You can study on the Maryland-in-Nice program for the full academic year or for either the fall or spring semester. The fall semester lasts from September to mid-January, and the spring semester runs from early February to early June.
2. Do I need to be able to speak French in order to go to Nice?
Yes. In order to apply to the Nice program, you need to have successfully completed (grade of “B” or above) two 200-level French courses. You can apply if you are enrolled in your second 200-level course at the time of application.
While you are in Nice, you will take one capstone course (FREN399) with Maryland’s Resident Faculty Director. The course looks at contemporary French culture and also explores cross-cultural differences between France and the United States. In addition, you will take 15 credits of coursework at the CUEFLE, the French-for-Foreigners department of the University of Nice. Typically, these 15 credits include 9 credits of French language, 3 credits of French civilization and a final 3 credits of either French Literature or Commercial French.
4. Can I take other types of courses while I’m in Nice?
We have occasionally worked with students to help them audit classes at the regular university. However, in general, the curriculum is a set 15 credits of French, as students enroll in a pre-determined track at the CUEFLE.
While you are in Nice, you will be taking classes alongside international students from around the world! The Maryland-in-Nice program is the only American study abroad program in Nice, so you will take your classes with students from Europe, Asia and elsewhere.
Although there are no internships available for credit in Nice, our Resident Director can help you find an internship or volunteer placement during your semester or year abroad. Past students have worked in local schools and in the Nice archives during their time on the program.
The French department sends a faculty member to Nice every year, so you will benefit from having a Resident Director on site. The Resident Director teaches the capstone class and also organizes excursions and outings for the program. He or she will also serve as your emergency contact and your academic advisor during the program, while also acting as an intermediary between you and our partners in Nice (the university, our housing agencies, etc). Past students have found the Resident Director to be one of the most helpful aspects of the Maryland-in-Nice program.
Yes! The program fee includes at least one weekend excursion and one or two day-trips to other cities in France. Outings within Nice are also arranged by the Resident Director.
You will have the option to either live in a homestay or in a private apartment during your time in Nice. All housing chosen by the program is located in downtown Nice, near the Resident Director’s apartment and approximately a 30-minute walk from the university.
If you choose a homestay, you will be given a private room in a local house or apartment. You may live with a family, with a couple or with a single person. In all homestays, you will have full access to the shared portions of the home and will be provided with two full meals a day. You can choose to share your homestay with another participant on the Nice program as well. A shared room costs 100 Euros less a month. There are also homestays available with two single rooms.
If you would prefer not to live in a homestay, you can choose to live in a private apartment with other students from the program. You will be asked to choose from the available apartment options, so you can make your decision based on apartment photos, rent amounts and specific location. All apartments are located in downtown Nice. Apartments are fully furnished with all basic utilities included. Basic utilities do not include phone or internet, although we can work with students who are interested in setting up an internet account in their apartment. You may choose your roommates, or you can authorize us to assign you a roommate. The majority of apartments have single bedrooms with common areas.
12. Is the cost of my housing included in the program fee?
The program fee includes your tuition, fees, plus all excursions and outings during the semester. In addition, the fee includes 1500 Euros toward your housing for the semester. Depending on the rent for your particular housing choice, this can cover two or three months rent. You are responsible for paying the remainder of your rent directly. Once you have chosen your housing, the Program Coordinator will be in touch with you about the exact breakdown of what you can expect to pay during the semester.
13. Do I pay tuition for the semester when I’m abroad?
You do not pay regular tuition while a student on the Nice program. Instead, you are charged the program fee as published in program materials. This fee is charged directly to your student account at Maryland, so you can pay your bill in the same way that you normally pay for tuition.
14. Can I use financial aid to fund my time in Nice?
Yes! You can use all of your federal, state and university aid for the Nice program. You can also use TERP payment plan and tuition remission. Your financial aid paperwork will be processed automatically by the Study Abroad Office.
Yes! All UM students who are accepted into the Maryland-in-Nice program have the option to apply for a Maryland-in-Nice partial scholarship. Scholarship applications are due on November 1 (for spring) or May 1 (for fall and full year). Decisions are made based on need and merit. You must have a FAFSA on file in order to apply.
