France: Advanced French Language Immersion Semester with UCO
UCO is a multidisciplinary university with faculties in Education, Humanities, Sciences, Human and Social Sciences, and Theology and Religious Sciences. Although UCO is a private Catholic school, students of all backgrounds and faiths are welcome. This program is designed for students who are studying French language or who are already proficient in French. Students can either apply to take regular UCO courses with French students or take courses in French language and culture through the Centre International d'Etudes Francaises (CIDEF). This section covers the details for students interested in attending regular UCO courses with French students.
This program requires students to exercise a high degree of independence, self-reliance, and flexibility. While there are basic support services available through this program, participants should not expect to receive the same level and types of support they are accustomed to at GVSU.
Program Dates and Application Deadline
Fall 2022
Program Dates: September 10, 2022 - December 18, 2022
Application Deadline: February 1, 2022
(Closed)
Academic Year 2022 (Fall 2022-Winter 2023)
Program Dates: September 10, 2022 - May 30, 2023
Application Deadline: February 1, 2022
(Closed)
Spring/Summer 2022
Estimated Program Dates: July 2022 - July 2022
Application Deadline: February 1, 2022
(Closed)
Winter 2023
Program Dates: February 10, 2023 - June 10, 2023
Application Deadline: September 1, 2022
Spring/Summer 2022
Estimated Program Dates: August 2022 - August 2022
Application Deadline: September 1, 2022
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Fall Semester ends in January. Students may request to leave in December, but this is subject to approval.
Spring semester (January - May) is about 18 weeks in duration.
Courses
UCO offers a variety of coursework in French. Students must have a high-intermediate level of French (B2 or higher) to participate.
IMPORTANT: When viewing the Course Options, please be sure to choose courses from the appropriate semester. Fall semesterchoose courses from semesters 1, 3, 5. Spring semester choose courses from semesters 2, 4, 6.
For a list of ALL available courses and course descriptions, visit:
There are limited courses taught in English:
Pre-approved Courses: Other GVSU students have studied abroad at this partner institution. The button below will take you to a list of GVSU equivalencies they have received. PLEASE NOTE: This list indicates courses that have been previously approved. This is NOT a list of all available courses on this program.
Students registering for courses that have NOT been pre-approved will need to follow the course approval instructions: Course Approval Process
For information on fulfilling general education courses abroad, visit: General Education
Not sure your French language skills are ready? Students interested in boosting their French proficiency prior to registering for regular UCO courses in the Fall may enroll in the CIDEF intensive French language programs. These are one-month programs available in July and August.
Students must choose between taking French language courses or taking courses in French with local students. This section is focused on students interested in taking French language courses through CIDEF.
Housing
The most common housing choice for students participating in this program is to stay with a host family. Students can request to be placed with a local French family which can range in distance from 5 minute walk to a 25 minute tram or bus ride to UCO.
Students can also apply for housing in a student residence (also known as a foyer) that serves students from UCO, ESSCA, and the University of Angers. Most student residences offer both single and double units with common living and eating areas.
Housing Information (for UCO exchange only- NOT CIDEF)
Homestay Agreement (for UCO exchange only - NOT CIDEF)
NOTE: Students will pay a 300 Euro security deposit to their homestay upon arrive. The security deposit is returned at the end of the semester if there is no damage to the residence.
Cost and Scholarships
"Other Expenses" listed in the cost breakdown are general cost estimates. Due to COVID-19, costs may increase for basic goods and housing. These estimates are provided as a guide to help students in their planning, but they are subject to change.
NOTE: The estimated budget for this program will vary based on your program selection. Students who combine an intensive language month with the semester exchange program will have to adjust their budget accordingly.
Health insurance CHUBB ($160) is mandatory and its estimated based on 120 days ($1.33 / day). Actual cost may vary and will be based on your exact travel dates. Policy details
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
International Exchange Grant ($1,000): Students are automatically considered when they apply to the program. Questions? Contact [email protected] or 616-331-3898
Eligibility
Students must have a high-intermediate to advanced proficiency level in French to participate as an exchange student. Open to all majors with a minimum 2.5 GPA required. This program requires students to accept a high degree of autonomy and flexibility. All program information will be sent in French.
Proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may be required for participation in this program.
Additional Information
Campus Info / Campus Life
Spring semester at UCO is equivalent to GVSU's Winter semester.
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Visa Requirements
Students studying in France for more than 90 days are required to obtain a student visa. The process for securing a student visa is lengthy and requires students to first obtain approval through Campus France. Students should begin the Campus France application a minimum of 8 weeks prior to departure, however earlier application is highly recommended. Students must have acceptance from the host university before finalizing their Campus France application. Students will be required to travel to the VFS French Visa Processing Center for a visa appointment. The nearest processing center is in Chicago but students are welcome to schedule appointments at any of the VFS processing centers throughout the United States. Please review our student visa guide for France for important details regarding the application process.
Arrival Information
Students typically fly into Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris and take the TGV high-speed train to Angers (St. Laud) train station. The high-speed train leaves from the Airport terminal 2. Angers is on the Paris-Nantes TGV lines. It takes about 1 ½ hours from Paris to Angers. Students can research timetables and ticket prices online at www.raileurope.com. Students who select a homestay will usually be met at the train station in Angers by the host family. Students who choose to stay in the student residences (foyers) or other private accommodation will make their own way to their housing. Alternatively, students can also fly into Nante which is just a short train ride from Angers.
CDC Report
US State Department Information
US State Department Country Information (France)
Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
US Embassy in France - Location
US Department of State - Students Abroad
Guides
Resources for Emergency Situations
Reporting an Incident
Contact Information
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