Summer Abroad in France & Morocco

May 27-June 10, 2026

Join Prof. Sonia Zervakos who will lead a 3-credit course, MLG 304 - French Culture and Civilization 

Studying abroad in France and Morocco offers SUNY students an unforgettable opportunity to explore two countries deeply connected by history yet vibrantly distinct in culture, language, and daily life. This immersive program blends travel, academics, and hands-on cultural experiences, allowing students to step far beyond the classroom and into the world. The journey begins in Paris, where students will experience iconic landmarks such as the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame Cathedral while engaging in on-site lectures and discussions about French history, society, and global influence. The program continues to Bordeaux, a city known for its stunning architecture, food culture, and innovative urban design, offering insight into regional identity and modern European life. The final destination is Morocco, including Casablanca and Marrakesh, where students will encounter North African traditions, Islamic art and architecture, and dynamic contemporary culture.

Cost for tuition, housing, excursions, insurance for the academic program is $3870. This cost does not include international airfare from/to the USA or meals. 

Application deadline, March 1, 2026. 

Scholarships:

• Students who receive Pell awards are eligible for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship (March 5, 2026 deadline)
• Check out other SCHOLARSHIPS. 

Eligibility and Information:

• Open to SUNY students in any major
• GPA Requirement: 2.75
• Good disciplinary standing
• Rolling admission until places are filled. Upon acceptance you will be asked for a $500 deposit to guarantee your place (March 1 deadline)
• MLG 304 fulfills 3 credits of the Gen. Ed. – Humanities. 

Curriculum:

• On site lectures & discussion of the history, culture and society of France and Morocco.
• 6 days in Paris (Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more); 4 days in Bordeaux (museums, cityscapes, food) and 5 days in Morocco - Casablanca and Marrakesh.
• Individual and group projects.

Program Features: this program represents a landmark opportunity for both Farmingdale State College and the broader State University of New York (SUNY) system:

• Visits to Paris and Bordeaux immerse students in the culture, history, art, and food of France. 
• Farmingdale’s First Program to North Africa: As FSC’s first-ever study abroad experience in Morocco, the program expands Farmingdale’s global reach and offers students meaningful academic engagement in one of the world’s most fascinating and innovative countries.
• Interdisciplinary Learning: Integrating history, cultural studies, and language, the program equips students with skills relevant to careers in the Humanities, international affairs, journalism, hospitality, and cultural heritage management.
• Global Competency: Participants will strengthen their intercultural communication abilities, gain insights into the successful bridging between the past and present, and sustainable tourism, and enhance both their global perspective and professional readiness.

Biography: 

Dr. Sonia Giuria Zervakos is an educator with a deep passion for languages, cultures, and global migration. She holds a M.A. in Romance Languages: French and Spanish and D.A. in Hispanic Languages and Literature, with a focus on instruction and linguistics from Stony Brook University. She studied abroad at the Université de Pau and the Université de Franche-Comté, where she focused on phonetics, linguistic heterogeneity in the classroom, and the development of interdisciplinary projects. She also has conversational proficiency in Polish and Greek through academic study and family ties. 

Her commitment to language and service has taken Dr. Zervakos to Latin America, where she volunteered as a translator with a Long-Island medical NGO. More recently, she has traveled to Thessaloniki, Greece, where she helped develop educational programs for refugees living in camps through a European NGO that provides critical aid and learning opportunities. She also mentored new volunteers in educational strategies and language-teaching methodologies.