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CLA Language Institute-Besançon

Country:

 France

City:

 Besançon

Sessions:

 Semester/Year

Eligibility:

 2.50 GPA or higher

Languages:

 French

Introduction

Brochure 2012

Practice your French as you learn it! The Besançon program offers students the opportunity to participate in a language-intensive program in Besançon, France. Students are directly enrolled in the Centre de Linguistique Appliquée (CLA) at the Universté de Franche-Comté in Besançon where they take intensive French language courses alongside students from all over the world. 

Students have the option of living with a french family and can participate in many cultural activities and weekend excursions organized by the CLA, in addition to taking advantage of the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Besançon, a mid-sized city located on the river Doubs and surrounded by the Jura Mountains.

How to Get a French Visa

Program City

Besançon, known as the greenest city in France, extends along a wide bend in the Doubs River. This sunny, unique location in the heart of Franche-Comté is near the cross-country ski trails of the Jura Mountains. Two hours from Geneva, 2.5 hours from Paris by the TGV (high speed trains), every year this city is the destination of thousands of students from all over the world who come to learn French, as well as hundreds of French students who come to improve their skills in foreign languages. The city itself has a population of 125,000 and interestingly, is the birthplace of Victor Hugo and the Lumiere brothers. The town is also home to a 17th century citadel and multiple forts surrounding the city center.

Institution

The CLA (center of applied linguistics) of Besançon was founded in 1958. It was one of the first centers to develop a practical curriculum for language instruction, based on research in the teaching of applied linguistics, and oriented towards specific professional goals. Today, the CLA, part of the University of Franche-Comté, welcomes over 3,000 students each year from all parts of the globe.

Academic Program

University of Franch-Comté: Students with a sufficient level of French are able to enroll directly in regularly taught university classes. Courses are offered in the fields of humanities, language, medicine, law, economics, sports, sciences and technologies.

CLA: 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 students will take mandatory Oral, Writing and Grammar courses as well as the option for electives such as: Literature, Phonetics, Culture, Business, Translation and more.

There are also "Diplômes" (Diplomas) available for students enrolled in certain CLA courses that certify French proficiency and linguistic ability which include four university diplomas as well as the DELF/DALF diplomas (Certification of French Proficiency).

There are also excursions and other opportunites provided by the university such as visiting historical sites and cultural events in the area.

Academic Calendar

Summer Sessions:

May 2nd-27th 2011*

May 30th-June 24th 2011

July 4th-July 29th 2011

August 1st-26th 2011*

* these sessions cut into the 2011 Spring and Fall semester by a few days (Spring '11 ends May 6th, and Fall '11 Starts August 22nd)

Semester/Year Sessions:

Spring '11: January 24th 2011 - May 13th 2011

Fall '11: Mid-September - End of December (exact dates to follow)