CIDEF Language Institute - Angers

Brochure 2012

Picture yourself in France! This program offers UNI undergraduate students the opportunity to study for a semester or a year at a French university. Exchange students are able to participate in regular French courses at the University, or take classes from the Centre International d'Études Françaises (C.I.D.E.F). CIDEF is an institute of the University with the focus on teaching French to foreign students. Courses taken at UCO, provided successful completion, will transfer back to UNI and will satisfy requirements in the student's major, minor, Liberal Arts Core, or count as electives.

How to Get a French Visa

UCO: Students with a sufficient level of French are able to enroll directly in regularly taught university classes. Courses are offered in the fields of Art, Biology, Chemistry, Communication Sciences, Earth Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, Music, Psychology, Physical Education, Social Sciences, and Theology.

CIDEF: Students wishing to improve their language proficiency enroll in the French language program. Courses are offered at five levels based on the European Framework of Reference: (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1). Prior to the first day of class, each student will be tested and placed into these levels. Based on the level, there are different electives available such as: Comprehension and Expression, Grammar, Phonetics, Civilization, Art History and more.

There are also "Diplômes" (Diplomas) available for students enrolled in certain CIDEF courses that certify completion of more specific courses. For example there are Diplomas available from The Alliance Française de Paris (French proficiency diplomas), The Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris (Hotel, Tourism, and Business French diplomas), and DELF/DALF diplomas (Certification of French Proficiency).

There are also excursions and other opportunites provided by the university such as visiting historical sites such as: Vannes, St. Malo, the Abbey at Mont St Michel, or the Castles in the Loire Valley. Organizations and clubs encourage international student participation, for example the student newspaper, theatre clubs, choral clubs, and more.

Summer Sessions:

July '10
Arrive : le 30 juin
Placement exams : July 1st
Ends : July 29th

August '10*
Arrive : August 2nd
Placement Exams : August 3rd
Ends : August 28th *
*does conflict with the beginning of the Fall '10 UNI semester (starts August 26th)

September '10
There is also a September option for students who are planning to enroll for Fall Semester

Fall Semester 2010-2011

Placement Exam : Friday October 1st 2010 9:30am
Beginning of Classes : Monday, October 4th 2010 9:30am
End of Classes : Saturday January 29th 2011
(With Fall and Holiday Breaks inbetween)

Spring Semester 2011

Placement Exam : Wednesday February 2nd 2011 9:30am
Beginning of Classes : Monday Februrary 7th 2011 9:30am
End of Classes : Saturday June 4th 2011
(With Spring and Holiday Breaks inbetween)

There are three possibilities for lodging:
1) University Dorms, with campus Meal Plan
2) In a private house, with campus Meal Plan
3) With a family, eating breakfast and dinner with the family (lunch on campus)

The University Restaurant is open all year and each meal is only 2.70 EUR. There are also many local restaurants, bakeries, sandwich shops, and outdoor markets to choose from, not to mention grocery stores like Monoprix, Casino and Hyper Marché.

Regarding Transportation, within town there is a citywide bus system and all students are eligible for a discounted pass. There is also a country-wide rail system that also offers a pass for a 20-50% discount for people between the ages of 12-25.