Study in Avignon, France with ASA

  France

• Other Cities in France: 
Avignon

Term: Fall, Spring 

Description: Located where the Rhone and Durance Rivers meet in the southern region of Provence, Avignon is a walled city made up of a medieval labyrinth of squares and cobblestone streets. Performers stroll the streets entertaining you as you enjoy the sights of the city.

The city, made up of approximately 100,000, people continues to fulfill its traditional role as a patron of the arts. In addition to many intriguing museums, Avignon also offers a range of art galleries. Avignon is widely known for its two summer theatre festivals: the Festival d'Avignon, which is the largest theatrical celebration in Europe established in 1947, and the more experimental Festival OFF.

Avignon is famous for its Catholic history; it was once the "Rome away from Rome" during the 14th century when the medieval papacy relocated here for a brief period of time. The Palais des Papes, a formidable Gothic fortress still stands as evidence to Avignon's short time as home to the papacy.

Other sites to see in Avignon are the remains of the 14th century ramparts and le pont d'Avignon, a famous river known for a French nursery rhyme. The city is also home to many eateries, bars and clubs, some of which can be found in C'est La Lune. Wine tastings of the region's Cote du Rhone wines also take place within.

Highlights: Le Centre d'Avignon is housed in the 13th Century Chapelle St. Antoine in the heart of town, close by the Papal Palace. The Avignon center is a French-only environment for students with an advanced level of proficiency. During the academic year, an overarching 3-credit seminar, La France Contemporaine, unifies the experience and content of a student's other four 3-credit electives. It provides in-depth study of France today-arts, business, politics, sociology-through seminars conducted by leaders in their respective fields.

The Avignon program is an opportunity for serious students to immerse themselves in French culture, and pursue the study of language, literature, and the civilization of contemporary France for a semester, year, or 6-week summer session.

Le Centre d'Avignon offers all its courses in French within an entirely French-speaking environment. The semester program is based on a rigorous interdisciplinary seminar, La France d'Aujourd'hui, which invites students to discover the richness and diversity of Avignon, Provence, France, France in Europe and beyond. To complement the seminar, students choose courses in archeology, art history, civilization, history, linguistics, literature, political science, and visual arts. A series of ten university researchers and professors - French faculty from the universities of Avignon, Toulouse, Aix, and Paris - teach the seminar. Regular attendance and vigorous participation are not only required but also part of a successful integration into life in France. Among study abroad programs, the Avignon approach is unmatched.

All students take La France Contemporaine (FRE 450, 3 credits) as the required over-arching seminar. All courses are in French only (no English is spoken). In addition to FRE 450, students choose four other courses from advanced grammar, French or francophone literature, linguistics, political science, art history and civilization. 'Mini-internships' are a complementary part of this course.

The Nightlife

A cultural center of France, Avignon is home to the famous Festival d'Avignon, a 3-week party of music, art, and theater. Even when the festival isn't in full swing, however, the city is brimming with places to hear great music, see wonderful art, or watch plays of all genres.

If hitting the big city is more your thing, then catch the TGV, the bullet train that connects Avignon to Paris, for a weekend of shopping, people watching, and some of the best nightlife in Europe.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: please inquire for more information

Experience Required: yes

All classes are taught in French. Open to students with an advanced level of French only.

Participants Travel to France Independently

Scholarships are Available. ASA is fully committed to financially assisting students who wish to participate on our study abroad programs. Our scholarships illustrate this commitment and our ongoing effort to help keep study abroad affordable. (Please Note: We can only accept ASA Scholarship applications from students studying abroad on an ASA Program.)

Application Process Involves:

• Transcript
• Written Application

Year Founded: 1999