Duke in Provence
A 4-WEEK SUMMER PROGRAM FOCUSED ON FRENCH WORK CULTURE, WITH AN EMBEDDED INTERNSHIP
EARN CREDIT FOR FRENCH 315SA IN ONE SUMMER SESSION
Apply NowThis 1-credit summer program offers students the dynamic experience of working for a French business, while taking a course that explores the work culture of Southern France.
Participants work part time in an accredited internship based on their skills and interests, in Aix-en-Provence and its surrounding area. An immersive experience designed to support students as they develop the knowledge and skills required to work in a cross-cultural environment, students receive close individual follow up with both program faculty and the interning entity. Excursions to Nice and site visits to Marseille and Provence’s villages complement the program, introducing students to the history, art, and cultural practices of Provence.
FR 315SA examines human behavior in professional settings, using foundational texts to analyze cultural differences in the workplace and to assist you in developing interpersonal and cultural competencies. While France and the French are often associated with Paris, the South offers a different perspective of French culture, one that has been heavily influenced by its artists (Picasso, Cézanne, Van Gogh), its landscapes (lavender fields, mistral-swept paysages, the Mediterranean Sea), and its proximity to Mediterranean and Maghrebian cultures (Italy, Spain, and the Maghreb). Throughout the class, we will evaluate how France's history has shaped its cultural practices, ranging from interpersonal interactions to professional relations. Why is France known for being a place where one works to live rather than lives to work, as is said of the United States? How have particular events and policies shaped the concept of the French worker?
In order to better understand this region, and the Aix-en-Provence and Marseille region specifically, we will explore texts, films, and artistic works related to cultural practices of the workplace, worker uprisings, economic structures, and immigration and integration. Guest speakers and excursions will help immerse us in the culture of Southern France. You will also have the opportunity to reflect on your own professional capabilities and cultures through reflective and analytical writing related to your internship experience.
PROGRAM FAST FACTS
Location: Aix-en-Provence, France
Term: Summer II
Dates: TENTATIVE: June 28, 2025 - July 28, 2025
Application Deadline: February 1st
Academic Theme(s): French Language and Culture, Internship
Credit Type: Duke Credit
Eligibility: Students must have at least a B average in French and be qualified to take 300 level French courses. Students may have fulfilled this requirement either through course work at the college level, through lived experience abroad, or through AP testing.
Duke Affiliation: Co-sponsored by Duke’s Department of Romance Studies
Primary Contact: Deb Reisinger
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Gorge du Verdon
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A perfume-making workshop in Nice
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Street views in Provence
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Enjoying conversation at Professor Reisinger's home
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Picking up bread for our shared dinner!
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Lavender fields
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Sunset over the rooftops in Aix-en-Provence
ACADEMICS
The Duke in Provence program offers 1 one-credit course, FR315SA, which is a mix of coursework and internship. Classes will be taught exclusively in French. Neither the pass/fail option nor auditing is permitted.
- FRENCH 315SA
FRENCH 315SA
Travailler pour vivre: A Practicum in French
(CZ, CCI, FL) 1.0 Credit. MMS.
Professor: Deborah Reisinger/ Pascale Schaff (IAU-ACM)
This course examines the concept of work from a cross-cultural perspective, immersing students in a French organization, and supporting them throughout their experience with opportunities to analyze and reflect upon their experience. Students enrolled in this course will complete a 4-week accredited internship in France, which is framed by academic coursework and close individual follow up by both faculty and interning entities. In the course, students will evaluate how France's history has shaped its cultural practices, ranging from interpersonal interactions to professional relations. How have particular events -the French revolution, Mai 68, and declining union membership -shaped the concept of the French worker? Why is France known for being a place where one works to live rather than lives to work, as is said of the United States? This course will examine human behavior in professional settings, using foundational texts to analyze culture in the workplace and to assist students in developing interpersonal and cultural competencies in the international workplace. Students will reflect on their own professional capabilities and cultures through a portfolio that will culminate in a final paper related to their internship experience.
Prerequisite: FR 204 or the equivalent.
