Overview
Located in the southwest of France, Bordeaux is a city full of art, culture, and history with extraordinary 18th-century architecture and beautiful surroundings. The historic part of the city is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Situated on the banks of the Garonne River in the largest wine region in the world, Bordeaux offers world famous Bordeaux wines, classy restaurants or cozy bistros, and anything you could wish for in the way of shopping boutiques and haute couture.
Lyon is France's second largest city and it offers a unique combination of dynamism and classical beauty. Lyon is the capital of France's renowned wine region, Rhône-Alpes, which is only an hour away by car. It has glaciers and warm river valleys, mountains and lakes, some of the most beautiful medieval villages, and the best skiing in the world. Lyon has always been at the intersection of the cultures of Europe and beyond, and its strong economy produces nearly every ingredient of France's famously high quality of life.
The language and culture program in these two locations 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 three to five quarters (two to three semesters) of beginning to intermediate university-level French. The course of study in Lyon is reserved for students with a solid three to four quarters (two to three semesters) of beginning university-level French. Students apply to the program and are placed in either Bordeaux or Lyon as appropriate.
Students attend classes with international students in Bordeaux and UC students in Lyon.
Course Opportunities
French language and culture is the focus of this program.
Bordeaux students take the following five courses:
- One intensive language and culture course (6 UC quarter units)
- One course on oral French (4 UC quarter units)
- One course on written French (4 UC quarter units)
- Two courses on French culture and society (7.5 UC quarter units each)
Lyon students take the following five courses:
- Two French language courses (6 UC quarter units each)
- One course on written and oral expression (6 UC quarter units)
- Two courses on French culture (3 UC quarter units each)
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
- 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. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.
Units
You take a full-time course of study while abroad; 21 UC quarter units are required (approximately five courses).
Language of Instruction
French
Language Study
The curriculum is language based. Study in Bordeaux begins with a two-week stage intensif, an initial intensive language course.
Internships, Research, and Independent Study
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.
Duration
Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
Fall: late August to mid- or late December
You may extend your EAP participation from the fall to the spring with the approval of the Study Center Director and local university departments.
Housing
Bordeaux
You may live in a private home (called a homestay) with a French family, or in an apartment or studio with other UC students, international students, or French students.
Lyon
You will live in a private home (called a homestay) to help integrate you into French life and culture and provide an opportunity to practice your French. Housing is organized by EAP Study Center staff.
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. UC faculty and local staff in Bordeaux and Lyon will help you integrate into the culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.
See the EAP 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
Students apply to this program and are placed in either Bordeaux or Lyon as appropriate.
University of Bordeaux
Bordeaux has had a university since 1441. Today the city hosts four universities: Bordeaux I–IV, each with its group of disciplines. Over 60,000 students are enrolled at the Bordeaux universities. Most of the universities’ departments are located in Talence on a vast campus about 30 minutes by bus from the center of town.
Visit the University of Bordeaux website
University of Lyon
The University of Lyon (Le pôle Universitaire Lyonnais) consists of Lyon’s three universities and three of its grandes écoles. EAP courses are offered at the Université Lumière Lyon II, a 19th-century neoclassical university located on the banks of the Rhône in central Lyon; at the affiliated Institut d’Etudes Politiques (IEP), located in a beautiful building next to the Musée de la Résistance; and at the university’s modern satellite campus in the Lyon suburb of Bron, which is served directly by tram from the city center. Disciplines offered include anthropology, art history, classics, communication, dramatic arts, economics, French literature, geography, history, linguistics, music, political science, psychology, and sociology. IEP Lyon is one of the most respected institutes in France. Its international connections are extensive, and its programs in Politics and Administration, Politics and Communication, and Arab World Studies are renowned.
Visit the University of Lyon website
Estimated Cost
Participation in EAP is a great value! The cost of EAP 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 EAP 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 be based on the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
These expenses are estimated for 2009-10. Amounts will vary for 2010-11 participation due to proposed changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2009-10 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
- Room and board
- Program excursions
- Books and other incidental expenses
- Local transportation
- Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
Estimated EAP Costs*
| Option |
Cost |
| * Based on most recent costs for 2009-2010 to the nearest $100. |
| Fall |
$13,600-$15,400 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Sophomore, junior, senior, graduate
Language Prerequisite
Bordeaux
Minimum of three quarters (two semesters) and maximum of five quarters (three semesters) of university-level French by the end of the last term prior to departure (or earlier if required by the Campus EAP Office).
Lyon
Three to four quarters (two to three semesters) of beginning university-level French.
If at the time the program begins it will have been a year or more since you last took a course in French, it is recommended that you refresh your proficiency. See your Campus EAP Advisor for details.
GPA
2.85 cumulative GPA and 2.85 language 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 a 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)
These are minimum program requirements only and do not guarantee selection. The Campus EAP Office determines selection and final admission.
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:
