Deaf Culture, History, and Sign Language in France
May 18 - June 7, 2025
ASLA 113: French Sign Language and Deaf Culture in France (4 credits)
The American Sign Language (ASL) Program at the University of Rochester (UR), located in Rochester New York, is offering a unique study abroad experience in France in Summer 2025. It is open to Deaf and hearing college-level ASL students and professionals. This three-week program gives ASL users an opportunity to learn French Sign Language (LSF) and French Deaf culture in both formal and informal settings to further their understanding of the international Deaf world. It is available to anyone who meets the prerequisites; it is not limited to University of Rochester students.
A native Deaf French faculty member from UR partners with several members of the French Deaf community to jointly plan the program, schedule, and curriculum.
This four-credit program will focus on basic and advanced learning of conversational LSF and on field trips fostering a broad understanding of French Deaf culture and general French culture in Paris (weeks one and two) and in regions beyond the capital (week three). Students will attend:
- Classes on LSF and French Deaf history and culture
- Guided tours: museums, Deaf theater, Deaf schools, Lyon and other villages
All classes and tours will be conducted in LSF. Study will begin before going to France. This will be built upon during the LSF and Deaf Culture classes in Paris, France.
Download a Printable Flyer (pdf)
Program Prerequisites
University of Rochester students must have successfully completed ASL 105 Intermediate American Sign Language. For non-UR students, applicants’ sign language proficiency will be evaluated by a conversation with the program director, Professor Chastel. Learning written French is optional for this program.
Program Requirements
This program is open to any student who meets the academic prerequisites of the course, has at least 15 credit hours of university instruction, and has at least intermediate-level ASL skills. Students must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA to participate or be accepted upon special permission of the instructor.
All participants require final approval by the faculty member. The University reserves the right to review conduct records as part of our application process and student conduct records areconsidered when making the determination on an applicant. Our UR faculty make the final selections.
Application and Program Deadlines
Apply online through the Education Abroad Portal. The deadline for applying is January 8, 2025.
Program Dates
All participants must arrive in Paris on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The course program will conclude on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
Program Costs
The program cost is $5,000. The cost will include accommodations in France, program-sponsored in-country travel, site visits, field trips, and some meals. Not included in this price are items such as the cost of roundtrip airfare between the US and Paris, academic supplies, passports, visa (if needed), food, and other personal expenses. Estimated costs for lunch and dinner over the 20 days are a minimum of $300. Program costs are subject to change due to currency fluctuations, unexpected increases in transportation costs, program changes or University of Rochester policy changes.
The University of Rochester offers a variety of scholarships for Rochester students who participate in programs organized or led by UR faculty. Undergraduate students in the School of Arts and Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences who participate in faculty programs abroad for credit are eligible to apply. Contact Ted Pagano in the Center for Education Abroad for more information.
Program Continuing Education Credit for Professionals
If you would like to earn RID CEU’s for registered interpreters for the Deaf, contact Guillaume Chastel by email at guillaume.chastel@rochester.edu.
Program Contacts
Professor Guillaume Chastel
(585) 286-2714 (VP)
guillaume.chastel@rochester.edu
American Sign Language Program
(585) 273-5165
asl@rochester.edu
Center for Education Abroad
(585) 275-7532
abroad@admin.rochester.edu