Wednesday, September 9 | 4:00–5:00 PM ET Link:  https://bostonu.zoom.us/j/92883782595?pwd=SFXaCRzhcS0MfHaGqsQkobQNN3akUd.1
Meeting ID: 928 8378 2595
Passcode: 424720

Thursday, September 17 | 12:00–1:00 PM ET Link: https://bostonu.zoom.us/j/98273490840?pwd=8DvjFQp9cdAGyFJS5dkDkuPbGwn4xS.1
Meeting ID: 982 7349 0840
Passcode: 908177

Wednesday, September 23 | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM ET (In Person — 2 Silber Way, Room 423)
Pre-registration required; lunch will be provided. Register here.

Spring Semester

Global Language & Culture: Vichy, France
Global Experience in France: January 2–16

Summer I 2027

• Vichy, France — May 29 – June 12
• Salamanca, Spain — July 4–17

BU Course: WED WL 590: Global Language and Culture

Taught by: Dr. Mary Churchill

This interdisciplinary course explores language, identity, and culture through lived experience.

Learning Outcomes

Improve your French language proficiency

• Understand key features of human language and debunk common myths
• Compare French and U.S. educational systems
• Reflect critically on your experience living and learning in another country

French Language Component and Workshops with CAVILAM

Taught by: CAVILAM Instructors

• 13.5 hours/week of general French instruction, focused on practical, everyday communication.
• 6 hours/week of thematic workshops to reinforce key language skills and deepen cultural understanding.

On your first day at CAVILAM, you’ll complete a language placement exam assessing your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. This ensures you’re placed in a class that matches your current level.

Certificate of Completion

Students who successfully complete this component will receive a certificate of completion awarded by CAVILAM–Alliance Française and the University of Clermont Auvergne. This certificate is recognized in France and valued internationally.

Upon acceptance into the program, students will receive a detailed itinerary. The program fee includes several required excursions and cultural activities (updated at a later date). Students may choose to participate in optional excursions for an extra fee.

Examples from Previous Programs

(Please note: these activities are provided as examples only. The final excursion schedule is still being confirmed with CAVILAM)

Historical Tour of Vichy: Discover Vichy, known as “La Reine des villes d’eaux” —the Queen of Spa Towns—on a special guided tour! Wander through its landmarks, parks, and historic buildings; this tour is a wonderful chance to practice your French while deepening your understanding of this charming and historic city.

Historical Tour of Lyon: Explore the heart of Lyon and perfect your French at the same time! This guided tour, specially designed for language students, will help you discover the city’s historical and cultural treasures while practicing your French.

Visit to Saint-Joseph High School, Vichy: Observe classes and connect with staff for a unique insight into French high school life, offering valuable comparisons to the U.S. and other education systems.

Tour of Moulins, Bourbonnais Capital: Wander medieval streets, see Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Palais des Ducs de Bourbon, and explore Maison Mantin’s 19th-century bourgeois heritage.

The Global Language & Culture in Vichy program is open to BU undergraduate and graduate students who:

• Have completed at least one semester of study in a degree program
• Are in good academic and disciplinary standing
• Are in good judicial standing
• Have an interest in French language and culture, comparative pedagogies, educational policy, or languages more broadly

Each application is reviewed holistically, with consideration given to academic record, essay responses, communication skills, and maturity.

Academic Considerations

• This program is open to students of all majors and academic interests. For guidance on how the program fits into your degree plan, please consult your academic advisor. We are unable to advise on course equivalencies, substitutions, or how credits may apply to majors or minors.
• Accreditation: The program includes a 4-credit, fully accredited Boston University course taught by full-time BU faculty. All courses carry official BU course numbers and are approved through the University’s curriculum review process.
• Grades: For BU students, grades earned in this program will appear on your transcript and be factored into your GPA. Because the course, WED WL 590: Global Language and Culture, is an on-campus course with an embedded global exchange experience, it will be held to the same policies as all other courses taught on the Boston University campus.

Disciplinary and Financial Requirements

• Boston University reserves the right to rescind admission to or continuation in any program if an applicant’s academic or disciplinary record is not satisfactory. Boston University students placed on expulsion, academic suspension, or residence separation are not eligible to participate for the duration of the sanction. Deferred separation status will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
• Your Boston University student account must be in good standing. University policy requires the withholding of educational services from any student whose financial obligations to the university are due and/or unpaid.

U.S. Passport Holders

It is recommended that all participants begin any visa or travel authorization process immediately upon confirmation of admission to the program and ensure all documents are valid for the duration of travel and program participation.

Passport

• Must be valid for at least six months beyond the program end date.

Visa/Travel Authorization

Travelers will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization for short stays (less than 90 days) in France and other Schengen countries. ETIAS is not a visa, but a travel authorization similar to the U.S. ESTA system.

The online application takes only a few minutes and requires:

• A valid U.S. passport
• A credit card for the €7 fee
• A valid email address

Admitted students will receive a reminder and instructions to complete the process.

Non-U.S. Passport Holders

Check the ETIAS website to see whether your country requires a visa or travel authorization.

The Global Language & Culture course is a Spring 2027 offering that includes a two-week embedded global exchange experience in Vichy, France. Students earn 4 BU credits upon successful completion of the course. Students will pay:

• BU Spring 2027 tuition (for 4 credits, billed through the student account)
• Global Experience Program Fee: $2,850 (covers housing from January 2–January 16, 2027 in Vichy, excursions, round-trip group train transport from Paris to Vichy, CAVILAM-taught French language courses, and other on-site program costs)
  • Billing: The course fee will be charged at the same time as tuition and will appear as a separate line item on your tuition and fees bill.
  • Timeline: The course fee is due on an earlier schedule than tuition.

