Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
4. Other Funding Possibilities for the program
7. Personal Electrical Appliances
1. Regarding use of English during the program . . .
Chez Vous is a Relational program with the goal of helping students to really connect with French people and culture. Capability with the French language plays a major part in achieving this goal, so for most of each day Chez Vous students commit to speaking only French.
While the Institute has experimented with a “total immersion” French language experience, we now believe that a small amount of “language optional” time each day is also important for absorbing and integrating the entire French experience – a vital part of connecting with the people and culture around us. Therefore during a small portion of each day, generally evenings, students are free to use either French or English.
2. Regarding Financial Aid . . .
The Institute does have a small amount of aid available for a few applicants. This aid is awarded usually in amounts of $250, and occasionally up to $750. Actual amounts depend on the overall level of need in the current year’s applicant pool, as well as donor support. To be considered for financial aid, please note that your completed Chez Vous Application Packet and the Financial Aid Application must both be postmarked during the Early Application Period.
The Chez Vous program is designed so that students can successfully complete the program without a personal laptop. All homework and assignments are manageable and acceptable in longhand.
Students are free to bring their own laptops for homework and class projects, and may find some additional convenience in doing so. The following conditions apply:
· Students understand and agree that the Institute cannot accept liability for the security of their laptops during their stay in the program (though the Institute makes every effort to ensure safety and security in all aspects of the program);
· For security purposes laptop usage is restricted to student rooms only;
· Internet access is still available only through the Institute’s desktop computer for a small charge during designated hours.
4. Other Funding Possibilities for the Chez Vous program
We certainly recognize how difficult it can be to fund a study-abroad experience. In the face of this challenge, it can be important to consider as well the potential for a solid study-abroad experience to open up opportunities later on. The right program can be a great investment in your own future.
Each year, it seems, we welcome a number of students with interesting stories of how God provided for their financial need that summer. At the same time, of course, we also realize that many others were still unable to come due to finances. But for those that do come, here are some of the ways these students have found funding . . .
- Extra work or work projects, especially over holiday periods such as Christmas and Spring Break;
- Immediate family members – gifts and/or loans;
- Support from extended family members – grandparents, aunts, and uncles;
- Occasionally, students who have demonstrated an interest in missions have been able to obtain small grants from their church or denomination. The Chez Vous program does integrate ministry awareness and service opportunities into students’ experience, and we are happy to provide a letter affirming and describing this important aspect of the program;
- Though we do not wish to encourage debt financing, we do also recognize the importance and economic value to students who invest in an effective study-abroad experience. For that reason the Institute is also planning to offer the option of paying at least part of the Program Fee by credit card during the 2008-2009 school year.
All students need a valid passport. North American students need a visa only if staying in Europe more than 3 months. Students from most countries outside the European Union or North America must apply for a French visa (please contact us for more details.) Papers must be completed and in good order prior to arrival or a student may be refused admittance into the country.
Students use personal funds for a variety of things: visits to cafes, postcards, stationery, postage, the Institute café bar, church offerings, personal laundry, internet access, personal bus-rides, souvenirs, etc. You might consider something in the range of $150 - $200 for personal spending, plus whatever gifts you want to purchase.
As an emergency reserve, we recommend you keep at least 40E in cash with you at all times (about $60).
The most convenient method for obtaining cash in France is to bring a debit card from your U.S. bank (with PIN number). ATM machines are located everywhere in France, providing the best exchange rate for your dollars as well as reducing the amount of cash you need to carry at any one time. ATM’s take most cards – before you travel ask your card company or bank for a phone number to call in case you should encounter any problems.
Other methods for obtaining personal cash: a credit card for getting cash from an ATM machine (need PIN number), or buying traveler’s cheques in Euros (not in Dollars) before you leave the States -- Euro traveler’s cheques can be ordered through your bank and take about a week to arrive.
7. Personal Electrical Appliances
Generally, if the electrical information plate on your appliance indicates 220 or 240 volts, then the appliance will function on French electric current. However you will still need a plug adapter – a limited number will be available for purchase in France.
Chez Vous is an intense experience in culture and language-learning. Visitors can therefore create a real interruption in the learning process, both for the individual student being visited as well as for fellow students.
Visitors to the Center will be greeted warmly, and with notice will be welcome for meals at the regular Center rates. However, visitors must make their own local lodging and transportation arrangements. Visitors may not accompany students on excursions or other program activities.
9. Regarding student housing . . .
Over the years the Institute has experimented with several housing options, including home-stays with French families as well as dormitory housing. We have concluded that the drawbacks of these options outweigh the benefits – benefits that at best were inconsistent in helping students to really connect with French people.
Several years ago the Institute purchased its own small Center that provides a more natural “family” environment – a context that makes social interactions with local French people easier, more extensive, and much more natural culturally. The ground floor of the Center offers a lounge, café bar, and classroom, while two floors of 4 rooms each provide basic but comfortable lodgings for the limited number of students that the Institute welcomes at any one time.
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