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Univ. of Bordeaux
Choose regular university courses in four Bordeaux universities, the Institut d’Etude Politiques, and the Institut Polytechnic. A wide variety of disciplines and courses are available. Most departments are in Talence, a large and green campus about 30 minutes by tram from the center of the city.
 
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.
 
Students attend classes with international and/or host country students.

Course Opportunities

This program offers regular university courses. Many academic disciplines are available. While most applicants have only two years of university-level French before departure, on-site language study plus immersion in daily life in France accelerates your language acquisition and makes taking courses taught in French both feasible and rewarding.
 
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
 
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Units

​You will take a full-time course of study while abroad.

ILP: 4 UC quarter units are required
Term: 18 UC quarter units are required

Language of Instruction

French


Language Study

French


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

​Internships for academic credit and independent study may be possible in this program. Arrangements are generally made at the EAP Study Center after arrival.

Duration

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

Spring :  
​early or mid-January to late June

Year :  
​late August to late June
 

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​You can sign up for the fall semester program and decide after you arrive to stay for the year.

Housing

​If you attend the year program, you will live in an apartment either on your own or shared with a landlord or shared with international, French, or UC students. You can choose from a list of rental addresses provided by the Study Center. If you attend a semester program, you can live in an apartment or choose to live in a homestay with a French family. Year and fall participants live in a student residence hall during their ILP after which they move into their housing for the term.

On-site Support

​EAP students are supported by UC’s network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. Local EAP staff in Bordeaux help you integrate into the culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.

​See the UCEAP Program Guide (PDF) 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).

Host Institutions

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University of Bordeaux

University of Bordeaux
The University of Bordeaux is the largest higher-education institution in southwestern France, established in 1441 by Archbishop Pey Berland. Four colleges make up the University of Bordeaux: Université Bordeaux (I), Victor Segalen University (II), Michel de Montaigne University (III), and Montesquieu University (IV). As a UCEAP student you will have access to courses at all four campuses as well as the Bordeaux Science Agro (ENITAB) and the Bordeaux Polytechnic Institute (IPB).
 
UCEAP students may also take courses at both the DEFLE (Département d'Etudes de Français Langue Etrangère), Bordeaux’s French language institution, as well as at the IEP (Institut d'Etudes Politiques), a political science-based institute.
 
Bordeaux is the capital of the historical Aquitaine region, famous for its specific breed of grapes and wines. The city of Bordeaux is also near many exciting places for cultural and geographical excursions. Art buffs can spend a day at the Museum of Modern Art, while the outdoorsy type can go hiking in the Pyrenees Mountains. 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.
 
  • Includes the departments of mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, biological sciences, and sciences of earth and sea
  •  Bordeaux I has many connections with public partners for economic and social relations (Regional Council, General Council, Cities of Bordeaux, Talence, Pessac, and Gradignan), as well as industrial partnerships, helping the community of Bordeaux work together in areas of important research
  •  Opportunities for participating in offshore research at places such as the Marine Station at Arcachon or Floirac University
  • Many researchers work alongside the CRNS (National Centre for Scientific Research), studying fundamental nuclear physics, neutrino physics, and gamma ray astronomy
  • Engaging courses in areas such as Composite Materials & Maintenance, Genetic Expression, Ecophysiology, and Microorganism Genomics
  • Bordeaux II houses the subjects of health and paramedical studies, law, economics, management, humanities, and science of technology
  • Known for being the most student-friendly campus, with rentable sports equipment for events and teams, and many student associations
  • Home to the UFR d’Oenologie, a highly reputed Oenological Institute found in 1880 (the same year that a similar institution was founded at UC Davis), as well as botanical gardens which house over 750 plant species
  • Research and rehearsal currently occurring for the first human operation in zero gravity, done by surgical robots in space
  • Challenging yet incredibly enriching courses such as Artificial Intelligence, British Civilization, and French Business
  • Encompasses the subjects of French, philosophy, history, geography and planning, languages, information and communication sciences, arts, history of art, and archaeology
  • Well known for the IUT (University Institute of Technology), which acts as a center for careers in social services and information and communication
  • The site of the EGID Institute, an establishment for Environmental, Geo-Engineering, Imaging and Development studies, as well as Montaigne’s tomb
  • Engaging courses in many areas such as Screenwriting, French Territory, Communism in Europe, and the Meaning of Learning
  • Organized into two separate faculties, one for Law and Political Science and one for Economics, Management, and AES (Economic and Social Administration)
  • Home to the IAE (Business Administration Institute), two IUTs (University Institutes of Technology), and the IUFM (University Institute of Teachers Training), which helps students find careers in their respective subjects
  • The Business Administration Institute (IAE) focuses on the areas of Finance, Control Auditing, and Accounting Expertise
  • Intellectually stimulating courses in subjects such as International Economic Institutions, European Union Law, and Contemporary Political Problems
  • Offers classes in all levels of French, as well as French literature and civilization courses designed for foreign students
  • Open to students, employees, and researchers, facilitating connections for other research or future opportunities
  • Intensive language learning and in-depth courses help students learn and perfect their French quickly
  • Also called Sciences Po Bordeaux, IEP is attached to the Montesquieu University
  • Teaches courses in a wide range of areas, such as Political Science, International Relations, Political Sociology, History, Geography, Contemporary Issues and Economics
  • Focus on multidisciplinary, broad-based curriculum so that students are versed in all issues of contemporary and historical politics

