Orientation

Orientation picnic -- Allison Grant, 2007-08

"Before going abroad, I had never been out of the country before. The Reid Hall staff provided the necessary support to make my time in Paris a positive experience."

The Columbia-Penn Program begins with a four-week transition period that functions as a bridge between American and French life. During this time, students refine their language skills, adjust to living in Paris, and learn about French life outside of the capital.

 

 

Formal Orientation: The semester begins with a weeklong practical and cultural orientation that includes discovery activities and interactive information sessions about the academic program, courses at Reid Hall, the French university system, living with the French and other housing tips, extracurricular activities, and the city of Paris. During this time, students also meet with their advisers to plan their academic programs.

Language Practicum: Following orientation, all students are enrolled in a three-week practicum. The practicum provides students with both intensive language training and the critical tools necessary to undertake their courses both at Reid Hall and in the French university system.

Bibliotheque Nationale --Sumaiya Ahmed, 2007-08

Students not only acquire the language skills used in daily communication, but they also review the structure of simple and complex sentences. Site visits introduce students to various museums, French libraries, research facilities, and archives.