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Université Jean Moulin

University of Missouri-St. Louis Exchange Program in France

Université Jean Moulin

This is a great program for students with any level of French proficiency, from beginner to advanced. Take a French language class and subject courses taught in English, or experience full-immersion and take your classes in French with French students.

Map of France

What is it like there?
Sister City to St. Louis, Lyon is the third largest city in France, with a population of almost 2 million including outlying areas. Located on the Saone and Rhone rivers, near the borders of Italy, Switzerland and Germany, the city is a mixture of modern commerce and European history and culture. Its excellent transportation by rail and air allows for convenient travel to ski resorts, the French Riviera, Paris and other points in Europe. In addition to its geographic and industrial significance, Lyon boasts one of the most impressive ensembles of Renaissance architecture north of the Alps. Also of interest to art enthusiasts is the large collection of museums in Lyon. And for those who enjoy great food, Lyon's local cuisine has made the city known as the culinary capital of France.

Lyon has an excellent metro and bus system, which makes getting around town a snap.

What will I study?
Your options vary depending on your French ability. Students with high proficiency in French (suggested 3 courses beyond 2101) will take one French as a Foreign Language course and may follow any regular university course in law, business, languages, humanities, or technology. If a student completes a full academic year of coursework, he or she will earn a diploma from Universite Jean Moulin: DEUF (Diplôme d'Etudes Universitaire Françaises). Click here for information on courses available (then click "Fiche détaillée," "Contenu des Enseignements.")

Students with lower French proficiency may follow the SELF Program (Study in English in Lyon France), which combines a course in French as a Foreign Language with courses taught in English. There are a limited number of courses taught in English each semester; see the website for the offerings (click "Contenu des enseignements" for course listing and syllabi).

Students may also take a combination of regular university courses with SELF program courses.

All incoming exchange students are assigned a tutor who will be available throughout the year for help and advice on academic, administrative and practical matters

What is the language of instruction?
French and English.

Where will I live?
In France, universities neither own nor run their own residences; however, the International Relations office and the Association Lyon III International offer an accommodation service to help place you in student housing. You'll be staying in a youth residence in the city, either walking distance from the university or close to public transportation. Single and double rooms are available; most have kitchenettes. Prices range from 450-650 Euros per month.

Students also have the option of living with a host family. This option allows you to experience French culture and family life at another level. Students are provided with a private bedroom in the family's home, breakfast, and dinner. Prices are around 550 Euros per month.

When can I go?
Students doing the SELF program may study at Jean Moulin for the fall, winter, or academic year. Those enrolling in regular university courses (DEUF) may go for the academic year or winter semester only, as fall semester exams are given in January. Sometimes it is possible to go for just the fall semester and take your exams before winter break.

What are the eligibility requirements?
Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and be a sophomore, junior, or senior. Some French knowledge is preferred, but not required, for the SELF program.

How can I learn more?
Visit the website of Université Jean Moulin or stop by the Study Abroad Office in 261 MSC to browse their catalog. You can also make an appointment to discuss this program with a study abroad advisor; call 516-5229.

How much does it cost?
Below are the 2009-2010 estimated costs for one semester (4 months) at Jean Moulin compared to a semester at UM-St. Louis. When you participate in a UM-St. Louis exchange program, like Jean Moulin, you continue to pay UMSL tuition and may use your financial aid. In addition, both CIS and external scholarships are available.

Students majoring or minoring in French are eligible for the Nason-Goodman scholarship through the Lyon Sister Cities organization. There are a limited number available, and awards are up to $1,000 per semester. Deadline is in early April; please coordinate your application with the UMSL study abroad coordinator and French department.

Please note that the French government requires students to apply in person for the student visa. This means you must go to the French Consulate in Chicago approximately 1-2 months before departure. Details will be provided to applicants.

Université Jean Moulin UM-St. Louis
Educational Fees1 $2,947.20 $2,947.20
Information Technology Fee $146.40 $146.40
Student Facility, Activity, & Health Fee $0.00 $418.68
Housing2 $3,600.00 $2,805.00
Meals3 $2,000.00 $1,698.00
Airfare $1,300.00  
Books $250.00 $400.00
Miscellaneous4 $1,250.00  
Total Estimated Cost5 $11,493.60 $8,415.28

1 Educational fees are based on 12 credit hours. Non-resident fees may apply.
2 Housing cost based on single room.
3 UMSL cost based on Option 3 Plus Meal Plan.
4 Includes transportation, mandatory French and international insurance, visa fees, and round-trip travel to Chicago for the visa interview.
5 Please note that expenses are ESTIMATES. Costs vary depending on the exchange rate, the inflation rate, individual spending habits, and amount of extra travel. The cost estimate above does not include personal expenses or independent travel, which vary widely from student to student.

How to Apply/Application Process:
To apply, please visit the Study Abroad Application Deadlines & Procedures page.

Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation:
All UM-St. Louis students who study abroad are required to attend pre-departure orientation. This session will cover registration and financial aid, credit transfer, travel, health and safety topics, culture shock, and much more. Details and location.

Last modified January 5, 2010