Summary

This program offers intensive French language study at the intermediate (second year) level and features a specially-designed curriculum intended to improve oral and written language skills while providing a foundation in French culture and society. All course work is in French. The Bordeaux program is designed for students with three to five quarters (two to three semesters) of beginning to intermediate university-level French. The Lyon program is reserved for students with a solid three to four quarters (two to three semesters) of beginning university-level French. Students apply for this program and are placed in either Bordeaux or Lyon as appropriate.

Students attend classes with international students and UC students.

Duration

Go to Current Participants to see current or past calendars.

Fall semester: late August to mid- or late December

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

Academic Focus

French language and culture.

Five courses are required for all Bordeaux students:

• 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)

Five courses are required for all Lyon students:

• 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)

Language of Instruction

French

Language Study

The curriculum is language-based. The Bordeaux program begins with a two-week stage intensif, an initial intensive language course. Additional language study is required during the term.

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 Study Center after arrival at the host institution.

Units

You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad; 21 UC quarter units are required (approximately five courses).

Housing

Bordeaux: You may live in a homestay (private home), apartment, or studio with UC students, international students, French students, or French families.

Lyon: You are required to live in a homestay (private home) with a French family. 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 abroad help students integrate into the culture of their host country and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.

See the EAP Student's 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

• University of Bordeaux
• University of Lyon

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

The cost of study on EAP can be close to the cost of studying on campus and is typically far less than the cost of non-UC study abroad programs. You can also take your UC financial aid abroad! If you do not currently receive UC financial aid, you may qualify for aid while on EAP. Each year, EAP students receive $1.3 million in study abroad grants and scholarships.

The estimated total cost for options in this program are listed below. Future costs will vary due to currency fluctuation, etc. All estimated totals include:

• UC fees
• program-specific fees
• room and board
• mandatory insurance
• incidentals
• transportation
• books
• on-site orientation
• predeparture expenses
• intensive language program expenses where applicable

Application Requirements

Program-Specific Requirements

• Class level: sophomore, junior, senior, graduate
• Bordeaux language prerequisite: 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 language prerequisite: three to four quarters (two to three semesters) of beginning university-level French.
• If at the time the program begins it has 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.

In addition to program-specific requirements, all applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• 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
• Willingness to abide by program regulations
• 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.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office.

In addition to your campus deadlines, there are deadlines by which the Campus EAP Office must submit the completed applications and accompanying materials to the Universitywide Office of EAP (UOEAP). For participation in the Program, it is critical that both campus deadlines and UOEAP deadlines are met. If the application is incomplete and not accompanied by the required materials noted, it will be returned to the Campus EAP Office.

Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but are not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information:

• UC Berkeley
• UC Davis
• UC Irvine
• UC Los Angeles
• UC Merced
• UC Riverside
• UC San Diego
• UC Santa Barbara
• UC Santa Cruz