French Language and Volunteering

The objective of this program is to further the development of values and skills outside the classroom and to link up theory and practice while being immersed in a significant component of French culture.

Institutions in Society Course

This course addresses crucial issues and obstacles in society and the manners in which French institutions redress these. Students will document and reflect on their volunteer experience by writing regular journal entries. In order to receive academic credit for this program, students are expected to write a final assignment. An on-site supervisor will oversee a final evaluation.

Placements

Student placements are initiated before the students’ arrival in Montpellier. Students normally work about 12 hours per week. Students are placed at sites that are consistent with their educational background, abilities and interests. At the first meeting with the supervisor, compatibility, responsibilities, students’ scheduling and other details are discussed. If the placement seems a good match, the student can begin the placement at the host’s earliest convenience.

Among placements are:

HEALTH CARE (hospitals, rehab centers)
LANGUAGE TUTORING (minority, disadvantaged groups, schools)
COMMUNITY SERVICE AGENCIES (shelter, retirement homes)

The Volunteer's Passport:

This is a document designed to recognize the experience and the skills developed by the volunteer. The passport is the link between the volunteer and the community service agency.

-It describes in detail the missions of each service agency
-It certifies that the missions have been carried out successfully
-It assesses the training skills acquired while serving the community
-It connects these elements with the volunteer’s profile

The Volunteer Passport has received the support of the Employment Center, the French ministry of Education, the High Commissioner for Youth, the Association for continuing education. It can be used as proof if a volunteer needs

French