Location
The University of Notre Dame has offered a year-long program of study in France since 1966, when the Stage Université Notre-Dame en France (SUNDEF) was created in association with the Université Catholique de l’Ouest, located in the provincial city of Angers. Angers, with a population of approximately 240,000 in the metropolitan area, is the capital of the former province of Anjou and of the present Department of Maine-et-Loire. Situated in the historic Loire Valley at the confluence of the Maine and Loire rivers, Angers is less than two hours by train from Paris and about one hour from the Atlantic port city of Nantes. The region has long been known for slate production, vineyards, orchards and commercial flower growing. The city’s cathedral dates from the 12th century; the 13th-century castle, built on the banks of the river Maine, was built by Saint Louis. Old city walls have now given way to broad tree-lined boulevards and modern architecture, but the heart of the city, with its winding, narrow streets and old houses, maintains its medieval charm.
Program of Study
SUNDEF operates in conjunction with the Université Catholique’s Centre International d’Etudes Françaises (CIDEF) under the supervision of a member of the Notre Dame faculty. Year-long study in Angers is encouraged, but semester students are accepted. The academic year includes a four-week preliminary session (the Préstage) in September followed by a fall semester (mid-October to February) and a spring semester (mid-February to June). The Préstage, taught by professors from the Université Catholique de l’Ouest (the Catho) offers intensive language instruction and an opportunity to adapt slowly to French university traditions. Students earn three academic credits for this intensive session. Optional excursions offered by the program include the chateaux of the Loire Valley and the Atlantic coastal communities.
Courses fulfill curricular requirements or electives at the University of Notre Dame. Students may choose from courses offered for international students through CIDEF, or a limited number of specially designed courses taught by SUNDEF adjuncts or the Notre Dame faculty member then serving as director of the program. Students with high levels of proficiency in French who are tested at the top two levels (8 and 9) at CIDEF upon arrival may take regular courses in the Catho. Students who choose to take courses at Catho must enroll during the first week in residence in Angers and must adhere to UCO calendar. The required course load is 15 credits. Core courses include French Language, French Literature, History of the Arts, History, Philosophy and Theology. Specially designed courses vary from year to year. Descriptions of recent offerings can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin of the University of Notre Dame or click here for links to course information.
A year-long direct enrollment program is available to a limited number of students with high proficiency in French language and who have a positive recommendation submitted with the original application from a professor of French at Notre Dame. This option is by invitation only and invited students will go through an interview process. In this option, students enroll in the CIDEF Préstage during the month of August, and then matriculate directly in the Université Catholique for the two regular semesters of the academic year, where they study alongside students from France and from other member states of the European Union.
Grades are assigned according to the American system, and course results are entered on student records at the University of Notre Dame, where they are included in the computation of grade point averages.
 Eligibility for the Program
The program in France is open to qualified students of the University of Notre Dame. A limited number of students from other institutions may be accepted if space permits. While most of the participants are sophomores and juniors, seniors may participate with approval of the chair of their major department and the dean of their college. Most participants have studied French in high school. All candidates must have completed intensive beginning French or the equivalent and must participate in orientation sessions in preparation for going to Angers.
Candidates must have a strong overall average and at least a B average in French. They must demonstrate adaptability to new situations, desire and motivation for residence and study abroad, and be free of serious moral, social or psychological problems. Participants are chosen by a selection committee for International Study Programs. Application deadline: November 15 for Academic Year, Fall, and Spring programs in the following academic year.
Additional Information
There is much more we can tell you — about this location, vibrant religious, cultural and recreational life of this community ... about the student housing, transportation, health care and much, much more. It is, after all, the details that make this program so appealing. Interested? Just click here for additional information. |
