Academics

Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences

Undertake an intensive study of French language with professors who specialize in teaching French as a second language. By design, this program is for international students from beginner to advanced language levels. All courses are taught in French at the university’s DEFLE (Département d'Etudes de Français Langue Etrangère). In this way, you can concentrate on building your language skills while immersing in French culture. In addition to French language courses, you will enroll in French culture and civilization courses that focus on art history, literature, business, journalism, media, and more.

Unique study opportunities

  • Explore all things French—from theater to regional art, music, literature, business, and film.
  • Perfect your conversational French language skills and come home sounding like a native speaker.
  • Produce an academic research paper on a topic that relates to your major or cultural interests.
  • Meet and interview specialists, experts, and other stakeholders in the Bordelaise community.

Language

Language of Instruction: French

French Language Study: Required

The focus of this program is to build your French language skills. All courses are conducted in French. You will take a placement test to determine your appropriate level of French courses prior to departure.

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take a full-time course of study: A total of 21-25.5 quarter/14-17 semester UC units; the number of courses depends on your language level
  • You may take up to one-third (33%) of your total unit load per semester for pass/no pass

Current Program Courses

This program offers a specially designed curriculum to improve both oral and written language skills while providing a fundamental background in French culture, society, and literature. All courses are conducted in French at the Université Bordeaux Montaigne’s Département d'Etudes de Français Langue Etrangère (DEFLE).

You will enroll in the following courses for this program, depending on your level of French:

Beginner (DUEF 1; lower division)

Two courses for a total of 22 quarter/14.6 semester UC units:

  • Oral French: one course worth 11 quarter/7.3 semester UC units
  • Written French: one course worth 11 quarter/7.3 semester UC units
Advanced Beginner (DUEF 2; lower division)

Three courses for a total of 22 quarter/14.6 semester UC units:

  • Oral French: one course worth 8 quarter/5.3 semester UC units
  • Written French: one course worth 8 quarter/5.3 semester UC units
  • French Culture: one course worth 6 quarter/4 semester UC units
Intermediate (DUEF 3; upper division)

Four to five courses for 21-24.5 quarter/13.9-16.2 semester UC units:

  • Oral French: one course worth 6 quarter/4 semester UC units
  • Written French: one course worth 8 quarter/5.3 semester UC units
  • French Culture & Society: one course worth 3.5 quarter/2.3 semester UC units
  • Electives: one to two courses worth 3.5 quarter/2.3 semester UC units each
Intermediate Advanced or Advanced (DUEFF 4 or 5; upper division)

Four to five courses for 21-25.5 quarter/14-17 semester UC units:

  • Oral French: one course worth 6 quarter/4 semester UC units
  • Written French: one course worth 6 quarter/4 semester UC units
  • Electives: two to three courses worth 4.5 quarter/3 semester UC units each

Independent Research

You have the option to complete an 8-10 page French research paper worth 3 quarter/2 semester UC units. The research paper can relate to your major, but it can also be on any local cultural subject you may be curious about. The topic is up to you. Before you begin your project, you’ll work with a supervisor to finalize the topic and scope of your paper. After defining your subject, you’ll conduct interviews with subject matter experts in the area. Finally, you’ll submit your paper in French and present it orally. 

Working on a research paper will help build your language knowledge, improve your French writing skills, and provide valuable experience as a researcher. It’s also a great opportunity to go a little deeper in your understanding of French culture, history, and society. 

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

Catalogs and resources

  • French in Bordeaux Course Catalog: Browse a complete list of course titles and descriptions offered by the DEFLE.
  • UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. This is not a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings.
  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.

Academic culture

The DEFLE focuses on teaching French to exchange students from all over the world. You won’t see local French students attending these classes. The pace of the program is intense and rigorous. You’ll be in classes five days a week and must keep to the schedule set by the University of Bordeaux. Class sizes are typically 20-25 students. To help your language learning, participation and interaction are expected. Classes often require two term papers or a midterm, and a final exam.

Grades

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

Grades for the fall semester are typically available in April. Grades for the spring semester are typically available in August.

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.