If you have questions about this program, email the program leader listed below.

Deaf Culture and History of ASL in France

Program Details

The arrangements for the travel, housing, meals, excursions and course content of this program have been made by the leader. Questions about this program can only be answered by the program leader listed below.

Program Type Departmental
Program Location Paris and Lyon, France
Course # SA 10340
Duration Summer
Upcoming Program Dates
Summer 2025 06/02/25 to 06/12/25

Program Leader

Name Sharon Borkowski
Email sborkow@purdue.edu
Click here to enroll in this program!
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Program Description

Embark on a journey into the heart of American Deaf culture, tracing its origins in France. This program explores the birthplaces of two influential figures in Deaf history—Laurent Clerc and Ferdinand Berthier—in southern France. You will visit the renowned St. Jacques Deaf School in Paris, the same institution where Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet met Laurent Clerc, who later became a foundational figure in American Deaf education. The itinerary includes a visit to the deaf-owned International Visual Theatre and showcases iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Versailles—all led by local Deaf Parisians using sign language.

Offered by Purdue University’s ASL & Deaf Studies Program, this three-credit study abroad experience deepens students' understanding of Deaf history and culture while enhancing their ASL proficiency.  Field trips and guided tours will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural roots of ASL, as well as the broader context of French culture, both in Paris and beyond. Daily excursions will take students to historically significant locations tied to prominent Deaf individuals and key events that played a crucial role in the development of ASL, which is deeply connected to France.

Students will engage with local Deaf and hard-of-hearing guides, participate in immersion activities, and connect with the local Deaf community. The program, led by a Deaf faculty member from Purdue University in collaboration with Hands On Travel, features tours conducted entirely in ASL, while also offering opportunities to explore French Sign Language (LSF) and International Sign through immersive interactions with local and international Deaf communities in France.

 


Academic Credit

Students will earn 3 credits for a letter grade. This study abroad course may be applied toward the Minor in ASL and Deaf Studies.

Pre-Departure Preparation: Before departure, students are required to attend two mandatory pre-departure meetings, each lasting 3 hours, at dates and locations to be announced. These sessions will provide the course syllabus and materials for review, ensuring students are fully prepared for the academic and cultural experiences in France. Additionally, the meetings will cover essential international travel preparations, including etiquette, safety protocols, and practical travel tips.

Eligibility

The program is open to students in any major with good academic standing and who have completed ASL IV or possess an equivalent level of proficiency.  Students who have completed ASL III or are enrolled in ASL courses at another institution may also apply. However, their sign language proficiency will be assessed through a conversation with the Study Abroad Program Leader to ensure they are adequately prepared for the program. This evaluation ensures that participants have the foundational ASL skills necessary for success.

Students pursuing a minor in ASL & Deaf Studies at Purdue are particularly encouraged to participate, as this program offers a unique opportunity to enhance their ASL proficiency and deepen their understanding of Deaf history and culture.

Note: A student that is on academic probation, cannot participate in this study abroad program.

All students participating in a departmental program will complete a pre and post assessment as part of program completion.

Program Cost

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.

Students are responsible for covering the program costs, with Purdue making efforts to mitigate financial risks, though the University cannot be held liable for any losses.

The estimated total cost for the program is $3,800 for 10 days/9 nights, from June 2 to June 12, 2025. This fee includes accommodations, daily breakfast, two dinners, museum admissions, ground transportation within France, travel health insurance, and the Study Abroad fee. The University will bill this amount after you register for SA 10340, with billing expected to begin around March.

Additional expenses to consider include the cost of a passport, airfare, and personal purchases such as souvenirs.

Please note that the estimated cost may vary depending on fluctuations in the exchange rate between the euro and the U.S. dollar, or due to unforeseen circumstances.

Check here for scholarships listed by the Study Abroad office. It is recommended to apply for this particular scholarship for $500-1000 because it is a relatively simple application and most eligible applicants are awarded some funding.  

Application Deadline

The application and deposit are due by February 28, 2025.  Complete the below application process:

  1. Find our program on the Purdue Study Abroad website and click on where it says, CLICK HERE TO ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM! 
  2. Go to your My Study Abroad page to complete and upload the following forms: Medical Information, Risk & Responsibility, Information Release, and Participation/Cancellation Policy.
  3. Upload a copy of your Passport to your My Study Abroad. If you don’t have a passport yet, go to the post office ASAP to get the process started, and take a picture of the post office receipt to post on My Study Abroad to show that this step is underway.
  4. To secure your place in the program, a $500 deposit is required, which will be applied toward the total program cost. For deposit instructions, please [click here]. After making the deposit, please upload a screenshot of your receipt to your My Study Abroad. THIS IS THE FINAL STEP TO RESERVING YOUR SPOT.

Your status will be changed to "ACCEPTED" after all the above steps are completed & reviewed by the Study Abroad Program Leader.

If you have any questions or require more information, please get in touch with the program leader.



Financial Aid

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.