study in france (universite catholique de l'ouest angers)

Imagine studying the French language in the beautiful Loire Valley in France. You can explore the many castles, chateaus, and cathedrals of the area or decide to spend the weekend in Paris. Choose from several intensive month-long programs, fall or spring semester, or a full academic year and earn academic credit from a fully-accredited French university. From beginners with a desire to learn the French language to advanced French speakers who would like to perfect their language skills, World Endeavors' Study in France program offers a true French experience for everyone.

Eligibility: Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 (4.0 scale) or equivalent to be eligible for the program. No prior language study is required. An exam at the beginning of each semester is used to evaluate the language skill of each student to determine the appropriate level of language courses.

Pre-Departure Information: Before students embark, they will be provided a pre-departure guide that includes important details about their semester abroad. In addition, students may contact World Endeavors any time prior to departure with questions.

Students stay with local French families. All accommodations are within walking distance to campus or public transportation to campus. Students can choose to eat on or off campus. The on campus dining hall offers meals at about 2.70 Euros.

Instruction
You are expected to take a lot of responsibility for organizing your own time and work. Students are given assignments and exams throughout the semester to assess their performance. The work done during the semester counts for two-thirds of the final grade. Attendance is taken into account as a factor in grading.

Credit and Credit Transfer
Academic credit and transcripts will be issued by the Universite Catholique de L'Ouest Angers, a member of the International Association of Universities, after the successful completion of course requirements for the semester or academic year program. While typically not necessary, US university credit can also be provided for an additional fee. It is the student's responsibility to contact their academic advisor prior to the semester to determine how the courses taken while abroad will transfer to their home institution.

The program is designed to meet the needs of international students who are looking for an intensive, French-immersion experience. It also caters to the needs of those with little or no background in French by providing a core of intensive French language courses taught in at the beginning level. A placement exam will determine the language level of each student.

Language Courses
Beginning and Elementary Levels
In theses courses, students acquire a command of the question/answer structures. They exchange practical information, learn to understand short, recorded conversations and simplified texts. Particular care is devoted to pronunciation and correct intonation. The audio-visual material serves often as a support for the lessons.

Intermediate Levels
The basics of the language are revised. The course concentrates on extending students' productive and receptive capabilities. They learn to choose the right tone according to people and the environment, to understand (both listening and reading), to express concepts. Time is devoted to learning the basic sounds and the best intonation.

Advanced Levels
The object is to use knowledge correctly, to master current idioms and the language appropriate to each situation. Authentic and contemporary texts, news broadcasts, films, newspapers are used. All information is reinforced through class discussions, commentaries and reports. The students are required to take French Language courses with the goal of developing an ability to think logically, to communicate accurately and clearly, and to appreciate the beauty and force of language.

Courses: Students may choose from a variety of courses for up to 15 credit hours per semester.

French Language Courses:

• Oral Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Oral Expression
• Business French*
• French Hotel and Tourism*
• Grammar
• Special language course in preparation for the exams of the "Alliance Francaise de Paris" *
• Phonetics practice
• Phonetics theory*
• Translation*

French Culture and Civilization Courses:

• Civilization
• Modern French Society and Economy**
• Social-cultural Study of France*
• French History*
• Art History*
• Music History*
• 19th Century Literature*
• 20th Century Literature*
• Philosophy**
• Theology**

* Intermediate or advanced language skill level is a pre-requisite.
** Advanced language skill level required

This program fosters cross-cultural understanding by giving students the opportunity to interact with both French students as well as international students from over 45 countries. With exposure to individuals from so many diverse cultures, students will become a part of a global micro-community and gain a great deal of valuable experience in human relationships.

To help bridge the cultural gap, support staff will help to get settled into their housing accommodations and will help orient students to the campus and the city of Angers. In addition, faculty advisers are available to assist students with their course schedules or any personal issues which might arise.

Activities: Students are encouraged to participate in a wide array of extracurricular activities including: cultural and recreational activities organized by French students, University social clubs, educational tours throughout Brittany, Normandy, and the Loire Valley, festivals, concerts, the theater, sporting activities, and weekly cross-cultural exchanges with French students.

Participation in extra-curricular activities is a recommended aspect of student life. Students are involved in many cultural and recreational activities organized by French students and it is not uncommon for international students to be invited to dinner by local French families. In addition, University staff provides coordination for the student newspaper, the theater and the choral clubs. Several French clubs develop a strong cooperation between French and foreign students.

Several educational tours throughout Brittany, Normandy, and the Loire Valley are organized during each session. Students have opportunities to visit such historical sites as: Vannes, les Megalithes de Carnac, le Golfe du Morbihan, St Malo, le Mt St Michel, les Chateaux de la Loire. The program emphasizes the cultural aspects of the places that are visited. Each tour is accompanied by faculty members and University staff. The students are offered a unique opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful locations in all of France.

Angers offers a variety of cultural activities, shows, concerts, theater, festivals. Basketball, volleyball and tennis facilities are located in town. An ice-skating rink is close to the campus and a large indoor swimming complex is within walking distance.

Not Included:

• Round-Trip airfare to France or rail transportation to and from the campus
• Textbooks
• Meals
• Visa expenses
• Medical exam expense (approximately 55 Euros)
• Personal expenses