French Cuisine and Viniculture

This study abroad trip will incorporate the study of French language along with French gastronomic and oenological culture as a social phenomenon through a long history of traditions, political upheaval, economic and industrial evolutions, and religious influences. First, we will delve into the link between cuisine, and individual and cultural identity. Brillat-Savarin famously said "dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es!" (Tell me what you eat, I will tell you what you are.) Therefore, theories on food, wine, and culture will be discussed as a way to frame the importance of cuisine on an individual level, a regional level, and a societal level. Then we will explore the history of food and wine practices up to modern day, along with the geographical influences of each region in France on food and wine production. We will look at the effects of historical events on dinner party etiquette, the birth and growth of the food-service industry, and the development of a national cuisine. Lastly, we will look to the future pathways for food culture through sustainability practices.

This course will explore and discover cuisine through both a practical and theoretical approach. Students will be guided on cultural outings to museums, historical sites and monuments, vineyards, cooking classes, and restaurants.

Selection Criteria:

Pre-Requisites:

FRCH 1010 or equivalent, students may make an appointment with the French faculty for a brief assessment to see if eligible.

Participants must:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Be a high school graduate or above.
• Participants seeking academic credit for the program must be able to read the required text and participate in discussions.

Destination:

• Bordeaux and Paris, France

Program Dates:

June 26, 2023 - July 15, 2023

Rooms and Food: In Bordeaux, students will stay with host families, breakfast and dinner will be provided, and students will have access to a kitchen at the language institute if they would like to prepare their own lunch. In Paris, students will be sharing rooms in a hotel; breakfast and two dinners will be included. 

If Weber State cancels a trip for any reason, all participants will be refunded 100% of funds paid to the school. If a participant withdraws from the program for any reason, they are subject to the refund policy found on the first page of the application.  Deposits are always non-refundable, unless the program is canceled by Weber State.  No refunds will be issued 30 days prior to program start date. 

Refunds will NOT be given to students due to COVID-19 concerns. Before programs were canceled in 2020, every student was given the option to withdraw from programs without penalty due to COVID-19. This year students are applying, cognizant of the pandemic. Weber State will not intentionally place students into high risk situations. We will work together with Program Leaders and Departments on canceling should the destination demonstrate increased risks, be they from COVID or any other concern. As such, students must abide by the standard refund policy.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Study Abroad Office at (801) 626-8715.