Acclimatation

Students are provided with many opportunities to learn about the culture and become part of it. This encourages SSAP students to gain respect for the new culture ant to appreciate their own culture more.

Live in residence with French students

SSAP participants are housed in a residence with students from schools in the area. The housing is apartment-style, giving students the opportunity ton interact with their French counterparts in a shared environment (i.e. cook & share eventually evening meals !).

An PURPAN buddy

Each SSAP student is provided with an PURPAN buddy to help him/her through.

A welcoming atmosphere

From the first minute SSAP students are picked up from the train station or airport, PURPAN students are there to help howewer possible. SSAP participants are invited to social events. PURPAN staff are accomodating and willing to provide information and assistance to foreign students.

International agriculture experience

Agribusinesses are interested in students who can effectively compare and contrast internatinal approaches to agriculture by means of first-hand experience.

University credit

All of the cooperating universities offer course credit for participating in the summer study abroad program.

Internship

The internship offers a real work experience while operating i a culture other than your own.

Visits

Visits to farms and agribusinesses enhance the lecture material and provide a hands-on element to the program.

Excursions

Three excursions to local places of interest are planned for the weekends during the classroom portion of the stay. Students have the option on the third weekend to choose where they want to go.

Free time

SSAP participants have nearly the same classroom schedule as their PURPAN counterparts. This means that there is free time provided every Thursday afternoon, giving SSAP participants the opportunity to visit the city and surrounding area on their own.

Independence

Surviving in anither culture for two months builds pride, self-esteem and confidence. It also challenges students to adapt to new situations and improve those skills.