Pre-Requisites
- Minimum GPA: 2.7
- Foreign Language: 5 semesters of French with a “B” average
- Approval of the SMCM French Language Faculty
- Judicial Check
- Academic Conduct Check
Currently Accepting Applications For:
- Fall 2025 Program Dates: Late August – Late December
- SMCM Application Deadline: March 1st for Scholarship Consideration, March 15th Final Deadline on Via TRM
- UNC Application Deadline: EARLY! Also apply by March 1st on UNC’s website for admission
Highlights
- Live in the South of France close to the Mediterranean Sea
- Courses taken alongside French students
- Homestay with local French families
Financing Studying Abroad
Office of International Education Scholarships (Need-Based, Merit-Based, Region Specific, Language Study)
Speak with the Office of Student Financial Assistance for Options
We recommend that all students interested in French programs consult with a French professor before selecting a program to discuss which programs best meet your needs.
About the Program
SMCM students have the opportunity to study at a language center in Montpellier and the University of Montpellier III (Faculte de Lettres – Paul Valery) through the University of North Carolina. French and non-French majors have the chance to improve their spoken and written French, to take courses at a French university, to be immersed in French culture and further their knowledge of French and European politics, history, culture and literature. On the Montpellier program, students may take courses in several disciplines in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences.
Location
Montpellier is a city of over 250,000 inhabitants with a diverse student population. It is situated in Languedoc, near the Provence region, approximately six miles from the Mediterranean Sea and a four hour train ride from both Barcelona and Paris. A young and vibrant city, it has a wonderful Mediterranean climate and the area is rich in history and cultural activities.
Both the UNC language center and the Université de Montpellier III (also known as Faculté de Lettres – Paul Valéry, or UPV) are easily accessible by public transportation. The language center is located near the Botanical Garden, or Jardin Botanique, of Montpellier, and UPV is located in the northern part of the city.
Academics
All students on the UNC in Montpellier program will take three core courses taught at the UNC language center. The core courses are taught by UNC-selected instructors, including the French Resident Director and French professors. Two of the three core courses are FREN 311: Communication Skills for Cultural Immersion and FREN 312: French University Methodology through Literature.
Students will also take a minimum of two regular classes, which are direct enroll classes, at the University of Montpellier III-Université Paul Valéry (UPV) alongside French students. One of the classes may be taken from courses that are taught specifically to international students (relations internationales, or RI). A wide variety of university courses are available in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences. The Resident Director assists students in choosing and registering for appropriate courses.
Housing and Meals
While living in Montpellier, students are housed with host families, in French homes where they have breakfast and dinner every day, and share the life of a French family. For most students this often proves to be the highlight of the semester as students really get to know their hosts as family. This is also where students tend to notice the most progress in their French conversational skills as they share in the life of a French family. Some host families are located near the downtown area while others may be further out, but easily accessible by public transportation.
Student Life
Students have the unique opportunity to be assisted by the on-site Director who helps with both academic and personal questions throughout their stay in Montpellier. Students have many opportunities to explore the area around Montpellier as well as all of the south of France and there are beaches accessible by bus or bike only 30 minutes away. In addition, the UNC in Montpellier program offers excursions, social and cultural activities.
Important Links
Faculty Liaison
Dr. Laine Doggett – ledoggett@smcm.edu
Transfer Credit Policy
See the following for how grades and credits are translated back to SMCM. Note: grade equivalencies between U.S. and international institutions are subject to change without notice. the equivalencies provided here are understand to be accurate and up to date as of September 2024.
| UNC Montpellier | |
| Grading System | |
| Grade | SMCM Grade |
| A+ | A+ |
| A+ | A+ |
| A- | A- |
| B+ | B+ |
| B | B |
| B- | B- |
| C+ | C+ |
| C | C |
| C- | C- |
| D+ | D+ |
| D | D |
| F | F |
| Credit Conversion | |
| UNC will issue transcripts based on results of program courses, translating grades and credits appropriately to the US system. In these transcripts, UNC credits are equal to SMCM credits. |
|
Academic and Judicial Policies
The academic and judicial requirements for any student considering studying abroad.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
How financial aid will apply towards your study abroad program and what scholarships are available.
Payments and Services
Payment processes for semester-long, short-term, and non-SMCM study abroad programs.