Bordeaux Science Agro (ENITAB)

  • A specialized school at the University of Bordeaux that concentrates on the agricultural field, encompassing food, animals, and management
  • Particularly interesting for Environmental Studies students, it not only discusses the science behind agriculture and the cultivation of the environment, but also the business side of the field, preparing students for jobs in wineries, food production, and farming
  • Focuses on French agriculture, including its food, wine, fisheries, forests, and the development of the territory
  • Works in close collaboration with other agricultural businesses, such as National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), the Centre National de Research Scientifique (CNRS), and the National Research Institute of Science and Technology for Environmental and Agricultural (IRSTEA), with students conducting research often in affiliation with one of these institutions
  • Courses offered in Viticulture, Forest Management, Management of Agricultural Space, Animals and Food, Integrated Management of the Food Chain, Food and Nutritional Health, Management of Rural Territories, and Management of Agricultural Business

The Bordeaux Polytechnic Institute (IPB)

  • Four schools of engineering and sciences at Bordeaux: Cognitive Engineering (ENSC), Chemical, Physical, and Biological engineering (ENSCPB), Computer, Electronic, Mathematical, Mechanical, and Telecommunication Engineering (ENSEIRB-MATMECA), and Biomolecular Technological engineering (ENSTBB)
  • Prepares engineering students for the business aspect of their prospective careers, lessons in language, management, project management, and human resources
  • Many students participate in hands-on research or internships with local engineering companies and labs
  • Courses in all different types of engineering are available, with some subjects sparking particular interest, including Artificial Intelligence, Energies, and Environment, Water, & Waste

Estimated Cost

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 represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to UCEAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
 
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will take into account the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
 
These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Amounts will vary for 2012-13 participation due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay the same fees on UCEAP. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. 
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
 
  • Predeparture expenses (student visa, health clearance, etc.)
  • Round-trip airfare
  • UC fees
  • Tuition at host institution
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation
  • Intensive language program
  • Room and board
  • Program excursions and activities
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Local transportation
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript

Estimated EAP Costs*

Options Cost
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Year
  • $16,500
  • $16,500
  • $32,500
*Based on most recent costs to the nearest $100.

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Application Requirements

Class Level:

Junior, Senior, Graduate

Language Prerequisites:

French
- The University-level language requirement is: minimum 2 years (6 quarters / 4 semesters) with a minimum language GPA of 2.85.
* You will take a language test upon arrival that determines the level of classes permitted during the first semester. If you place in one of the two lowest levels, you must take a French language class.

GPA:

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

Minimum Criteria:

 All applicants must also have:
  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program
  • Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and an new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations
  • An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

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.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information: