA calculations.

Language Requirement:
Completion of FRE 210 or FRE 212. Two years of college level French (202) with permission of Program Director. Students can apply for the program as long as they are currently in French 202 during the spring semester before the summer program. Students with past coursework in French (ie. high school) who have questions about this requirement should contact the W&M Faculty, Michael Leruth. 

W&M Faculty:
Michael Leruth, Professor of French & Francophone Studies

Term: 
Arrival date: May 28th, 2025
Departure date: June 28th, 2025

Deadlines:
Deadline ($75*): December 2, 2024
Deposit ($750): March 7th, 2025 (the Friday before Spring Break)
Final Payment: April 1, 2025

Application fee information:
The $75 application fee is due by the deadline and should be paid online at the GEO Marketplace Store. Whoever is making the payment will need student 93#, email, and phone number. The application fee is refundable in the event that you are not accepted into the program or the program is canceled by W&M. 

Program Fees: 
2025 program fee: $7,850.00
*Students are responsible for airfare, visa expenses, and some meals.

To view the estimated costs for this program and important payment information, please visit here. 
Cost estimate for 2025 now available at the link above.

Reves Summer Scholarships are available for this program.
If applying for a Reves Summer Scholarship, please apply to the W&M faculty-led application BEFORE applying to the Reves Summer Scholarship. 

Program Features: 

• Welcome Dinner
• On-site orientation
• Transfer from airport 
• Ground transportation, bus passes
• Farewell Dinner
• Re-entry programming
• Some excursion admissions tickets
• Some day or weekend excursions 
• CISI Insurance
• Housing: Homestays
• WiFi
• Includes daily breakfast and dinner four times a week with homestays. Periodic group meals and lunches are covered throughout the program. 
• On-Site support services
• W&M credits 
• Fulfills COLL 300

Eligibility:

• Students must be an active W&M undergraduate student in good standing, not on academic or disciplinary probation during time abroad, and eligible to take classes at the W&M Williamsburg campus to study abroad. 
• Students currently on-campus must successfully complete 1 credit spring course. 
• For more information about eligibility, please visit our Policies that Affect You page.

Summer Handbook:
Click to view the Summer Abroad Handbook 2025