Modern Languages and Classics

About French immersion in Quebec

The French May Term in Quebec is a fourteen-day total immersion program in French equivalent to three academic weeks. The goals of the course are to encourage students to use French actively as a natural part of daily life and to develop heightened appreciation for Quebec culture, society and history.

In general, mornings are devoted to guided conversations and/or lectures. Students will be divided into work groups as determined by their level of experience in French. Afternoons are given to tours, lectures on various aspects of Quebec’s history and culture and to writing. Evenings are free, but the staff will make recommendations with regard to local cultural activities and will accompany groups to the cinema, theatre, a concert, a public lecture and the like.

Language Pledge

Each student must sign a pledge to use French exclusively for the duration of the course.

Preparing for your trip

The principal material for the course is Quebec City itself. Each participant should bring along a good French dictionary and a grammar book to be used in preparing the written work for the course. Other texts might be recommended by the instructor. Students should plan to bring additional funds to purchase other instructional materials such as newspapers or magazines.

In addition to tuition, there will be a course fee to cover the cost of transportation, housing, class activities, and a closing banquet.  Students should bring sufficient funds to pay for meals and personal expenses. The University of Maine’s Unified Fee (for 6 credits or fewer) will also apply.  (If you are not taking any other courses on campus this summer, be sure to request an exemption from the Student Rec Center fee.)

Applying to join

Download the application or contact Professor Frederic Rondeau.

Financial Support

Qualified French and IA-French majors may be eligible for support from the Robert N. Rioux Fund or the Slott Family French Language Immersion Fund.