Mirror into Montreal and Quebec

Students will be introduced to the history, geography and local culture of the Canadian province of Québec province through visits to various sites of interest. Through guided experiences, they will learn about modern French-Canadian culture while gaining an appreciation for the art, architecture, music and cuisine of Montréal and Québec and the surrounding region.

Students will fly from Detroit to Montreal. The first day will be exploring the historic heart of the city, Old Montréal (Vieux-Montréal), with its charming cobblestone streets, historic architecture and vibrant street art scene. The Notre-Dame Basilica is beautiful in the evening. Montréal, the largest city in the province of Québec, is a dynamic and culturally rich metropolis. It holds a unique blend of culture, food, festivals and diverse experiences that makes it a fantastic destination for students seeking a vibrant urban experience with a European twist (but not the long plane ride!).

Montréal is one of the most diverse cities in Canada, making it a melting pot of cultures and languages. This diversity is reflected in its cuisine, festivals and neighborhoods, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. It is also renowned for its culinary offerings, from the famous Montréal-style bagels and smoked meat sandwiches to a thriving food scene that includes diverse international cuisines. Students will have opportunities to explore local markets, go on a street art and mural tour and potential see other cultural highlights such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art. It will be hard to miss the architecture from historic to innovative such as the Montréal Biosphere. Mount Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, offers panoramic views of the city. A stop in the Underground City (La Ville Souterraine), a vast network of shops and boutiques, and popular shopping streets like Sainte-Catherine and Saint-Laurent is a must do as well as a chance to experience a guided jazz tour. After immersion into the lively and robust city experience of Montréal, students will travel by train to Québec City where the rest of the journey will be spent.

A walking tour of Old Québec (a UNESCO World Heritage site) will acclimatize students to what was and what is now: Old Québec City is one of the most picturesque and well-preserved historic districts in North America. Its charming streets, fortifications and historic architecture will transport students back in time. Quebec is the best place in North America to experience French culture, language and traditions. Experiences in this beautiful place will both be self-explored as well as guided so students can see the Musée National des Beaux Arts; attend a cooking class and learn how to make a local dish; go to circus school (Cirque du Soleil was started here); visit a Sugar Shack; and tour Wendake First Nations' reserve and traditional village. From Québec students will fly back to Detroit after a deeply immersive and life enhancing experience.

Requirements: Students must be enrolled in Oakland University’s Honors College.

Course: HC 2050: Mirror into Montreal and Quebec (4 credits)

Through examining stories, histories, artifacts and films from Montréal and Québec, students will explore the events and role that English and French-Canadian identity plays as a narrator into people’s lives. In one portion of the course, lectures and readings will provide the backdrop that will enable the students to understand and analyze the cultural, socio demographic, and political development of Montréal and Québec. The other portion of this course, about seven days, is designed to provide a vivid travel experience that immerses the students in the culture of Montréal and Québec and encourages analysis of the province’s unique development. A journal and daily explorations as well as a term-based project will guide this understanding and analysis.

This course is taught on-site May 7- June 18 on the campus of Oakland University (Tuesday and Thursday evenings 5:30-8:50 pm), travel to Québec will take place from May 12-May 19.  Lectures and guide will be in English with opportunities to speak French (knowledge of French is not a requirement of the course).

The travel component of this course is optional. Students who take the course but elect not to travel will complete additional coursework.

Students will stay at a well-appointed hotel in the heart of Montréal for two nights and then in a comfortable dormitory at Université Laval in Québec City for the remainder of the trip (five nights). Students will stay in double rooms.  

Seven breakfasts and six other meals at local restaurants will be provided in the program cost. Students will also have opportunities to try (on their own) more local and unique culinary dishes such as poutine, tarte au sucre, or French-Canadian crêpes.

Tuition: 4 Credits
You will be charged for these credits on your eBill at your normal rate of tuition.

Program Fee: $2,650
To be paid to OU on our MarketPlace payment system and includes: housing and some meals, transportation and all excursions while in Québec, and health insurance.

Additional Costs: $1,225
You will need additional funds for these expenses not covered by program fee. Amounts are estimated.

Airfare: $700
Meals: $200
Incidental personal expenses: $150
Passport (if you don't have one): $175

Scholarships and Financial Aid: You are able to use financial aid to cover your full cost of attendance to this program (tuition, program fee and additional costs). Scholarships are also available through your study abroad application.