January in Nice & Paris: Positive Psychology

Program Overview

Guided by Professor Emily Merryweather, explore the beautiful cities of Nice & Paris while viewing the field of positive psychology from a new historical and cultural lens.  

This course will emphasize the study of Positive Psychology around four distinct areas as they relate to well-being: resilience, cultural identity, spirituality, and community engagement. In order to emphasize the four pillars of the course, students will participate in activities and tours that connect them to the people of France through their unique cultures with food tastings, walking tours, and cultural site visits.

Positive Psychology students will:

• Study French culture, traditions, celebrations & customs
• Learn about the importance of food, fashion and art in daily French life
• Observe French culture through its charming streets, bookstores and literary cafes in well-preserved historic city centers
• Discover how artists, writers, actors, musicisans and exiles found Paris to be a gathering place for creative people

Program Highlights

Nice

• Nice Old Town Walking Tour
• Guided Tour of Villa Massena
• Guest Lecture on Positive Psychology, Well-being & Mindfulness
• Welcome Dinner
• Guided Tour of Lerins Abbey, located on Ile Saint-Honorat
• Optional Trip to Monaco:  Tour of Prince's Palace & Oceanographic Museum & Aquarium (at student expense)

Paris

• Visit to Eiffel Tower
• "Welcome to Paris!  The Importance of Food, Fashion, and Art in Daily Parisian Family Life" Walking Tour/Lecture
• Visit to La Galerie Dior:  Immerse in Beauty, Creativity & Cultural Enrichment--Key Aspects of Positive Psychology
• Lecture by cognitive psychologist, Claire Robertson
• Guided Tour of Saint-Chapelle
• Visit to Mental Health Start-Up
• Guided Tour of Paris City Hall
• Lecture by clinical psychologist on Solution Focued Brief Therapy and its clinical applications
• Guided Tour of the Orsay museum
• Guided Tour of Montmartre
• Farewell Lunch

Academic Calendar:

January 6-18, 2025 (fly out January 6 to arrive in Nice by early afternoon on January 7)

Academic Focus:

• Psychology (PSYC) 344:  Positive Psychology; Satisfies Upper-Division elective in Psychology and Applied Psychology requirement
• For students who have already taken PSYC 344, 3 units of elective credit is available through PSYC 498C

Language of Instruction:

English

Requirements:

• Class level: Open to all students, though preference is given to students majoring in the given track, i.e. Psychology majors for the Positive Psychology course
• GPA: 2.75 and above; good academic standing prior to departure

• Current COVID-19 vaccination (at least the initial vaccination(s) plus at least one booster if eligible) is strongly encouraged for participation in any of CSUSM’s international travel programs due to the increased risk of contracting COVID while travelling.

Units:

3 units, PSYC 344 or PSYC 498C

Housing:

Shared twin rooms at 3-star hotels in Nice (4 nights) and Paris (7 nights) with daily breakfast

Estimated Cost*:

$3,600* + Extended Learning Fees, estimated at $609 for 3 units

All fees include 4 nights shared accommodation in twin rooms in Nice; 7 nights shared accommodation in twin rooms in Paris; daily breakfast; welcome and farewell dinners; public transportation pass for all program related activities; entry to all excursions noted save those marked as optional; and medical insurance. Airfare, food not listed and personal expenditures NOT included in the program cost, estimated at $1,950+.

*Final program price is contingent upon enrollment and currency fluctuation. Global Education will finalize the final payment with registered participants before the due date to hopefully offer a reduced fee.

Faculty Led Cancellation Policy

A Note on Financial Aid & Veteran's Benefits:

Please note that January and Summer programs are not financial aid eligible since they are optional terms at CSUSM, and therefore, all program fees would be considered out-of-pocket.  All program fees maintain strict deadlines and are due to the Office of Global Education the term prior to when studies will take place, following the dates set forward in the How to Apply section below. Tuition will be billed onto your student account according to the timelines of Extended Learning and must be paid through the structure set forth by University Cashiers.  You may begin researching alternative loans, Parent PLUS loan options etc. through the Office of Financial Aid:  finaid@csusm.edu

If you are using VA benefits (CH33 or CH35), you must verify with Study Abroad that the program meets all of the following criteria:

• Taught by CSUSM faculty
• Course is needed as part of your degree plan
• Tuition charges will appear on you student account

If all of the above criteria are met – you must reach out to Veterans Services for additional eligibility information – prior to signing up for the program. 

Note: Only the tuition piece of the program – if approved – can be submitted to the VA for payment.  All other costs will be the student’s responsibility.

If you are using CALVET – you will need to contact calvet@csusm.edu for further information.

Some Useful Airfare Search Engines:

• Kayak
• Student Universe
• Sky Scanner

Please be sure to read the fine print concerning change fees, taxes, luggage restrictions, etc. before booking.  Whenever possible, book directly with an airline.  Do NOT book flights until Global Education has given you the authorization to do so.  Adding trip insurance is highly advisable.

Passports:

An adult passport book with at least 6 months validity until expiration is necessary for overseas travel.  First-time passport book applicants can expect processing times up to 4 months.  Plan to submit your passport applications early if you enroll in this program as withdrawals due to passport delays will not be refunded.  Non-US travelers are responsible for researching entry requirements and possible visas through their country's consular pages.

To Apply:

1. Attend a required information session led by the Program Leader running your course:  Professor Emily Merryweather (emerryweathe@csusm.edu).
2. Fill out the online application materials via the link below.   All application materials must be completed by Friday, September 27 along with your non-refundable $500 deposit.  Online payment preferred through Transact.  Please be advised to choose E-check and enter your checking account details to avoid the 2.65% convenience fees applicable to all non-checking account payments. Cash, checks, and money orders made payable to CSUSM will also be accepted via the Cashier's Office in Cougar Central, but must include this deposit form to track the payment.
3. Final payment is due on Friday, October 25, following the payment guidelines outlined above.  Payment of tuition related expenses (estimated at $609) will be billed by Extended Learning and appear on your Student Center, following the payment guidelines set out for Winter Intersession.  Applicants are responsible for completing other digital forms by our program provider, CEPA Europe, at this time as well, details to be provided by your faculty leader and/or Global Education.
4. Attend a mandatory Health & Safety Meet and Greet with Global Education to discuss travel, practical planning, & health and safety, date TBD.
5. Submit your flight details to Global Education:  Flight Information Form
6. Attend mandatory pre-departure orientation with your Program Leader to discuss arrival instructions and the upcoming course(s).  Some course requirements/sessions may take place prior to leaving, beginning in December.  

January in Nice & Paris Application:

 January in Nice & Paris Application