<p>My son's university has an exchange program with University of Montpellier III-Universite Paul Valery (UPV). He is currently a Sophomore, in the Honors program, an English Major, Creative Writing & French Double Minor. He has, I think, around a 3.6 GPA, so, very solid student, should have no problem qualifying for the program. Wishes to do one semester his Junior year in France to become fluent in French. Everything I've read so far sounds as if this will be a good program for him but I would like to hear from students (or the parents of students) about THEIR experiences in Montpellier. Also, for family reasons, we would prefer that he go in the Fall, not the Spring Semester. Any opinions about Fall vs Spring would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for any tips and advice you can give!</p>
<p>Re: Fall vs Spring
Check the French university academic calendar. Fall semester is likely to end up to be much shorter than spring. My D is currently studying abroad in Paris, total French immersion. She’ll end up being there just over 3 months, ie, mid September to late December. That’s all she could fit in with her schedule. But, had she been able to do spring term instead, the program would have been mid January to late June. Then, if you can, you have the option of staying/traveling over the summer. So, check. My D was already fluent, so the shorter time isn’t a problem for her in terms of immersion time, but obviously, more immersion will be better for fluency. Good luck to your S.</p>
<p>Thanks sopranomom92. Just now realized I had a response on this post.</p>
<p>By your name we might be fellow “members” of the Parents of Musicians thread due to my younger son. A friend mentioned to me the “travel in the summer afterwards” advantage to Spring. Perhaps this shouldn’t factor in but I hate for my older son to be in France missing younger bro’s final HS concerts and graduation though I suppose that really shouldn’t factor in. Also though, as a plus, the “Fall” semester will actually be warmer in Montpellier, yes? Jan, Feb, March are not the best months there. I’m still torn, trying to decide if he should pick his semester abroad based on younger bro’s schedule!</p>