Université Catholique de l'Ouest
University of Missouri-St. Louis Exchange Program in France
| Université
Catholique de l'Ouest
French majors and minors enjoy the combination of French language study while taking regular university courses taught in French. |
 |
What
is it like there?
Angers is a beautiful city in the Loire Valley with about 260,000
inhabitants. It has a small-town feel that makes a great atmosphere
for French immersion, while being large enough to always have something
to do. It is a university town, with about 30,000 students. A castle
fortress overlooks the colorful streets of Angers.
What
will I study?
Students can take one French language class through CIDEF (Centre Internationale des Etudes Francaise) while choosing from regular
university courses for the remaining classes. Students going for the fall
semester or academic year take a one-month French immersion class at CIDEF
during the month of August (three credits) before the academic
year starts at UCO.
Students going to UCO for the winter semester take one course at CIDEF while following regular university courses thoughout the semester. Students may take classes in any department at UCO, including French literature, history, business, music, philosophy, communication, education, math, biology, etc. See the course catalog here (scroll down to Annuaires de cours and then select the appropriate department on the next page).
What
is the language of instruction?
French.
Where
will I live?
In France, universities neither own nor run their own residences;
however, the International Relations office will help place you
in housing.
The majority of students rent a room from a French family. Depending on your wishes, this could be a more typical "home stay" arrangment where you take your meals with the family, or it could be more independent, where you will have a private bedroom and be able to use the bathroom, kitchen, and living room facilities and limited contact with the family (sometimes you will have your own bathroom, kitchen, or entrance).
Students also have the option of staying in a "foyer" or youth residence in the city, either walking distance from the university or close to public transportation.
Housing costs range from approximately 280 - 350 euros per month.
When
can I go?
Students may attend UCO during the fall semester, winter semester,
or academic year.
What
are the eligibility requirements?
Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and be a sophomore,
junior, or senior. You should also have completed 3 courses beyond
FR 2101 before departing.
How
can I learn more?
Visit the website of Université
Catholique de l'Ouest 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 2008-2009 estimated costs for one semester (5 months - August CIDEF session plus the fall semester) at UCO
compared to a semester at UM-St. Louis. When you participate in a UM-St. Louis exchange program, like UCO, you continue to pay UMSL tuition and may use your financial aid. In addition, both CIS and external scholarships are available.
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 Catholique de l'Ouest | 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 | $2,500.00 | $2,805.00 |
| Meals3 | $1,900.00 | $1,698.00 |
| Airfare | $1,300.00 | |
| Books | $250.00 | $400.00 |
| Miscellaneous4 | $1,150.00 | |
| Total Estimated Cost5 | $10,193.60 | $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 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.
Last modified June 2, 2008