Go Global Office of Global Engagement

Lyon, France - Experiencing Lyon: La représentation de Lyon dans les médias

FREN 395 | 3 Credits

This program is now supported by the Cultural Experience in France Grant for Arts students

Up to 13 Faculty of Arts students accepted to this program will have 75% of their program fee covered plus receive a $1000 award that can be used towards the flight or other travel costs.

Up to 7 Arts students accepted into this program, who demonstrate financial need, will have 100% of their program fee covered plus receive a $1600 award that can be used towards the flight or other travel costs.

Eligible Arts students applying to the program will automatically be considered for the funding. No additional application is required.


Basic eligibility for the Cultural Experience in France Grant will be the following:

  • Accepted into this program
  • UBC Vancouver Faculty Arts degree student (BA, BMus, etc.)
  • Have a minimum GPA of 70% in the top 24 credits of the previous academic year with no failed or incomplete courses in the assessed period.
  • Current full-time students (min 9 credits per term) in 2023-24 Academic Year
  • Depending on the number of eligible candidates, priority may be given to students in a French major or minor

To be eligible for the 100% funding, there is this additional criteria:

  • Students must have demonstrated financial need
    • Priority will be given to students who meet the definition of eligibility for financial aid (having non-repayable loans and bursaries), as defined and determined by Enrolment Services
    • Other students will have the opportunity to provide a written statement and budget to demonstrate un-met financial need

Students accepted to this program who are not eligible for the Cultural Experience in France Grant will receive the $1000 Go Global Award.

Program overview

This course is led by Caroline Lebrec, Faculty of Arts

  • Course dates: May 22-June 7, 2024 
  • Travel dates:  May 21-June 7, 2024
  • Format: In-person   
  • Location(s): Lyon, France 
  • Approximate fee: $3000 (Go Global Fee, tuition and flights are not included) 
  • Funding available (click through to learn more about each award):  

Information Session Recording

Recording available here. Use passcode: c05@KqHm

Application deadline extended to February 5, 2024

Application instructions here.

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About the course                                                                                                               

This is an intensive 3-week course in Lyon that takes students outside of the classroom to engage in the course material in a real-world setting. Offered in French, this course explores the vibrant literary culture of Lyon, through visits, museums and documents such as novels, comics and movies. Why Lyon? Lyon is the capital of many things. It used to be the French capital during the Roman Empire (Lugdunum) and the European capital of the silk industry (les Canuts). Its traboules defeated the nazis during the Occupation. It is the world capital of gastronomy since 1935. More recently, it has been elected « French capital of biodiversity » in 2019. "Lyon Capitale" is also the name of a local newspaper, a local radio, and a local TV channel. This course will expose students to the many sides of Lyon capital (gastronomy, biodiversity, industry, ideology, literary) and of Lyon heritage (UNESCO heritage since 1998) in order to answer the question: What made and makes Lyon a vibrant topic across media and across the age? French author and Lyon expert Paul Fournel will lead the creative writing workshop embedded in this course. 

Students are encouraged to also enroll in the Lyon II CIEF language program starting in June after this program. 

Program eligibility  
General Global Seminar requirements

To participate in a Global Seminar, students must: 

  • Be in good-standing in their faculty (as defined by home faculty) 
  • In the year leading up to the Global Seminar, have full-time student status (as defined by home faculty)  
  • Have completed 2nd year requirements before the start of the program (i.e., eligible for 3rd or 4th year standing)  
  • Have at least a 70% academic average in your last full-time academic session before applying  
  • Maintain a 70% academic average leading up to the program  
  • Meet any program specific requirements listed below including pre-requisites before participating 
Program-specific requirements
  • Students minoring or majoring in French may be prioritized for selection. 
  • The prerequisite for this course is minimum CEFR A2 level. For example: One of FREN 202 or equivalent.
    • Students may be required to have an interview or language assessment with the program director before selection is confirmed.

Students are encouraged to also enroll in the Lyon II CIEF language program starting in June after this program. 

  • The dates of FREN 395 allow you to start your B1 level with CIEF in Lyon after completing FREN 395. You can do 2 courses within the same trip. 

Final selection will be done by the lead faculty program directors. Spots in the program may be limited.  

Students who wish to participate in the summer after graduating may be eligible on a case-by-case basis. 

Experience and conditions in the Field

Students can expect to have class between 9am – 12pm, Monday through Thursday with deadlines on Fridays. Outside of classroom time, students will have planned visits to museums, tours, workshops, and various other activities.     

Accommodations

Students will have arrangements with host families.

Program fees and costs
Approximate program fees: $3000*

*The final fee depends on the number of students in the program. All Global Seminars only run if there is a minimum number of students enrolled.  

Included:  
  • Accommodation  
  • Program- related travel in-country; (e.g. buses)  
  • Excursions and entrance fees  
  • 1 group meal
  • On-site guest lectures
Not Included:  
  • Go Global Fee
  • Flights  
  • UBC tuition for credits  
  • Visa/country entrance fees  
  • Health or travel insurance  
  • Most meals 
  • Personal spending money*  

Some examples of personal costs included: mobile communication, personal transportation that is not related to the learning outcomes of the program, additional meals that are not already identified as part of the Program Fee, immunizations, Visas, etc. 

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