The three public universities in Iowa have established this program in which students spend seven weeks during the summer living with a French family and studying in France under French instructors with the supervision of a Resident Director from one of the Iowa Regents' Universities. The program course work and the family stay allow students to experience first-hand life in France and the French culture and to improve the quality of their spoken French. Progress in this area depends greatly on the ability level of each individual student at the inception of the program and on personal effort and motivation. However, on the average, a student could expect to advance two steps on the Oral Proficiency Rating Scale, i.e. from Intermediate Low to Intermediate High. Applicants must also write a brief essay in French explaining why they want to participate.
Students earn eight credits.
In addition, students may enroll for a ninth credit of independent field study with the approval and pre-departure guidance of a professor at one of the state universities. Program credits may be applied toward a major or a minor in French. Courses are taught by native French instructors under the supervision of the program director, a professor from one the Iowa Regents' Universities. Classes are held in the morning, allowing time in the afternoon for cultural exploration, and activities with host families or fellow students. There are educational excursions in and around Lyon in connection with the course in civilization and local history.