The Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco and Coach Raymond Blanco Scholarship is offered by La Fondation Louisiane to attend a French immersion program at the University of Namur in Namur, Belgium. This scholarship is reserved for UL-Lafayette students. Undergraduate and graduate students in any program of study, except education and undergraduate medicine, may apply.
Program Description
If the recipient is an undergraduate student, they will enroll and participate fully in a minimum of 24 ECTS (approximate equivalent of 12 credit hours for U.S. College Credit System) for the fall 2026 semester at University of Namur. If the recipient is a graduate student, they will enroll and participate fully in a minimum of 18 ECTS (approximate equivalent of 9 credit hours for U.S. College Credit System). The recipient will be expected to arrive at the University of Namur on the appropriate date to participate in a 2-week orientation prior to the beginning of the fall semester. University of Namur organizes this orientation to help facilitate the exchange student’s integration into Belgian culture. The orientation consists of French as a second language classes as well as cultural, touristic and culinary activities. The University of Namur will make an effort for the recipient to take their final exams in December 2026 rather than the usual exam period in January 2027; however, please note that some professors may not be able to organize an early final exam.
What's Included in the Scholarship?
The scholarship provides one round-trip plane ticket between Louisiana and Belgium, tuition for the fall 2026 semester, housing costs for four months in the University of Namur’s on-campus housing, and a stipend of $250 per month for four months to assist with living expenses.
The scholarship recipient pays for the passport fee, travel insurance covering medical and repatriation insurance, transportation between the Belgian airport and the university, University of Namur’s administrative fees, textbooks, and any other fees not covered by the scholarship.
Important Dates and Travel Information
- Pre-semester orientation: Pending
- Fall 2026 semester: Pending
- Exam period: Pending