Tell your "amis" about CIDEF!


Spring 2010
Student Blog

See the Department Chair in Foreign Languages for course approvals.

Good Academic Standing
Good Judicial Standing

Spring 2010:October 1st (FIRM DEADLINE)
Summer 2010: March 1rst (FIRM DEADLINE)
Fall 2010: March 1st, 2009 (FIRM DEADLINE)

EIU Application Materials
Course Approval Form
CIDEF Application (fill-in online and print out; form cannot be submitted online, but deposit can be made online)
CIDEF Application (Summer)

Also, please complete the Health History before you go to Health Services for your Travel Consultation (as indicated in your EIU Application checklist)
Study Abroad Health History

All Application Materials should be turned in to the Office of Study Abroad in 1207 Blair Hall by the appropriate deadline.

Disclaimer: EIU does not own, operate or sponsor this program.

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. 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.

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.

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:

• Le Mont Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo
• Les châteaux de la Loire: Ambroise, Azay-le-Rideau, Blois, Chambord, Chaumont, Chenonceau, Cheverny
• Les plages du débarquement en Normandie

Angers is, above all, a youthful town. 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.

You have three housing options at CIDEF:

1. Residence Halls/Foyers - You must contact the residence hall director/coordinator directly to secure housing. Men should inquire early, as there is only one hall reserved for men.
2. Home stay - CIDEF will place you with a family in Angers.
3. Apartment - If you choose this option, you will have to find housing in Angers on your own.

There is a cafeteria on campus that is open from 9am to 4pm.

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

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 web site 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. **