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French Cuisine and Viniculture

French Language, Food & Wine in Bordeaux and Paris

Come learn French and French cuisine in France!

Back due to popular demand!

Program Details

This study abroad trip will incorporate the study of French language along with French gastronomic and oenological culture as a social phenomenon through a long history of traditions, political upheaval, economic and industrial evolutions, and religious influences. First, we will delve into the link between cuisine, and individual and cultural identity. Brillat-Savarin famously said "dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es!" (Tell me what you eat, I will tell you what you are.) Therefore, theories on food, wine, and culture will be discussed as a way to frame the importance of cuisine on an individual level, a regional level, and a societal level. Then we will explore the history of food and wine practices up to modern day, along with the geographical influences of each region in France on food and wine production. We will look at the effects of historical events on dinner party etiquette, the birth and growth of the food-service industry, and the development of a national cuisine. Lastly, we will look to the future pathways for food culture through sustainability practices.

This course will explore and discover cuisine through both a practical and theoretical approach. Students will be guided on cultural outings to museums, historical sites and monuments, vineyards, cooking classes, and restaurants.

Selection Criteria:

Pre-Requisites:

FRCH 1010 or equivalent, students may make an appointment with the French faculty for a brief assessment to see if eligible.

Participants must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older.
  • Be a high school graduate or above.
  • Participants seeking academic credit for the program must be able to read the required text and participate in discussions.

Destination:

  • Bordeaux and Paris, France

Program Dates:

June 26, 2023 - July 15, 2023

Rooms and Food: In Bordeaux, students will stay with host families, breakfast and dinner will be provided, and students will have access to a kitchen at the language institute if they would like to prepare their own lunch. In Paris, students will be sharing rooms in a hotel; breakfast and two dinners will be included. 

Cost

$3550 (Airfare Not Included)

Suggested Payment Schedule (This does not need to be followed exactly. It is a guide so you do not have to pay so much at the end, but you can pay as much or as little as you want so long as the trip is paid in full before you leave):

  • Deposit: $500
  • Dec. 2, 2022- $450
  • Jan. 6, 2023- $450
  • Feb. 3, 2023- $450
  • Mar. 3, 2023- $450
  • April 1, 2023 - $450
  • May 2, 2023 - $450
  • June 2, 2023 - $350 Final payment

Deposit: $500

Deposit is due 72 hours after registration. If not paid in that timeframe, you may be dropped from your trip.

Payments can now be made online! Visit this website for instructions on how to pay your deposit and future payments online. Charges should show on your account within 24-48 hours after registration. If you want to pay with cash or check, please pay at the Hurst Center for Lifelong Learning.

Includes: insurance, tuition, room and board, domestic transportation, all excursions, and some meals. 

Not included: airfare, passport, incidentals, excess baggage costs, any unscheduled travel, and some meals.

Itinerary

June 16, 2023 - Pre-departure orientation
June 24, 2023: Depart SLC
June 25, 2023: Arrive in Bordeaux, France
June 25 - July 9, 2023: Bordeaux
  • French lessons at NewDeal Institut
  • cheese and wine tasting
  • visit local bakeries and sweet shops to sample pasteries and food
  • museé la cité du vin
  • Dunes du Pilat
  • vineyard tours, walking tours of Bourdeaux, visit medieval villages, an 11th century abbey, and a Garonne river cruise.
  • optional: day trip to Arcachon to enjoy the beach and fresh seafood 
  • and more!
July 10 - 16, 2023: Paris
  • walking tour of Paris, museum of 19th century art, visit an open air market, and visit the oldest city wall in Paris
  • dinner at Le Procope 
  • optional: watching fireworks at Pont d'alma 
  • and more!
July 16, 2023: Return to SLC
Please make sure to attend all pre-departure orientation sessions!

Academic Courses

Students who participate in this study abroad program will be able to register for up to six (6) semester credits through Weber State University in 

  • FRCH 1020 and FRCH 1851
  • or FRCH 2010 and FRCH HU2851
  • or FRCH 2020 and FRCH HU2851
  • or FRCH 3000 and FRCH 3850

Program Directors

Dr. Cynthia Jones has spent two years living and working in Paris, France, during which she was able to travel the country extensively. She has spent time in Bordeaux visiting the major historical sites and touring the surrounding vineyards. She has also previously organized short-term faculty-led study abroad trips to Paris in the past and feels extremely comfortable navigating the city and the surrounding area for the day trip excursions.

cynthiajones1@weber.edu

Trip Cancellations

If Weber State cancels a trip for any reason, all participants will be refunded 100% of funds paid to the school. If a participant withdraws from the program for any reason, they are subject to the refund policy found on the first page of the application.  Deposits are always non-refundable, unless the program is canceled by Weber State.  No refunds will be issued 30 days prior to program start date. 

Refunds will NOT be given to students due to COVID-19 concerns. Before programs were canceled in 2020, every student was given the option to withdraw from programs without penalty due to COVID-19. This year students are applying, cognizant of the pandemic. Weber State will not intentionally place students into high risk situations. We will work together with Program Leaders and Departments on canceling should the destination demonstrate increased risks, be they from COVID or any other concern. As such, students must abide by the standard refund policy.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Study Abroad Office at (801) 626-8715.