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The France semester program study takes place in the beautiful city of Tours, about an hour train ride west of Paris. MC students study French at the Institut de Touraine along with other students from all over the world.

When is the program offered?

Students participate in the semester program in the fall or spring semester, which begins mid September and lasts through mid December, or early January through mid April. Students often choose to travel around in Europe either before or after the semester.

When do students apply?

The deadline for the fall semester program is March 1 and September 15 for the spring semester. However, interested students should contact the Mac Center (maccenter@mc.edu) early in the semester for specific application information.

Who is eligible to participate?

All students, regardless of major, are eligible.  The only language requirement is to have completed at least one college-level French course.  Language, FLIT, International Studies, and business majors with an interest in International business will greatly benefit from this program as well.

What courses are offered?

Students can receive up to 15 semester hours of credit in French, 1 hour of P.E. and 1 credit of chapel. Under special circumstances, some independent courses in other disciplines can be worked out.

Are the course credits “MC credits” or do they transfer into MC?

Mississippi College is a “partner institution” of the Institut de Touraine.  This means that students enroll at MC and register as if they were taking courses on-campus.  The courses that they will actually take in France correspond to course numbers offered here.  That way, students earn MC credit while learning abroad. There is no risk in losing credits trough transferring hours.

Does the program include excursions to other cities?

Although the semester program cost doesn’t include guided excursions, the University sponsors weekend trips with all international students for a minimal price.  Students may choose to travel independently, as well, to other parts of France and Europe.

Where do students live?

Students live and board (breakfast and dinner) with local families in downtown Tours. The families are carefully screened and are chosen on the basis of the accommodation they can offer as well as their willingness to incorporate the student in French homelife.

How much does the program cost?

Costs for students include:

  • Room and board with a French family
  • Tuition fees
  • Some daily excursions in the region
  • Program administration

They do not include:

  • Travel costs to and from France
  • Spending money

Specific details about the program costs are discussed in orientation meetings with the program director. Meetings occur early in the fall and spring semester.

Is financial aid available?

Typically, a student's financial aid package and many of his/her scholarships will apply to semester abroad programs however, there are supplemental fees not covered by scholarships.  Students should contact their MC financial aid counselor for details.  

For questions, comments, or more information:

Mac Center | maccenter@mc.edu