Explore Paris and southern France
March 31 to April 11, 2010
 Learn, explore, expand your horizons with the Minnesota Parents
Association and the U of M Learning Abroad Center
Experience the same kind of excitement that students feel when
going abroad for the first time
Estimated Cost: $3,000–$3,500
(includes airfare from Minneapolis, transportation in France,
lodging, educational programming,
international health insurance, and two meals a day)
Where will we stay? We will stay in two-star hotels in central
locations in Paris and Montpellier. Accommodations are not luxurious,
but they are clean, quaint, and comfortable. You will be assigned
a single room unless you choose to share a room.
Who is planning the activities? Local guides will lead activities
in Montpellier. Antonia Lortis from the University of Minnesota's
Learning Abroad Center and Marjorie Savage from the University
Parent Program will be your tour leaders.
What if I don't know any French? You do not need to know French.
We will teach you basic French phrases; educational programs
will be taught in English.
What will the weather be like? What
kind of clothing do I need? Temperatures can range from cool to mild, so all-weather clothing
and layers are appropriate. Paris and Montpellier are stylish
cities, and business-casual is recommended. Comfortable shoes
are a necessity.
What will we be doing? We will have structured activities daily,
including tours and lectures. You will learn about the foods
of France by dining in local restaurants and taking a cooking
class in Montpellier. We will take a boat tour along the Seine
River, visit the sites of Paris and the salt flats of southern
France, learn about French wines and lavendar, and visit museums
and shops. Activities will be planned for each day, and free
time in the evenings may be coordinated with other participants.
Basic Itinerary
*Schedule is subject to change.
| 3/31 Wednesday |
fly to Paris |
| 4/1 Thursday |
settle into hotel; late afternoon boat tour on Seine;
orientation; group dinner |
| 4/2 Friday |
logistics outing for those travelers who would like
assistance (ATM, introduction to Metro, etc.); optional touring/free time in
Paris |
| 4/3 Saturday |
travel from Paris to Montpellier on train; group
meeting and welcome dinner |
| 4/4 Sunday (Easter) |
guided tour; French language class; intercultural activity |
| 4/5 Monday |
intercultural activity; French language class; cooking
class |
| 4/6 Tuesday |
museum; Aigues Mortes; Camargue |
| 4/7 Wednesday |
Provence tour (Nimes and Avignon) |
| 4/8 Thursday |
French class; Sete and Harbor |
| 4/9 Friday |
local lecture; free time in Montpellier |
| 4/10 Saturday |
train back to Paris- final discussion and re-entry information
in morning; free time in afternoon and evening |
| 4/11 Sunday |
fly home |
When do I sign up? Send in your application and
a $250 deposit by January 19, 2010. If you do not have a passport,
be sure to apply for one as soon as possible.
How can I find more information? Contact Marjorie Savage at
mbsavage@umn.edu or call 612-626-9291. | 
