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Academics

Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering

This program begins with five weeks of intensive preparation to provide you with an in-depth introduction to the local setting and culture in which you will be living, working, and studying. Your classes during this period are with other US students. At the end of the preparatory session, you will engage in a series of workshops on the intercultural workplace: what to expect, how to react, what the norms are, how to deal with situations that arise. After a week-long break, you will begin a 12-week internship. During your internship, you will develop and complete an independent research project under the guidance of a research advisor.

Unique study opportunities

  • Explore French politics, society, and history, including foreign policy.
  • Engage in diplomatic negotiation role-playing.
  • Work individually with a research project advisor to delineate a research project.
  • Get hands-on research or internship experience in your main field of study. 

Language

Language of Instruction: French

Language Study: None

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take a full-time course of study: Four courses for a total of 25.5 quarter/17 semester UC units
  • You may take one course for pass/no pass

Current Program Courses

During the first 5 weeks of the program, you'll take the following courses:

  • The Foundations of French Politics, Policies and Institutions, Yesterday and Today for 6 quarter/4 semester UC units
  • Structure, Transformation and Crises in French Society for 6 quarter/4 semester UC units

During the internship period, you’ll take:

  • Towards a European Society for 3 quarter/2 semester UC units
  • Internship/Field Research for 10.5 quarter/7 semester UC units

All courses earn upper-division undergraduate credit.

Additional or optional coursework, internships, and research for academic credit are not possible on this program.

Catalogs and resources

Academic Culture

You will be in classes with other highly motivated students who are invested in engaging in an intercultural education. Founded in 1987, the Institute for Field Education (IFE) is a non-profit French educational organization that exposes US students to modern French and European society. It is governed by a board of directors composed of faculty from the University of Paris and Sciences Po and professional practitioners as well as a representative of the American academic community. It draws on the French and Belgian university systems for teachers. IFE is in charge of the program structure, support, contact, and advising.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework.

Grades for the fall semester are typically available in February. Grades for the spring semester are typically available in July.

Tip: If you intend to put yourself on your campus degree list for graduation while on UCEAP, consult your campus advisors before departure about possible delays in the degree verification process.