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<\/p>\nThe BU Global Language & Culture program offers undergraduate and graduate students a two-week immersive academic experience in France or Spain, combining classroom learning with meaningful cultural and language immersion abroad.<\/p>\n
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Through WED WL 590: Global Language & Culture, students earn 4 BU credits while participating in a faculty-led international experience that integrates on-campus coursework with immersive study abroad. Depending on the program, students may live and study in Vichy, France, or Salamanca, Spain, engaging deeply with language, culture, and educational systems through partnerships with CAVILAM\u2013Alliance Fran\u00e7aise and Enforex Spain.<\/p>\n
Designed to be academically rigorous, accessible, and highly engaging, the program provides an opportunity for students to participate in global learning experiences that may be more feasible than a traditional semester-long study abroad program.<\/p>\n
All offerings of WED WL 590 share a common commitment to immersive global learning, faculty mentorship, and comparative cultural study. While destinations, schedules, housing options, and language prerequisites may vary by term, students in every program will experience:<\/p>\n
The course integrates language study, cultural exploration, and comparative analysis of educational contexts, helping students develop global perspectives, intercultural communication skills, and practical language proficiency.<\/p>\n
This webpage will be updated regularly with additional program details, application materials, and deadlines. Please check back often for the latest information.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, if you are interested in learning more, please contact:<\/p>\n
Wednesday, September 9<\/strong> | 4\u20135 pm (ET) Thursday, September 17<\/strong> | 12\u20131 pm (ET) Wednesday, September 23<\/strong> | 11 AM\u201312:30 pm (ET) <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Spring Semester, 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n Global Language & Culture: Vichy, France Summer I 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Join the next embedded global experience in Vichy, France, blending French language instruction, cultural exploration, and comparative study of education systems.<\/p>\n January 2027 Global Language & Culture (WED WL 590)<\/strong><\/p>\n Apply Now<\/a><\/p>\n BU Course: WED WL 590: Global Language and Culture Taught by:<\/strong> Dr. Mary Churchill<\/p>\n This interdisciplinary course explores language, identity, and culture through lived experience.<\/p>\n Learning Outcomes<\/strong><\/p>\n Improve your French language proficiency<\/p>\n French Language Component and Workshops with CAVILAM<\/strong><\/p>\n Taught by:<\/strong> CAVILAM Instructors<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Certificate of Completion<\/strong><\/p>\n Students who successfully complete this component will receive a certificate of completion awarded by CAVILAM\u2013Alliance Fran\u00e7aise and the University of Clermont Auvergne. This certificate is recognized in France and valued internationally.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n 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.<\/p>\n Examples from Previous Programs<\/strong><\/p>\n (Please note: these activities are provided as examples only. The final excursion schedule is still being confirmed with CAVILAM)<\/em><\/p>\n Historical Tour of Vichy:<\/strong> Discover Vichy, known as \u201cLa Reine des villes d\u2019eaux\u201d \u2014the Queen of Spa Towns\u2014on 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.<\/p>\n Historical Tour of Lyon:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Visit to Saint-Joseph High School, Vichy:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Tour of Moulins, Bourbonnais Capital:<\/strong> Wander medieval streets, see Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Palais des Ducs de Bourbon, and explore Maison Mantin\u2019s 19th-century bourgeois heritage.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n The Global Language & Culture in Vichy program is open to BU undergraduate and graduate students who:<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Each application is reviewed holistically, with consideration given to academic record, essay responses, communication skills, and maturity.<\/p>\n Academic Considerations<\/strong><\/p>\n Disciplinary and Financial Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n U.S. Passport Holders<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Passport<\/strong><\/p>\n Visa\/Travel Authorization<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The online application takes only a few minutes and requires:<\/p>\n Admitted students will receive a reminder and instructions to complete the process.<\/p>\n Non-U.S. Passport Holders<\/strong><\/p>\n Check the ETIAS website<\/a> to see whether your country requires a visa or travel authorization.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n 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:<\/p>\n What\u2019s Included in the Program Fee ($2,850)<\/strong><\/p>\n Estimated Additional Costs (not included in program fee)<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Withdrawal and Refund Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n The withdrawal policies for Global Language & Culture in Vichy differ from Boston University\u2019s standard on-campus course withdrawal policies.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Key Dates and Deadlines<\/strong><\/p>\n Refund and Withdrawal Deadlines<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n 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.