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 one to two steps on the Oral Proficiency Rating Scale, e.g., from Intermediate Low to Intermediate Middle or Intermediate High.
Students receive eight credits valid at any state university in Iowa.
In addition, students may enroll for a ninth credit of independent study with a professor at one of the state universities and do a research project involving the gathering of information in France. These courses are applicable to a major or minor in French at the three state universities. Grades are given by the French teaching faculty but the final responsibility rests with the Nelle Hutter, the director, who will consider such matters as class attendance, willingness to speak French, and general attitude and participation. L YON Lyon is the second largest city in France, with a population of about one million. There are also good rail connections with Switzerland and the Mediterranean coasts of France, Italy, and Spain.