ACTIVITIES
Past program activities have included:
- A day trip to Marseille
- A weekend in Nice
- A visit to a perfume factory
PROGRAM STUCTURE
Students will spend three days per week in their internships, with the following days devoted to class activities and excursions.
Students are expected to participate in the internship for approximately 24 hours each week during the 4-week period. Each week, faculty will meet with each student and with each company to discuss work objectives, share progress, and offer feedback. Companies will offer assessments of each student based on general attitude, teamwork, motivation, communication, punctuality, initiative, professional attitude, quality of work, discernment, and organization.
Coursework will be supplemented by expert guest speakers and site visits.
HOUSING & MEALS
You will be housed in student apartments with fully furnished kitchens, and will cook your own meals. The program may provide lunch or dinner on selected excursions, as well as a final group meal at a restaurant in Aix. Other meals are the responsibility of the participant.
PROGRAM FACULTY & STAFF
The Duke in Provence program director can assist with questions related to program academics, admissions, etc. For all other inquiries, please contact the Global Education Office.
COSTS
All costs and fees are subject to change.
Summer 2025
| Duke Students | Non-Duke Students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $2,970 | $2,970 |
| Program Fee | $6,300 | $6,300 |
| Transcript Fee | N/A | $120 |
| Other Costs | Other Costs | Other Costs |
| TOTAL (Estimated) | $12,770 | $12,890 |
Explanation of Costs
The standard program fee for this program includes:
- Program orientation
- Internship placement and advisement
- Accommodations
- All program-sponsored virtual activities including excursions, guest lectures, and cultural activities
What is not included:
Use the following list to assist with budgeting for expenses outside the program fee. This list contains common examples but should not be considered exhaustive.
The standard program fee does not include:
- Textbooks and class materials
- Most meals
Step 1: Upon acceptance to the program, you must submit the Summer Participation Agreement found in your MyGlobalEd application to confirm your enrollment. A parent/guardian’s co-signature is required. This form takes the place of a deposit.
NOTE: If you withdraw after April 15, you will be charged a cancellation fee for voluntary withdrawal. Fees range from $1,500-2,000.
Step 2: Summer invoices will be sent via email to your Duke email address and home email address. Remit payment to the Bursar per due date and address indicated on your online statement. Consult the Duke Bursar's office billing schedule for payment due dates.
Financial Aid
Duke students receiving financial aid are eligible for aid for this program (work-study funds must be converted to loans). Students are individually responsible for making the necessary arrangements with the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid and the Bursar. Non-Duke students are not eligible to receive financial aid at Duke and should contact their home institutions for financial aid information.
Scholarships
This program offers the following scholarship opportunities:
DATES
Attendance is required for all classes, group events, guest speakers, and virtual tours.
- Arrival: TENTATIVE: June 28, 2025
- Departure: TENTATIVE: July 28, 2025
ADMISSIONS
Deadline: February 1st
This program has rolling admissions. The application deadline is February 1.
Interviews: Please note that the application process for this program requires an interview which will be arranged with applicants by the program director.
Priority: Priority is given to applicants who submit all materials by the deadline, meet the language requirements, and perform well on the individual interview with the faculty director(s).
Minimum GPA: There is no minimum GPA.
Non-Duke Students: Non-Duke students are welcome to apply for this program. You must be a degree-seeking student in good standing at an accredited college or university. Consult your university’s registrar and/or study away advisor for assistance with transfer credit. Students who are not matriculated at a college or university are not eligible to participate in Duke’s study away programs.
APPLY
Please start your application early to ensure that it is complete by the deadline! Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the program director for consideration.
To apply to Duke in Provence, please submit the following items using MyGlobalEd:
- Online application
- Official transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended
- Personal statement written in English, no longer than one page, explaining why you would like to participate
- One language recommendation, focusing on your linguistic and academic abilities. Letters from high school teachers will not be accepted.
Interview: The program faculty will contact you to schedule an individual interview.
GEO ADVISING IS HERE FOR YOU
Get advice on choosing a program, exploring courses and credits, and covering the costs of study away when you engage the Global Education Office's advising network.