Canada: French in Chicoutimi, Québec
Presented by: J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences

Dates: July 2 - August 4, 2007

Program Description
A wonderful and affordable full immersion program awaits students of French at the École de Langue Française et de Culture Québécoise (ELFCQ).  Located in the heart of the town of Chicoutimi, Québec, ELFCQ allows students the chance to improve language and conversation skills in a region where 96% of its inhabitants are French-speaking.  Additionally, a culture component of the program gives students insight into Québécois life.  The town of Chicoutimi is widely known for its natural beauty, with rivers, lakes, and mountains all around it.  Students have the opportunity to explore the area with fellow students from ELFCQ, the majority of whom are Canadian, but who may also be from numerous countries around the world.

Course Offerings/Descriptions
Students will take a language placement test upon arrival at ELFCQ.  The test will determine the level of classes in which to enroll.  Students will enroll for 6 hours of language and 1 hour of culture credit.  The level of placement will determine the particular classes for which credit will be granted.  Courses are typically grammar and conversation based.

Faculty
Qualified ELFCQ instructors will teach students. This affords students the opportunity to learn from native speakers.

Accommodations

Students will stay with host families in Chicoutimi.  Homestay is one of the best ways to immerse in a language.  It also provides students the opportunity to learn more about Québécois culture.  Students will be assigned a host family upon arrival in Chicoutimi.  It is possible that another student will also be living in the house.  The family will provide breakfast and dinner (lunch will be provided at ELFCQ).  Students housed close to the school should plan to walk each day.  Those that live farther out will be able to catch a bus provided by the school that will stop in the family’s neighborhood.

Field Trips
One of the highlights of studying in Québec is exploring the region around Chicoutimi.  ELFCQ typically runs 3-4 field trips per session to allow you to see the area.  The cost of these trips has been included in the program fee.  Past excursions have included a weekend in Québec City, whale watching, a hiking adventure, and entry to see a locally renowned outdoor play/performance, called a spectacle.  Excursions may vary from year to year but should be similar in duration and variety.

Program Costs

$ 2,200.00 (to be confirmed by November 2006)

Travel
Students should make their own arrangements to arrive in Chicoutimi by the beginning date of the program. It is possible to fly directly into Chicoutimi by landing at Bagotville Airport (airport code YBG). Students may also wish to fly into Montreal or Québec City and take a bus to Chicoutimi . It is approximately a 6 hour ride from Montreal and a 3 hour ride from Québec City , and buses leave for Chicoutimi from both cities several times a day. Students can also drive to Chicoutimi .

What is included in the costs?
The program fee includes orientation, tuition and instructional costs at ELFCQ, Canadian health insurance, housing, three meals daily (except during excursions), any daily transportation provided by ELFCQ and field trips.  It does not include round-trip airfare, bus fare, additional local transportation, books, passport fees, and personal expenses.

Financial Aid/Scholarships
Financial aid and scholarships are available to University of Arkansas students. Contact the UA Office of Study Abroad for details or go to the Financial Aid and Scholarships page.

Eligibility
Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.6 with an equivalent of two semesters of college French (FREN 1013). One academic recommendation from a faculty member or academic advisor is required. 

Deadline

March 1, 2007

A deposit of $300 will be required upon acceptance into the program.

Further Information
For further details about the program or course offerings, please contact:
Dr. Hope Christiansen
Foreign Languages
Kimpel Hall 425
(479)575-2951
e-mail: hopec@uark.edu

For information about ELFCQ, go to http://elf.uqac.ca/

How to Apply
Applications can be printed here or may be requested from:

Office of Study Abroad
Fulbright Institute
722 W. Maple
Fayetteville , AR 72701
(479)575-7582
studyabroad@uark.edu

The University of Arkansas reserves the right to alter program costs or content, or to cancel the program should extraordinary circumstances require it.