What’s Included in the Program Fee ($2,850)

• Housing (choose one)
  • Homestay: Includes daily breakfast and dinner, or
  • Studio apartment: Private studio with kitchen facilities (meals not included)
• Study facilities at CAVILAM–Alliance Française
• French language and cultural coursework at CAVILAM–Alliance Française
• CAVILAM–Alliance Française enrollment fee
• One group dinner in Vichy
• Program activities (entrance fees and transportation included)
• Group train transportation between Paris and Vichy (round trip)
• Overseas medical insurance, and emergency evacuation coverage

Estimated Additional Costs (not included in program fee)

• Airfare: $700–$1,000 (estimate; refundable tickets recommended)
• Meals:
  • Homestay: Breakfast + dinner provided; students cover lunches
  • Studio apartment: Students cover all meals
• Visa fees (if required)
• Personal expenses (local transportation, activities, souvenirs, etc.)

Note: Any item not explicitly mentioned above will be the financial responsibility of the student. Boston University cannot refund out-of-pocket costs and strongly recommends purchasing refundable or flexible airfare.

Withdrawal and Refund Policy

The withdrawal policies for Global Language & Culture in Vichy differ from Boston University’s standard on-campus course withdrawal policies.

Within one week of acceptance, students must submit a commitment confirming their participation in the program. At this time, they will also be required to sign the withdrawal and refund policy outlined in their acceptance letter. By signing, students acknowledge and agree to the withdrawal and refund policies outlined in their acceptance letter, as detailed in the timeline below.

Key Dates and Deadlines

• Tuesday, October 13: Priority application deadline
• Tuesday, October 20: Applicants notified of application status
• Tuesday, October 27: Commitment letters due (students sign to confirm participation)

Refund and Withdrawal Deadlines

• Thursday, November 12: Last day for a full refund
• Wednesday, December 9: Partial refund of $700 available
• After Wednesday, December 9: No refunds available

Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development is committed to making global education experiences accessible to all students. A limited number of scholarships may be available, and students who wish to be considered must indicate their interest at the time of application.

Scholarships may be awarded through a collaborative review by the admissions team and the BU Financial Aid Office. Students are encouraged to contact the BU Financial Aid Office early in their planning process to confirm eligibility for aid, discuss available scholarships, and explore additional funding options.

1: Complete the application form

The application form is now open.

• Priority Application Deadline: Tuesday, October 13th, 11:59 pm (ET)
  Applications received by this date will receive early consideration. Space is limited, and the program may fill during this round. If the program reaches capacity, a waitlist will be created. Applicants on the waitlist will be notified of admission after the deposit due date (November 12).
• Second Application Round (if space remains): Rolling admissions
  If spots remain, a second application round will open. These applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

2: Prepare your materials

You will be asked to provide:

• Basic academic information (GPA, program of study, etc.)
• Responses to two essay questions
• An optional essay to be considered for a scholarship
• Transcript (unofficial accepted)
• Contact information for one faculty or staff reference (no formal recommendation letter required)

3: Interview

All priority applicants will be invited to a brief interview. Interviews are scheduled after applications are received and help the admissions team learn more about your goals and fit for the program.

4: Notification of admission

Admission decisions will be communicated within approximately one week of the priority application deadline. For second-round applicants, decisions will be made on a rolling basis.

5: Confirm your spot

If accepted, you will receive information about any scholarship awards within five business days.

Program Experience & Accessibility

“This program happened at such a pivotal point in my experience as a student. This life changing opportunity combined two weeks of intensive language learning while being immersed in the culture of Vichy, France. The deep level of global learning and connection is rare for such a short study abroad opportunity. It was perfect for someone who wasn’t able to commit an entire semester to studying abroad!”

“For graduate students that are part-time this is a very accessible and enriching experience to learn global languages.”

“For someone like me, for whom studying abroad for an entire semester was not a possibility, this two-week long, culturally and linguistically immersive trip made studying abroad accessible and meaningful.”

Homestay & Language Immersion

“For a fully immersive experience, consider living in a homestay. This environment provides consistent opportunities to practice French language skills, gain meaningful insight into local culture, and experience daily life in a way that independent apartment living cannot offer. A homestay also fosters personal growth by encouraging adaptability and openness, as you are welcomed into a host family’s home and routines. This depth of cultural and linguistic immersion is both highly rewarding and difficult to replicate through independent travel alone.”

“While I was nervous about staying with a host family during my time in Vichy, it ultimately made my experience what it was and contributed to my rapid language development. In addition to this, living with a host family with a fellow French language student from Saudi Arabia provided me with an opportunity to more thoughtfully consider what it means to participate in culture and the role that language plays in self expression.”

Personal Growth

“Step out of your safety bubble and explore! Putting yourself in difficult and scary situations teaches you the most valuable lessons. On day one, I accidentally told my host family I was married (I’m not!) and on day 14 they told me they were proud of everything I’ve learned! To those who say nothing can be learned in two weeks you tell me what c’est pa grave means!”

Academic & Professional Impact

“This program gave me a unique perspective of what it is like to be a language learner in a new country. This was an invaluable experience as a teacher who has students that are English language learners. Additionally, it sparked an interest in global education and I am now interested to explore the education systems of other countries.”