The Program

EMU’s exchange program with CIDEF enables undergraduate students to take classes for a semester or academic year taught entirely in French.

*Please note that there is no Fall Semester Only option:

-The focus of CIDEF is French language immersion from beginner to advanced level
- You may also take optional courses in areas such as history, political science, business, and more
- Please note that certain courses require an advanced level of French language
As an exchange participant you will also be able to participate in extracurricular activities.

You must apply for the program through, and be approved by, EMU before participating in this exchange. Please read the Eligibility section to see specific acceptance criteria apply.

The Country and City

Study French in the heart of the Loire Valley. Angers is known as the cultural and economic hub of western France. The city of Angers boasts a lively historical town centre, a beautiful cathedral, a unique 12th Century fortress and the world's longest tapestry. A great number of parks, gardens and open spaces grant the city an airy and graceful touch while numerous museums, theatres and concert halls make the city a cultural centre.
With an excellent system for public transportation, you will find it easy to travel to other areas of France on the weekends or to other areas of Europe. It only takes an hour and a half by train to get to Paris.

The University

The Université Catholique de l’Ouest is 135 years old: originally a medieval university founded in 1373, it was later reopened in 1875 and has a current student population of 12,000. The campus is situated in downtown Angers.

The CIDEF program offered by l'Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO) that offers excursions to the following locations:
• Le Mont Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo
• Les châteaux de la Loire: Ambroise, Azay-le-Rideau, Blois, Chambord, Chaumont, Chenonceau, Cheverny
• Les plages du débarquement en Normandie
Housing
Exchange students usually can choose between host families or have an individual room in a hall of residence (off campus) for around €300/month. It is strongly recommended that students participate in the host family option.

Eligibility

EMU students must be approved by EMU before participating in the exchange. Students must have sophomore standing or above and have a 3.0 GPA. Priority is given to those pursuing French language, literature, or culture.

Academics

You will be registered by APA prior to departure for 15 credits here at EMU. You will also need to register for courses at CIDEF AFTER your official acceptance. Instructions on how to register will be provided to you upon your official acceptance into the program.
Credits

All courses taken abroad will be issued onto your official transcript as EMU courses with prior approval from appropriate academic departments. Instructions on how to seek approval will be provided to you upon acceptance.

Transcript Request

Though an unofficial transcript document is acceptable for the EMU portion of the application, CIDEF will require an official transcript. To receive your transcript free of charge please contact the Academic Programs Abroad Office.

Orientation

An orientation meeting will take place to prepare students for their experience the semester before their departure. Written information and personal communications with the program director and Study Abroad Office staff will also help you prepare. On-site orientation at CIDEF will take place before the beginning of the semester.