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Academic Program

Through the auspices of AIFS (American Institute for Foreign Study), the ILP (Institut Linguistique du Peyrou) in Montpellier offers you two study program options. Students must enroll for this program at Los Angeles Valley College.

1) An extensive French Language program with 60 hours (3 per day) of academic and conversational language acquisition at the ILP taught by local Montpellier faculty. In addition, students can enroll in a French Civilization course. A placement test is administered at the Institut upon arrival to confirm the student’s appropriate level. These classes offer high quality language instruction in conversation, grammar, culture and reading. Class size is 12 students or less and materials are included. Depending on the student’s housing option, the price for this program ranges between $3625 and $4975, (see the housing options in the brochure).

a) Elementary French 1 or 2 : (LAVC French 1 or 2 - 5 semester units)

b) Intermediate French 3 or 4 : (LAVC French 3 or 4 - 5 semester units)

c) Advanced French 5 or 6 : (LAVC French 5 or 6 - 5 semester units)

OR

2) A basic, conversational French Language program with 30 hours of instruction (1.5 hours per day) at the ILP taught by local Montpellier faculty. In addition, students can enroll in a French Civilization course. This choice is recommended for those with little or no background in French or wishing a general review with focus on the spoken language. Depending on the student’s housing option, the price for this program ranges between $3225 and $4575, or $400 less than the more extensive program (see the housing options in the brochure).

a) Survival French 1 : (LAVC French 21 - 3 semester units)

b) Survival French 2 : (LAVC French 385 - 3 semester units)

c) Survival French 3 : (LAVC French 8 - 2 semester units)

Whether you choose the conversational program or the full academic language acquisition program, both are taught at the ILP in conjunction with courses in French civilization and culture. All excursions, workshops and lectures are included. The ILP has designed four culture lectures and other workshops to help students better understand the region and its role in French civilization as they explore the different sites and cities. Students are welcome to participate in all activities.

a) French Civilization: (LAVC French 10 - 3 semester units) An historical survey of the relationship between French political life, social structure, art, architecture & urbanism in the Middle Ages, Renaissance, 17th Century, Enlightenment, Revolution and modern period. Students are required to read a textbook on French civilization and hand in a study guide assignment prior to departure representing 25% of their grade. The ILP will offer eight hours of lecture plus guided visits and excursions to such places as : Avignon (and the Pope’s Palace), Arles and the Camargue region, Carcassonne, Nîmes, Sète, Aigues-Mortes, the Château de Flaugergues, Pézenas, and Palavas including all transportation and entrances. Information about the sites will be given in French for intermediate/advanced students with English translation by Prof. Merrill for elementary students. (See brochure)

b) The ILP also offers film nights, a cooking class, wine-tasting and other interesting and entertaining activities at the school.

c) Tutorials : Prof. Merrill, will be available for tutoring for those wishing assistance with their classes.