<\/p>\n Scholarships may be awarded through a collaborative review by the admissions team and the BU Financial Aid Office<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n This program is developed by BU Wheelock, not the BU Study Abroad office, but their website may have helpful resources (listed below).<\/p>\n When you study abroad, you embark on one of the great adventures of your life. With some forethought and a little planning, you can help ensure that your study abroad experience will deliver the adventure and education you want. To explore key considerations and resources to help you stay safe, healthy, and ready for the journey ahead, visit BU Study Abroad\u2019s Health & Safety page<\/a>.<\/p>\n Boston University seeks to build and sustain programs that make every student, whether from Boston University or elsewhere, feel prepared, welcomed, supported, empowered and valued throughout their experience. Studying in a new location, either abroad or elsewhere within the U.S., opens a window to diverse and different practices, values, points of view, and ways of life. Similarly, our students embody a wide range of identities that can affect their experiences while abroad. BU is committed to preparing all students to adapt and thrive in their new surroundings and ensuring that all our programs are safe, welcoming, and accessible regardless of ability, gender, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, economic status, nationality, religion, or any intersection of these identities. Learn more by visiting BU Study Abroad<\/a>.<\/p>\n 1: Complete the application form<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong>The application form is now open.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2: Prepare your materials<\/strong><\/p>\n You will be asked to provide:<\/p>\n 3: Interview<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 4: Notification of admission<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 5: Confirm your spot<\/strong><\/p>\n If accepted, you will receive information about any scholarship awards within five business days.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Program Experience & Accessibility<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThis 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\u2019t able to commit an entire semester to studying abroad!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor graduate students that are part-time this is a very accessible and enriching experience to learn global languages.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Homestay & Language Immersion<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cFor 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\u2019s home and routines. This depth of cultural and linguistic immersion is both highly rewarding and difficult to replicate through independent travel alone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhile 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Personal Growth<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cStep 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\u2019m not!) and on day 14 they told me they were proud of everything I\u2019ve learned! To those who say nothing can be learned in two weeks you tell me what c\u2019est pa grave<\/em> means!\u201d<\/p>\n Academic & Professional Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Because international travel guidelines can change frequently, please check the BU Study Abroad website regularly for updates and important information. If you have additional questions, reach out to Mary Churchill at machurch@bu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Learn, Explore, Connect with Immersive Academic Experiences The BU Global Language & Culture program offers undergraduate and graduate students a two-week immersive academic experience in France or Spain, combining classroom learning with meaningful cultural and language immersion abroad. 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\nZoom:\u00a0 https:\/\/bostonu.zoom.us\/j\/92883782595?pwd=SFXaCRzhcS0MfHaGqsQkobQNN3akUd.1<\/a>
\nMeeting ID: 928 8378 2595
\nPasscode: 424720<\/p>\n
\nZoom: https:\/\/bostonu.zoom.us\/j\/98273490840?pwd=8DvjFQp9cdAGyFJS5dkDkuPbGwn4xS.1<\/a>
\nMeeting ID: 982 7349 0840
\nPasscode: 908177<\/p>\n
\nIn Person \u2014 2 Silber Way, Room 423
\nPre-registration required; lunch will be provided. Register here.<\/a><\/p>\nProgram Offerings<\/h6>
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\n<\/strong>Global Experience in France: January 2\u201316, 202y<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Next Session: Global Language & Culture in Vichy, France (Global Experience January 2027, Spring semester course)<\/h3>\n
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Program Details<\/h3>\n
Curriculum<\/h6>
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Excursions and Cultural Activities<\/h6>
<\/p>\nEligibility, Prerequisites, and Important Policies<\/h6>
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Logistics and Requirements<\/h3>\n
Academic, Financial & Disciplinary Requirements<\/h6>
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Documentation<\/h6>
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Program Fee<\/h6>
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Payments: Timeline and Withdrawal and Refund Policy<\/h6>
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Financial Aid and Scholarships<\/h6>
<\/p>\nLife Abroad<\/h3>\n
Complete your Application<\/h3>\n
How to Apply<\/h6>
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\nApplications 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<\/strong>).<\/li>\n
\nIf spots remain, a second application round will open. These applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
What Our Students Say<\/h3>\n
Student Testimonials<\/h6>
<\/p>\nQuestions?<\/h3>\n