Study Abroad: France

Aquinas College is proud to partner with the Centre International d'Études Françaises (CIDEF) at the Université Catholique de l'Ouest on the French semester program in Angers. Explore the heartland of the Loire Valley and experience the rich history and heritage of France through this program. This semester immerses students in French language and culture not only through classroom instruction, but also through excursions and living with a French host family.
Student eating a macaron on the steps of a castle or palace.

  • GPA of 2.5+
  • 2 completed semesters at Aquinas College
  • Completed FRE 202 with a grade of C or better, or received a 360+ on the French Placement Test
  • Not on academic probation or have recent, serious, or repetitive behavioral citations from the Dean of Students

Students participate during the Spring semester and earn 12 - 18 credits that count towards French major/minor requirements.

Upon arrival, students take a French placement exam. Based on the results, students are placed in the appropriate required language course. Placement level can affect which elective courses are available for the student to take. Additionally, advanced students may have the option of attending a selected course - in consultation with the resident director - at the Université Catholique de l'Ouest. 

Courses

Required Course:

  • Language (Langue, level A1-C1) (6 - 9 credits depending on level, FRE 229 French Elective)

Elective Courses (select 1 - 4 courses, availability dependent on level):

  • Grammar (Grammaire, level As - C1) (3 credits, FRE 299 French Elective)
  • Phonetics (Phonétique, level A1 - C1) (3 credits, FRE 299 French Elective)
  • Oral Expression (Expression orale, level B1.1/B1.2) (3 credits, FRE 301 French Conversation and Composition I or FRE 302 French Conversation and Composition II/Writing Intensive)
  • Oral Comprehension (Compréhension orale, level B1.1/B1.2) (3 credits, FRE 301 French Conversation and Composition I)
  • Written Skills (Compétences écrites, level B1.1/B1.2) (3 credits, FRE 302 French Conversation and Composition II/Writing Intensive)
  • Literature (Littérature, level B1 - B2) (3 credits, FRE 396 Special Topics in French)
  • Social/Cultural Studies (Etudes socio-culturelles, level B1.1/B1.2) (3 credits, FRE 396 Special Topics in French)
  • Culture and Discoveries (Culture et découvertes, level B1.1/B1.2) (3 credits, FRE 369 Special Topics in French)
  • French History (Histoire de France, level B1.1 - C1) (3 credits, FRE 396 Special Topics in French)
  • Art History (Histoire de l’art, level B1.1 - C1) (3 credits, FRE 396 Special Topics in French)
  • Theatrical Expression (Expression théatrale, level B1.2 - C1) (3 credits, FRE 396 Special Topics in French)
  • News and Media (Actualités et médias, level B2 - C1) (3 credits, FRE 369 Special Topics in French)
  • European Political Life (Vie politique et système européen, level B2 - C1) (3 credits, FRE 396 Special Topics in French)
  • Music History (Histoire de la musique, level B2 - C1) (3 credits, FRE 396 Special Topics in French)
  • Philosophy (Philosophie, level B2 - C1) (3 credits, FRE 396 Special Topics in French)
  • Theology (Théologie, level B2 - C1) (3 credits, FRE 396 Special Topics in French)
  • French Fashion (Français de la mode, level A2 - B1.1) (3 credits, FRE 405 French for Professions/Senior Capstone)
  • Business French (Français des affaires, level B1 - C1) (3 credits, FRE 405 French for Professions/Senior Capstone)
  • French for Tourism (Francais du tourisme, level B1.2) (3 credits, FRE 405 French for Professions/Senior Capstone)
  • Translation (Traduction anglais-francais, level B1.2 - C1) (3 credits, FRE 405 French for Professions/Senior Capstone)

CIDEF organizes guided excursions, either day- or half-day trips, to the Loire Valley or Western France. These excursions are designed to augment the program’s curriculum and take students to various cities and cultural sites both locally and regionally. In the past students have had the opportunity to visit Mont Saint Michel and Saint Malo, Normandy D-Day beaches, Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley, Anjou, Giverny, the Puy du Fou historical theme park, and Golfe du Morbihan/Vannes. Excursion opportunities and experiences vary semester-to-semester. CIDEF also offers additional cultural activity experiences, like cooking classes, for an additional fee (15€ - 40€ or $16 - $45, cost depends on the activity). Students can sign up for additional excursions led by CIDEF (for an additional cost - 70€ or about $75 - $80 per excursion) or create their own experiences through independent travel. 

Participants will be placed in home-stays with local families. This setting provides the opportunity to build friendships and gain insight into daily living, as well as an immediate local resource for the individual student. Integration into the daily workings of the host family home allows for regular and practical language application and insight into cultural values and behaviors. Additionally, host families provide breakfast, 3 evening meals, and kitchen access for student use.

The program fee is in addition to Aquinas tuition. Students will not be charged Aquinas housing fees and do not need an Aquinas meal plan if they participate in this program.

Approximate cost: $7,900

The program fee includes:

  • Roundtrip airfare
  • Housing (with a host family)
  • Some excursions (other excursions available for additional fee)
  • Course materials
  • Breakfast and three evening meals per week (provided by your host family)
  • Health/travel insurance 

Additional excursions and cultural activities, planned by CIDEF, currently cost 70€ (about $75 - $80) per excursion and 15€ - 40€ ($16 - $45) per activity. 

Please visit the Money Matters page and review the budget worksheet for information on scholarships and other expense considerations.

Additional Application

After being accepted into the program by the Office of International Programs, you will be invited to enroll and register through the CIDEF website.

Visa

A visa is required in order to study abroad in France. Visa processing times can vary, but usually takes 6 - 10 weeks, so be sure to plan ahead. Once accepted into the program, CIDEF will send you letters of support and instructions to begin the visa process.

The process looks like this: 

  • Register with Campus France USA for pre-approval
  • Complete the visa application, prepare necessary documents for application
  • Schedule an appointment at the VFS Global Center in Chicago 30-90 days before leaving (take appropriate documents with you)
  • Receive visa after processing time of 3 - 4 weeks
  • After arriving in France, register and validate your visa

Scholarships

Once you have committed to this program, the Office of International Programs will reach out to the Financial Aid Office to confirm your participation and they will determine your eligibility for the Dr. Harry and Mrs. Sheila Knopke Scholarship for International Study and any other internal scholarships.

Additionally, the Alliance Française de Grand Rapids Scholarship is offered each year to a rising junior or senior student who shows interest and proficiency in French language and Francophone culture. Applications are typically due in April.

Finally, review the External Scholarships section of the Money Matters page for additional scholarship opportunities.

More info

Reach out to the Office of International Programs or review the CIDEF website for additional program information.

CONTACT INFO

International Programs
(616) 632-2067
bechtoldh@aquinas.edu
Academic Building, Room 359