Program Highlights

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. It is ranked among the top five French cities offering the best quality of life. 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.



“CIDEF offers a high-quality academic experience to students from all over the world wishing to learn French. Opportunities to meet and make friends with other students and to compare ways of life are numerous. You learn how to communicate with people from all over the world.” 
Catherine Leblanc, CIDEF student

Academic Programs

At CIDEF, you will enter an intensive language program in French and be placed into the appropriate level courses based on your current language ability. More advanced speakers may also have the opportunity to take courses in French art history, history, culture, politics, philosophy, and literature, among others.

Cultural activities are available and prices will vary according to the activities. Examples of cultural activities: Cookery lessons, wine and cheese lessons, visits of the châteaux of Angers and Brissac, museums in Angers, Cointreau museum, visit of a chocolate factory, Lafayette market, Loire boat trip, etc.

2021-2022 Brochure here

Academic Year 2020-2021 Courses



Student Life

CIDEF is just one program offered by l'Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO). While you will study with other international students, UCO is a French university which serves around 8,000 students on its Angers campus. You will have plenty of opportunities to join in on campus activities and meet French students (and practice your French!). CIDEF also offers excursions to the following locations:

• The Mont-Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo
• The Loire Châteaux
• The Château of Versailles
• The Gulf of Morbihan
• D-Day Normandy trip
• Giverny and Monet museum
• Anjou troglodytic village
• The Cinescénie of the Puy du Fou

Angers is, above all, a youthful town. Forty percent (40%) of the population in Angers is under the ago of 30, and the city is home to 15 institutions of higher education, creating a great social environment for students. There are over 30,000 students living and studying in Angers.

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.

BUREAU DES ÉCHANGES CULTURELS (BEC)
The BEC gives international students the opportunity to meet with French students, and spend time in a friendly atmosphere with French families wishing to share their way of life and culture.
It also organizes cultural events and sports activities:
- The “International evenings”
- peer mentoring between French and international students
- “International days” in local schools
- Contact with other UCO clubs and organizations (sports, humanitarian aid, culture…)
- Small ads service: baby-sitting, cultural exchange and language practicing, conversation training.




Housing

You have three housing options at CIDEF:

1. Homestay and board - There are two options for homestay:
   1. Option 1 includes homestay and access to the kitchen
   2. Option 2 includes homestay and access to the kitchen, breakfast, and 3 evening meals per week.
2. Apartment - If you choose this option, you will have to find housing in Angers on your own.
3. Residence Hall - To apply for a room, you must contact the hall of residence of your choice directly
   Foyer MERICI (female only) : 62 rue Mirabeau – 49000 ANGERS – (33) 2 41 25 35 00
   Foyer MARGUERITE D'ANJOU (female only) : 52 boulevard du Roi René - CSC60625 - 49106 ANGERS CEDEX 02 - (33) 2 41 20 24 00
   Foyer de l’ESVIERE (mixed gender) : 2 bis rue de l’Esvière - 49100 ANGERS – (33) 2 41 88 94 25
   Foyer ST AUBIN (male only) : 22 rue Donadieu de Puycharic - 49100 ANGERS – (33) 9 81 35 35 25
   Foyer DAVID D'ANGERS (mixed gender) : 22 rue David d'Angers - 49100 Angers - (33) 2 41 24 37 37

Learn more about housing options here.

**You are responsible for making all housing arrangements and payments directly to CIDEF/UCO.**

Foreign Entry Requirements

Passport
To enter France, you must have a valid passport. If you are a U.S. citizen and do not currently have a valid passport, or if your passport will expire during the time you will be overseas, please go to the U.S. State Department website for information on how to apply for/renew your passport.

Visa
Stays exceeding 90 days require a visa. To apply for a visa, it requires a passport (3 months validity after departure), 4 long-stay visa applications, 5 recent passport sized photos, 3 copies proof of sufficient funds, proof of valid medical insurance, 3 copies police clearance (obtained from police department in U.S.), and a letter certifying that no paid activity will occur. For more details on the application process, please contact the Embassy of France (202/944-6200 or http://www.info-france-usa.org/) or the General Consulate in Chicago (312/787-5359).

Travel Document Systems (TDS) can also provide you with helpful information on every country, including entry requirements, cultural information, travel conditions, economy, and more.

You are strongly encouraged to read the U.S. State Department's Consular Information Sheet. It will provide you with a great deal of information to help you prepare for your trip.

**Please be aware that you are responsible for obtaining the most up-to-date information on entry requirements. The Office of Study Abroad only provides general information, as visa regulations and procedures are constantly changing. Please consult the Consulate for more information. **

Please note that EIU does not own, operate, or sponsor this program.