Program dates: May 25 to July 31, 2026
Nantes Program Overview
Description
The Nantes Program is an intense 10-week summer immersion French language and culture program for Cal Poly Humboldt students from all majors. The Program is open to and welcomes students from other universities and colleges from the State of California, out-of-state, and international students.
The Nantes Program is a comprehensive all-services included program. Consequently, the students live in studio apartments, take classes five days a week, and participate in various academic visits to outstanding cultural sites in France. This is a 12 unit academic program. Minimum enrollment of participants is required.
Take a look at
this video showing the highlights of Nantes
The Nantes Program is offered in partnership with the
Fonelia Language Institute, which offers French classes at all levels and prepares students for the DELF/DALF (the French equivalent of the TOEFL).
Program Location:
The city of Nantes is a medieval city of historical importance in the unification of French territory. Nantes was also a destination and departure port for African slavery routes, which is acknowledged today by memorials and is present in the city’s diverse population. Because of the city’s long history, it hosts a variety of architectural styles and prominent buildings: la Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, considered the finest example of French-style classic Gothic architecture in France, the medieval Breton dukes’ castles, as well as several Roman sites. In line with HSU’s values, Nantes is one of the greenest cities in France and is centered around the Loire river. It is also just a 45 minute train ride from the Atlantic ocean and Parc naturel régional de Brière, home to wildlife, swamps and medieval architecture. Nantes is also the birthplace of Jules Verne, the internationally celebrated author of works like
Around the World in 80 Days and
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
Courses offered:
All students take the following courses for a total of 12 units:
Track 1: Students with No prior studies in French
FREN 480 (4) Culture and Civilization in France (taught in English)
FREN 324 (4) Introduction to Language
FREN 480 (4) French conversation
Track 2: Students with prior studies in French
FREN 480 (4) French Cultural Journal: Regional Studies
FREN 326 (4) Culture and Civilization: Regional Studies
FREN 480 (4) French Conversation
Both tracks participate
in
academic and cultural trips.
All of these courses are open to students with all levels of French knowledge and all courses will count towards the French & Francophone Studies major/minor.
Program Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in the language and culture of France.
- Live in apartments with French students.
- Visit cultural and natural places guided by faculty.
- May be possible to use Financial Aid to cover all related expenses. Plan in advance with Financial Aid counselor.
- This is a rigorous program that requires 45 hours a week of study time. All field trips are mandatory.
- Cost: TBA. Similar programs have run for $6,500-$7,500. This covers twelve units of tuition, ten weeks of housing, three meals per day, all transportation in host country, all excursions and insurance.
GE and/or Major, Minor Requirements:
- All courses apply to the French Major (42 Units) or Minor (20 Units).
- This program meets International Residence requirement for the French Major.
- Courses in this program meet and exceed one year of college French language requirement in various Humboldt majors
Dr. Joseph Diémé, 2022 Nantes Program Director
Office phone: 707-826-3154
Email: joseph.dieme@humboldt.edu
Department of Applied Humanities
Office phone: 707-826-3226
Humboldt Offices
College of Extended Education and Global Engagement
2nd Floor Student & Business Services Building
Phone: (707) 826-3731
Email: extended@humboldt.edu
Website: http://www.humboldt.edu/~extended/
Study Abroad
Library 203
Tel: (707) 826-4142
Email: studyabroad@humboldt.edu
Website: http://www.humboldt.edu/goabroad
