Navigate Up
Sign In
Language & Culture, Univ. of Bordeaux

Program Overview

The language and culture program in Bordeaux offers intensive French language study at the intermediate (second-year) level and features a specially designed curriculum that improves oral and written language skills while providing a foundation in French culture and society. All course work is in French. The course of study in Bordeaux is designed for students with four to five quarters (two to three semesters) of beginning to intermediate university-level French.
 
Located in the southwest of France, Bordeaux is a city full of art, culture, and history with extraordinary 18th-century architecture and beautiful surroundings. Situated on the banks of the Garonne River in the largest wine region in the world, Bordeaux offers easy access to great beaches and the nearby mountains. Bordeaux is an ethnically diverse city and features a lively student culture and nightlife.
 
For a glimpse into the daily life of a UCEAP Bordeaux student, check out the blog of a current participant: http://berk2bord.tumblr.com.
​
Students attend classes with international students.

Language of Instruction

French


Language Study

French


Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
​
Fall :  
late August to mid/late December ​
 

  :  

  :  

  :  

  :  

  :  

  :  

  :  


You may extend your UCEAP participation from the fall to the spring with the approval of the Study Center Director and local university departments. ​

Housing

You can live in a homestay with a French family or in an apartment, either on your own or shared with a landlord or other UC students, international students, or French students. If you opt to live in an apartment you can choose from a list of rental addresses provided by the Study Center after you arrive. During the ILP you will live in a student residence hall after which you will move into your housing for the term.
​


Extracurricular Activities

Participating in extracurricular cultural and social activities while on UCEAP is an excellent way to meet people, improve your language skills, and integrate more fully into the community. The city of Bordeaux is alive with cultural opportunities including opera, museums, music, theater, dance, and more.

The university itself is host to many events and extracurricular activities that make international students feel welcome, whether it’s socials with French students, sports teams, dance programs, the university choir, or the orchestra. You may also contact the Department of Sports and Physical Activities if you want to participate in a sports team or club. Various student associations on campus are also open to international students.

If you are interested in participating in volunteer work in Bordeaux contact France Benevolat. This is a very active association that centralizes most of the requests for volunteer opportunities in the city and they would be happy to welcome UCEAP students to participate in their events.​



On-site Support

UCEAP students are supported by UC’s network of UCEAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with UCEAP host universities throughout the world. Local EAP staff in Bordeaux will help you integrate into the culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.
​
See the UCEAP Program Guide for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).​

University of Bordeaux

University of Bordeaux
As a UCEAP student on the University of Bordeaux Language and Culture program you will take courses at the DEFLE (Département d'Etudes de Français Langue Etrangère) , Bordeaux’s French language institution. DEFLE offers classes in all levels of French, as well as French literature and civilization courses designed for foreign students. Intensive language learning and in-depth courses help students learn and perfect their French quickly​.
 

Student Reviews

Course Opportunities

French language and culture is the focus of this program.
 
You will take the following courses:
ILP: One intensive language and culture course (4 UC quarter units/2.7 semester units)
 
During the semester:
Language
  • One oral French course (6 UC quarter units/4 semester units)
  • One written French course (6 UC quarter units/4 semester units)
Culture
  • One French Civilization course + a research project (6-8 UC quarter units/4-5.3 semester units)
  • One or two French culture courses (3-6 UC quarter units/2-4 semester units)

Use the following resources to learn about courses on UCEAP:

 
  • EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
  • MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered.
​

Units

You will take a full-time course of study while abroad. You will recieve 4 UC quarter units (2.7 semester) units for the ILP and approximately 21-26 UC quarter units (14-17.3 semester units) during the semester.


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

You will undertake a research project as part of your required coursework on this program.
 
Internships for academic credit and independent study projects may be possible in this program. Arrangements are generally made at the EAP Study Center after arrival.​
​
Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart below represent an estimate of: 1) the UCEAP fees for the current year, and 2) the additional amount needed to cover your living expenses in this location. Estimates for personal travel, entertainment and Non-Resident (out of state) Fees are not included.
 
Keep in mind that on UCEAP you take your financial aid with you. The amount of your financial aid package will take into account the total estimated costs of this experience. One advantage of selecting UCEAP for study abroad is that we facilitate the process by working with your UC Financial Aid Office (FAO), informing them of your UCEAP participation and providing them with your UCEAP budget. Just like your UC Campus billing office, we receive your financial aid and scholarships from your FAO, apply it to cover the UCEAP program fees, and disburse any remaining aid on a set schedule.
 

Estimated EAP Costs *

OptionWeeksUnits (Qtr)Units (Sem)UCEAP Fees 1Additional Costs 2
(Estimated)
 
Fall1821 - 25.514 - 17$9,050$7,100
 
* Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non-Resident Fees on UCEAP.

1 UCEAP Fees: This represents an estimate of UCEAP fees for the current year. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. This figure includes UC tuition and fees for undergraduate, in-state residents. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included in this estimate, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay non-resident fees on UCEAP.

2 Additional Costs: Average living expenses include but are not limited to room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and other incidentals and do not include recreational travel or entertainment. The total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses, exchange rate fluctuation, and the program you attend. For a detailed breakdown of the estimate, visit the “Cost” tab of the appropriate program.

All fees are subject to change without notice.

These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.  Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non Resident Fees on UCEAP.
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
 
  • Predeparture expenses (student visa, health clearance, etc.)
  • Round-trip airfare
  • UC fees
  • Tuition at the University of Bordeaux
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation
  • Room and board
  • Program excursions
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Local transportation
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
​While on UCEAP, you are covered by UC’s accident and medical insurance, including non-medical benefits, and 24/7 travel assistance anywhere in the world.​

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Eligibility

Class Level:

Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate

Language Prerequisites:

French
- The University-level language requirement is: minimum 4 quarters / 3 semesters and maximum 5 quarters / 3 semesters with a minimum language GPA of 2.85.

GPA:

2.85 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

All applicants must also have:

  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program.
  • Social, interpersonal, and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; willingness to adapt successfully to different living and academic environments; appropriate behavior in a variety of situations.
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations.
  • Completed all campus- and program-specific requirements.

Application Information and Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

These are minimum requirements. Your Campus EAP Office determines selection and final admission.  

Witnessing History: Cold War Europe Video
Witnessing History: Cold War Europe
First UCEAP class witnesses Kennedy’s historic "Berliner" speech in 1962.
Watch Now.
apply now