The international Faculty Directed Programs enable small groups of students led by UM professors to explore the culture, language, literature and history of another country, in most cases earning credits toward their degrees at UM as they do so. Each program is specially developed and organized for students traveling as a group. In many cases, the emphasis in the program is on the acquisition or improvement of foreign language skills, with homestays, instruction at a selected institution, and some opportunities to travel to surrounding areas. Each program is unique, and offers invaluable experience and education to participating students. The length of the programs varies, as does cost.
Students have daily academic assignments, frequent class meetings, and guest teachers.
Students participate in field trips to cultural and historic sites in Burgundy and Paris, as well as various cultural activities such as theater and festivals. Four semesters of university-level French required. Every Spring semester, after an intensive 3-week orientation program on campus, students depart for Germany for 3 weeks, where they live with host families in Missoula s sister city, Neckargemund, and attend classes in Heidelberg. They then travel to Vienna for the remainder of the semester, where they also live with host families. Participants take excursions, attend theater performances, and learn about German language, culture and traditions.