Angers, France Semester Program
This program is currently not accepting applications. The software for study abroad is being updated. Applications will be accepted again starting January 15, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact the CWIL office at abroad@saintmarys.edu.
Angers lies in the heart of the Loire Valley, an hour and half from Paris by high-speed rail and an hour’s drive from LeMans, the founding site of the Holy Cross Congregation. With the sixteenth largest population of France, Angers is the capital of Anjou, a famous wine producing region. The university town offers a great diversity of cultural activities: a 13th century castle, numerous museums, film festivals, theatres and music.
Program of Study
Students enroll in courses at the
Université Catholique de l’Ouest (UCO) for the fall, spring, full academic year, or the four week summer session.
Students who have previously taken French and want to immerse themselves in the French language take courses at UCO's Institute of French as a Foreign Language, CIDEF. Students enroll in language courses and, depending on level, one or two content courses toward their SMC degree. The fall semester and the full year program start with a language intensive period to immerse oneself in the language. Students with advanced language skills may take courses in the regular curriculum at UCO. Language classes will normally apply toward a French major or minor.
Housing
Students in Angers may select housing in UCO international residence halls or in homestays with local families, which come highly recommended for French language acquisition and proficiency. All homestays are located an easy transportation distance from the college. Public transportation includes a city tram and bicycles are provided to city residents. In the home students are provided with a room, all breakfasts and three dinners per week, plus access to the kitchen. For other meals a cash food allowance is provided which students may use at their discretion to eat at the university cafeteria, local restaurants, or to purchase food to cook at home.
Transportation, Cost, and Financial Aid
Students provide their own round-trip transportation to France, as well as within Europe. An international student ID card (ICIS) will make you eligible for discount rates on French trains. Eurail passes, for periods of unlimited train travel in a number of European countries, may be purchased in the U.S. prior to departure.
Students pay the standard Saint Mary's College tuition rate and a $1600 study abroad fee. Room and board rates will be slightly higher than if you were studying on the SMC campus. Additionally, each program has a standard accommodation package. If accommodations are elected that are not included in the standard package, room and board rates will be adjusted accordingly. All students who plan to study abroad are required to pay a $500 non-refundable deposit by April 30th (for Fall Semester) or November 30th (for Spring Semester). When abroad, the deposit will be applied to the student's overall study abroad balance.
Most Saint Mary's College financial aid can be applied to the semester or year in France but not to the summer program. There are a few financial aid awards from Saint Mary's College that cannot be used while studying abroad, please check with the Office of Financial Aid about your specific aid eligibility.
Day trips provided by the Université Catholique de l’Ouest to various locations in the Loire Valley are included in the cost of the program.
Insurance
Saint Mary's College provides international health insurance to all students abroad through
GeoBlue insurance company. Students on any Saint Mary's study abroad program are automatically enrolled and the fee is included in the cost of the program.
Eligibility and Requirements
Students are invited to attend various information/orientation sessions held throughout the year about the Angers Program. Students must complete at least one semester of Intermediate French (two are recommended) prior to study in Angers. Students must have an overall 2.5 GPA and a B average in French at the time of application. Admission to the program is finalized through UCO. The student will need a letter of recommendation from her French professor to assess her language skill level. It is important that participating students positively represent Saint Mary’s College while abroad. A successful candidate is expected to have an exemplary disciplinary record, emotional maturity, and an openness to new experiences and other cultures.
For more information, contact:
Rebecca Méndez
Assistant Director of International Programs
Center for Women's Intercultural Leadership
(574) 284-4740
rmendez@saintmarys.edu
