University of Notre Dame: Angers - Study Abroad at Université Catholique de l'Ouest

A program ideally suited for year-long students, although semester students may apply. This program is particularly well suited for second-year students with intermediate levels of French. All courses are taught in French and may fulfill Notre Dame electives, or University requirements. Offered courses include French language, French literature, history, philosophy, theology, art history, political science, and the social sciences. The academic year begins with a four-week preliminary language-intensive session. Most students in the Angers program study at the CIDEF, an institute designed specifically to serve the needs of foreign language learners, located within the Université Catholique de l’Ouest (UCO). The CIDEF enrolls 1,500 students from 70 countries annually, making this a truly international opportunity to improve French language skills and familiarity with the culture. Students proficient in French and spending a year or spring semester in Angers may take one or two classes alongside French students at UCO. Students are housed in private homes, with families carefully chosen by the Notre Dame resident director and the UCO office of student services. Angers, a provincial city of about 250,000, is located in the Loire Valley. The heart of the city, with a 12th-century cathedral and a 13th-century castle, plus winding, narrow streets and old houses, maintains its medieval charm. Located less than two hours by fast train from Paris, Angers is a perfect gateway for exploring the Loire Valley, wider France, and Europe.