GEO Faculty-Led Programs in Pau, France
About the site
- Agriculture / Food Systems
- Climate and Sustainability
- Geology / Natural Resources
- Topics in French Culture and Society
- Program length abroad:
- 1 – 2 weeks
- Terms:
- Spring Break
- Summer (June – July)
- Fall Break (November)
Site availability may depend on program dates and site capacity for the requested timeframe.
- Minimum students: 10
- Maximum students: 18
Pau, France is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in traditional French culture in one of the country’s most beautiful regions. The city is small enough to be easily explored on foot or by bicycle, yet large enough to offer modern amenities like theaters, shops, festivals, concerts, and outdoor cafés. Its diverse natural landscapes and proximity to the Pyrenees makes it an ideal setting for exploring climate change, environmental management, sustainability, and natural resource stewardship, giving real-world insight into contemporary environmental challenges in France. There’s plenty of traditional activities in Pau as well: markets, parks, museums, shops, and the historical quarters built around the castle of Henri IV which date back to Medieval and Renaissance times.
Program options and components
The following are sample logistics and services that can be incorporated into a Faculty-Led Program in Pau, France.
Academic and co-curricular opportunities
- Classroom space is provided through hotel meeting space or private entity.
- Guest lectures or presenters.
- Co-curricular activities or visits related to academic area.
The Faculty-Led Program course is identified and taught by the institution’s faculty. The academic content, syllabus, and credit is determined by the institution. No USAC credit is given, and the cost of instruction is not included in the program.
Cultural immersion and site experiences
Local site activities
- Examples include:
- City tour
- Pau Castle tour
- Museum visit
- Visit to local markets
- Cheese tasting
- Cultural exchange with local students
Day trips
- Examples include:
- French Basque coast (Bayonne and Biarritz)
- Bordeaux
- Toulouse
- Pyrenees Mountains
Site logistics
- Student housing:
- Shared hotel room
- Program Leader housing:
- Single-occupancy hotel room
- Welcome and farewell meals
- Breakfast included with hotel
- Additional group meals may be added upon request
- Local transit pass
- Private transportation for activities when local transit or walking is not feasible
- Group airport transfers available for arrival and departure
Service and activity availability vary and cannot be guaranteed. Final inclusions and costs are outlined in the official program proposal based on program length and selected components. All GEO Faculty-Led Programs include USAC site staff support, access to USAC's Health and Safety Team, and CISI insurance.