Study in France - French Language & Culture (in French) - ISEP Exchange
Located in the Jura mountains, Besançon is a Gallo-Roman city of art and history and the birthplace of Victor Hugo. Having previously won the title of France's "greenest city," Besançon is a wonderful place to explore while attending the Université de Franche-Comté.
Université de Franche-Comté is well known for its student services and international student body. Students live in a student residence or have the opportunity to live with a local host family for an additional fee. Students who would like to live in a homestay should specify their interest on the ISEP application.
The CLA at Université de Franche-Comté is one of the premier language learning institutions in France. Students can take courses from the CLA on a semester or full year basis and can earn up to 30 ECTS credit hours per semester. In addition to language learning, the CLA offers planned activities and cultural events for all students. At the CLA, ISEP students will work with other international students who have come to learn French.
As access to this program is limited to 2 or 3 ISEP students per semester, it is recommend that students who have a B2 level in French consider Flexible Course Enrollment at Université de Franche-Comté and enroll in regular university classes alongside French students.
HOUSING
Student Residence: The Résidence Colette is located on the Campus de La Bouloie, on the outskirts of Besançon, two miles away from the downtown area. The district of La Bouloie is very commuter-friendly, with frequent bus service. A 30 euros yearly sheet package (bed linens changed, washed and ironed every 3 weeks) is available upon request.
Homestay: Students in the French Language and Culture Program also have the opportunity to live with a local host family for an additional fee. Students who would like to live in a homestay should specify their interest on the ISEP application, and inquire with the ISEP Student Advisor for France regarding the specific additional fees associated with the homestay option. Homestays are limited in availability and offered on a first come, first served basis.
MEALS
Students receive a monthly meal stipend, which can be used to cook their own meals, and purchase meals in the university cafeteria. Cooking facilities in Résidence Colette include a fridge in the room and a shared kitchen.
Students are required to open a French bank account during orientation in order to receive their meal stipends. Please note that the first stipend payment can take up to four weeks to be disbursed. Students should be prepared with funds to enough money to cover their first month of meals. The first meal stipend payment will include both the first and second months of benefits. All ISEP students will be expected to budget for their meals accordingly, and can ask their ISEP Student Services Coordinator for tips, as well as check out ISEP's resources for Budgeting for Study Abroad.
Students staying with host families receive meals as included in their homestay fees.
Course Description
Students' course selections will depend on their language level. Students will take a set program focused on French language learning earn up to 30 ECTS credits per semester.
Students with a high A2 in French at the time they submit their ISEP application are eligible to participate in this program but should be aware that courses are taught at the B1-C1 level, with an A2 as the pre-requisite for enrollment in B1-level coursework.
Students with an A1 or low A2 in French at the time they submit their ISEP application will be enrolled in the FLE program and will take up to 195 hours of French language classes. In order to receive Full-time status (24-30 ECTS), students at this language level must also enroll in a few courses taught in English within the university. The courses offered in English will be in the English literature, translation, and history departments.
To gain a full understanding of how Language & Culture programs work at ISEP, please review the ISEP Country Handbook for France here.
Academics
Other Academic Conditions
Students with a high A2 in French at the time they submit their ISEP application are eligible to participate in this program but should be aware that courses are taught at the B1-C1 level, with an A2 as the pre-requisite for enrollment in B1-level coursework.
Students with an A1 or low A2 in French should review the course notes above.
PASSPORT: All students must have a valid passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a valid passport, we suggest you start the application process as soon as possible.
VISA/RESIDENCE PERMIT: Most students attending this program will be required to obtain a visa/residence permit. For more information on the process and estimated cost, please review the ISEP Country Handbook here.
Semester & Prices (based on your filters)
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