Introduction
The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Study Abroad Center offers undergraduate students the opportunity to study for the summer in Angers, France. On-site, the program is coordinated by Centre International d’Etudes Françaises (CIDEF) at the Université Catholique de l’Ouest. The program runs during the month of July in even-numbered years.
Students may choose from elementary through fourth-level French courses at the Université Catholique de l’Ouest.
*This program will be offered next in Summer 2026.
Host Institution
UHM participants will study at the Centre International d’Etudes Françaises (CIDEF) at the Université Catholique de l’Ouest. CIDEF was established in 1947 under the supervision of the Université Catholique de l’Ouest and specializes in teaching French language, culture, civilization, and literature courses to international students. The Université Catholique de l’Ouest has an enrollment of approximately 10,000 students, of which 1,500 are international students studying at CIDEF, representing 50 countries. CIDEF facilities include a library, language classes equipped with audiovisual equipment, language laboratories, an infirmary and a chapel. The language instructors hold appropriate teaching credentials.
CURRICULUM
Curriculum
The UHM summer in Angers program provides students an opportunity to fulfill UHM major, minor, elective and foreign language requirements for graduation.
The program runs during the month of July. All courses are taught at CIDEF. Upon arrival in Angers all students take a language placement exam (written and oral). According to the results of the placement exam, students are placed at the appropriate language level in order to maximize language learning. Students at each level will study French grammar, syntax, reading, writing, and conversation. Students receive four hours of intensive French instruction per day. Students earn 6 credits of French language at the appropriate level for classes completed.
COURSE OFFERINGS
- French 101-102 Elementary French (3 credits each): Intensive courses of full-time formal instruction in France at the beginning level in French language and culture.
- French 258-259 Intermediate French Abroad (3 credits each): Intensive courses of full-time formal instruction in France at the second-year level in French language and culture. Prerequisite: 102 or equivalent. Fulfills second-year foreign language requirement at UHM.
- French 358-359* Third-Level French Abroad (3 credits each): Intensive courses of full-time formal instruction in France at the third-year level in French language and culture. Prerequisite: 202, 259, 260 or equivalent. Fulfills UHM upper division elective credit requirements.
- French 458-459* Fourth-Level French Abroad (3 credits each): Intensive course of full-time formal instruction in France at the fourth-year level in French language and culture. Prerequisite: 359, 360 or equivalent. Fulfills UHM upper division elective credit requirements.
*Courses applicable toward a Certificate in French.
FACULTY RESIDENT DIRECTOR
The UHM Study Abroad Center appoints a designated UHM Resident Director when appropriate. The Resident Director oversees students’ academic progress, mentors and/or tutors all participants. All students must participate in experiential learning activities led by the Resident Director, in addition to taking classes at the host institution.
Summer 2026: TBD
Courses taken at Angers will appear on UHM transcripts as UHM credits.
Last updated Sep. 2024
LOCATION
Location
Having a reputation for the best spoken French in France and only an hour and a half away from Paris by TGV (high-speed train), Angers boasts a small college town atmosphere with a friendly community. Angers is located in the heart of the Loire valley on the banks of the Maine river, about 180 miles (300 kilometers) from Paris. The city of Angers has a population of over 200,000 and an agriculture-based economy known for its wine, liqueurs, flowers, textile, and clothing design industries.
Angers’ history began in the Middle Ages when it guarded the western gateway to the Châteaux de la Loire region. The massive stone walls of Angers once daunted potential attackers of the Dukes of Anjou. From the 13th century architecture of the Château d’Angers to the 14th-century tapestry of the Apocalypse (the largest and oldest in the world), Angers is rich in both historical and cultural heritage. Aside from cathedrals and museums, Angers offers connoisseurs of the contemporary arts an opportunity to participate in and/or observe contemporary dance, textile arts, theater, and international music. There are also numerous parks and gardens to muse in.
HOUSING
Housing
Students will live with a French host family. Breakfasts and dinners with the family are provided for the duration of the program. Lunch is available at the dining hall at the university. A major value of the homestay is that it provides students with the opportunity to closely interact with and learn from the host country nationals.
In addition to taking students beyond the public face of the French people, the everyday speaking and hearing of French in a natural setting facilitates students’ understanding of the culture and enhances language learning.
EXCURSIONS
Excursions & Extra-Curricular Activities
Five excursions are included in the program fees. CIDEF conducts weekly excursions to various regions of historical and geographical interest. These usually are L’Anjou troglodytique, Son et Lumière du “Puy du Fou,” Le Mont St. Michel/St. Malo, Normandy and Châteaux de la Loire. Students may also participate in a variety of extracurricular activities sponsored by the university, at an additional cost.
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FINANCES
Program Cost
| Summer 2024 | Summer 2025 |
| $5,194 | TBD |
Please see the budget sheet for more information.
Cost includes CIDEF tuition, homestay accommodation, all meals, four excursions, health insurance and UHM Study Abroad and other fees.
Roundtrip airfare between Honolulu and Paris, and transportation between Paris-CDG airport and Angers are not included; students have the option of taking the flight and train arranged by Third Eye Travel or making their own travel arrangements.
FINANCIAL AID
FOR UHM STUDENTS ONLY: In order to receive financial aid, please ensure that either: a) you are receiving financial aid during the current semester, or b) that you complete the Financial Aid application during the current semester. www.hawaii.edu/fas
NON-UHM STUDENTS (those attending other colleges and universities during the regular school year) must apply for financial aid at their home institutions.
SCHOLARSHIPS
See the Money Matters page for a list of possible scholarships.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission Requirements
Students are eligible to study abroad as early as the second semester of their Freshman year or later.
The program is designed primarily for undergraduate students interested in studying French language and culture from beginning to advanced levels. The minimum requirement is a cumulative GPA of 3.0. However, students with a lower GPA may be considered in exceptional cases. Non-native English-speaking students must have taken the TOEFL exam within the last two years and earned a composite score of 600+ or have passed the UHM ELI placement exam.
Admission to the program is selective. All applicants for the program will be judged on their academic performance, reasons for wishing to attend the program, flexibility, and sensitivity to other cultures, and ability to adjust to a new cultural setting.
Immediately upon acceptance to the program, students are required to pay a $500.00 non-refundable initial payment to ensure a place in the program. The initial payment will be applied toward the cost of the program.
Please note that students accepted to the program are required to attend three mandatory pre-departure class sessions totaling 12 hours. Failure to attend will result in students being withdrawn from the program.
Application
A completed Study Abroad Center application and two academic references must be received by the Study Abroad Center to receive consideration.
Students from outside the UH System must also submit official transcripts from every college attended.
The Study Abroad Center is closed on weekends, and Federal and State holidays.
PROGRAM DATES
- Summer 2024: Jul. 1 – Jul. 27
- Summer 2026: TBD
DEADLINES
- Summer 2024: Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, 4:00pm HST
- Summer 2026: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, 4:00pm HST
DETAILS
Majors: Open to all majors
Most suitable for: French language
INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
- TBD
ADVISING
Schedule an Appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor on STAR Balance.