Exchange & Immersion Programs
Study abroad is a life-changing experience. It can bring fresh perspectives on career choices, politics and economics, and human relations. However, planning is crucial to the success of overseas study and should begin at least one year prior to departure. How well American students achieve their personal and academic objectives — and their long-range career goals — depends heavily on their choice of the right country, institution and program.
Study abroad experiences offered to students through USM involve consultation with the Office of International Programs (101 Payson-Smith Hall, 207-780-4959), the student's academic advisor, and approval from the appropriate academic dean's office. This is imperative to ensure that academic credit can be granted for the work done abroad. It is also very helpful to meet and speak with students who have recently returned from studying abroad, and with students who are studying in the US to learn what it is like to be a “foreign student.”
Financial aid is available for study abroad programs! The Institute of International Education offers opportunities for study abroad through the National Security Education Program. Check additional scholarship listings at the USM Financial Aid Office.
The University of Maine System has a formal program associated with the University of Le Mans in France. USM participates in the University of Maine Partnership Maine-France which offers students a variety of opportunities to study in a chosen field at any number of partner institutions in France.
USM has also a longstanding exchange with the Université Laval in Quebec. In addition, there are a number of programs that the French Section strongly supports and recommends, among them the program at the Centre International d’Etudes Françaises at the Université Catholique de l’Ouest in Angers, France. Other departments at USM occasionally organize summer programs that might interest students majoring in French.
The Foreign Language & Classics Department will be sponsoring French immersion weekends for those individuals who wish to enhance and enrich their language proficiency.
The French section offers, generally once a year, the possibility to attend a 15-20 hour weekend of French conversation. Topics vary from year to year. Recent topics include Workshops in French theater, French music, French food, and Francophones in Maine.
The immersion weekend program will start immediately after lunch on Friday and go through all day Saturday. Meals are included. CEUs are available or one hour of academic credit. Please contact the Office of Academic Outreach to inquire as to the cost.
For information on these special programs, please contact Nancy Erickson at 207-780-4327 or nerickson@usm.maine.edu.
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