France Program
International programs
Politics, art, & natural resources: Every spring in Vichy brings new opportunities
Typically offered each year during the spring term, students take French language classes on campus in the preceding winter term. In France, students travel with COA faculty for courses on a range of topics that varies from year to year. Past courses have included Journeys in French Film, Carnet de Voyage: The Illustrated Travel Journal, The Politics and Culture of Water, and European Political Institutions. For more information, contact Doreen Stabinsky.
January-March: preparation
During the winter term at COA, students participate in French classes and program orientations to prepare for their time in France. Classes are taught exclusively in French, emphasizing listening and communication skills.
April-June: immersion, acculturation, & independent projects
Students travel to Vichy, where they tour the region, meet their host families, and begin classes. In addition to regular academic coursework, students travel for field based learning. Past expeditions have included Paris, Brussels, and Marseille to research the politics and culture of water, early and contemporary cinema, and expand student’s art practices.
Student voices
COA Might be Right for You if…
…you are ready to have your life and identity flipped on its head and dunked in the ocean repeatedly
Jonna Lynn Nielsen ’27
…you don’t know what you want to study because you have far too many interests to just focus in on one of them.
Wilson Korneev ’28
…you want to be in a small community where people will remember your name.
Alya Kiiashko ’25
…you want to meet politically, emotionally, and academically engaged people.
Alder Ame ’27
…you think being sent to the oceanside to improve your mental health actually sounds awesome (it totally is).
Carolina de Oliveira Castro ’26
…you are passionate about the natural world and want to study it and love spending time outside.
Conrad Kortemeier ’26
…you want to be surrounded and inspired by people who are excited about niche subjects, and by people who are still figuring out what they’re doing.
Marina Schnell ’25
…you have an open mind, enjoy small communities, and want a well-rounded (however unconventional) education experience.
Seth Sears ’28
…you want freedom in your class structure.
Andie Piliouras ’26
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