For our students, the primary goal of spending a semester or year in Toulon is to acquire proficiency in written and spoken French and cultural competence that includes a deeper understanding of the culture and history of France. IU South Bend students in Toulon take classes in French; as a result, this exchange is primarily geared toward French majors and minors. The Toulon exchange provides an ideal opportunity for students to learn from native speakers and to progress quickly toward graduation.
UTV is an urban campus of close to 10, students, some residential, with many commuting, and enrolls many international students. It offers programs in law, business, economics, technology, engineering, natural sciences, world languages, and humanities. The campus is situated on the eastern edge of the city of Toulon, a major port and commercial center on the French southern coast between Marseilles and Nice.
With its mild Mediterranean climate, mountain backdrop, and campus of palms and large sycamores, this is a very appealing location in which to study. According to government data, Toulon has more sunshine per year than any other city in France: an average of 2, hours per year. This is largely due to the wall of mountains Maritime Alps that protects Toulon from weather coming from the north.
Marseille and Nice are both less than one hour by train. French majors, minors, students proficient in French and those who would like to be! So far, in my first two months here, one of my favorite things about Toulon is the weather β like much of the rest of Southern France, it is consistently about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, of course with some days better than others. The sun is almost always shining here, which is in great contrast to Indiana.
The number of international student here at the University of Toulon is also a wonderful part of my experience. Of course, I was expecting to meet French people, but I have met so many people from all over the world and it is exciting to think that I will have these connections.
