France: History, Culture & Deaf Studies (Faculty-Led Program)

Journey into the cradle of American Deaf Culture by studying the rich history of Deaf education and Deaf rights in France.

Program Highlights:

• Learn about French Deaf culture and those who were key contributors to legal rights for Deaf people and the emerging Deaf community in France and beyond.
• Visit the St. Jacques Deaf School in France, where Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet visited and brought back Laurent Clerc, the first Deaf teacher to teach in the U.S.
• Tour cultural sites around Paris, Toulouse, Carcassonne, and Marseilles - including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Versailles, guided by local Deaf Parisians.

In Deaf studies, France and the United States have a very close relationship in Deaf education and sign language. France also has a rich history and cultural traditions (e.g., arts, education, and food), allowing for an ideal opportunity for learning outside the classroom. You will learn about French history by visiting Paris, Toulouse, and Marseilles. France is an ideal location because it has a large Deaf population and a rich history of Deaf education and rights. You will participate in accessible guided tours in sign language to culturally significant sights, including Deaf schools, renowned museums, Deaf theater and arts, and sites in Paris and other villages in France. While in France, you’ll participate in excursions and other services planned by Hands on Travel (HOT).

The application deadline for this program has passed, and applications are currently closed. Email the faculty director, Lisa Johnston (ljjnss@rit.edu), to inquire about next year's program.

Watch this short video about the program from faculty director, Lisa Johnston.

Program Term: Spring course with early summer travel
2024 Travel Dates: May 19-June 4, 2023
Credits: 3

Course Details:

• NDLS 280 - International Studies Seminar (undergraduate)
• MSSE 780 - Global Education Seminar (graduate)

You will be enrolled in a spring course in Rochester and travel to France in May to complete the coursework. Credits may count towards Immersion, Free Elective, GE Elective. You should discuss with your academic advisor how credits will count towards your degree program.

No pre-requisites. Open to all undergraduate and graduate majors. Must have proven ability to sign in ASL (you will need to submit a 1-2 minute ASL skills assessment video as part of your application).

Application deadline: Closed

Program Cost:
Student budget worksheet (2024 program)

Scholarships: 
RIT Study Abroad Scholarships
National Scholarships

To Apply

Applications are currently closed for this program