Many students in the French major and minor programs at UC Berkeley complete some portion of their undergraduate study abroad through Berkeley Study Abroad (BSA). Given the increasing globalization of our world, living abroad helps expand their understanding of diverse, culturally- rooted attitudes and behaviors. Studying abroad enhances cross-cultural awareness, competency, and adaptability. Students find that living and studying abroad expands their perspective, improves critical thinking, increases independence, and better prepares them for a career in an increasingly competitive world.

Improve your knowledge of the language you have already studied by using it for everyday life as well as intellectual endeavors. Learn how to better express your thoughts on complex topics and follow your interests in French. Participate more fully in national and international politics and events. Benefit from greater access to French films, music, and the visual and dramatic arts.

The intellectual and personal growth students experience during their time abroad will serve them well throughout their lives. Participating in BSA provides further advantages when it comes to the challenges of graduate school and a competitive job market.

While it is possible for students to go abroad at almost any point in their academic careers, the particular quarter, semester, or year that you study abroad depends on what courses you plan to take. Students interested in language and culture programs, or in fulfilling major preparation and General Education requirements, can participate as early as their sophomore year. Students wanting to fulfill upper division major requirements should, in most cases, go abroad in their junior or senior years.

These are a variety of short-term and year-long programs in multiple locations in France. Possibilities include:

Intensive Language and Culture

- UC Center, Paris (Summer, Fall)

- University of Bordeaux (Fall, Spring)

Immersion Programs

- University of Bordeaux (Fall, Spring, Year)

- University of Lyon (Fall, Spring, Year)

Special Focus Programs

- Only in Paris, UC Center, Paris (Fall)

- Political Science, Sciences Po, Paris or Reims (Fall, Spring, Year)

- Global & International Studies, University of Geneva (Spring)

- Berkeley Summer Abroad, Language, Culture, and History in Paris

- Berkeley Global Internships, Paris (Summer)

Equivalent coursework in the French major or minor must follow these guidelines:

- Course must be conducted in French

- Course must be taken for a letter grade

- Course (or approved combination of courses) must be equivalent in course hours to approximately 4 semester units

- Course content must be equivalent to an upper division French course offered at UC Berkeley and accepted toward French Major or Minor course requirements

- A maximum of 4 equivalent courses can be applied toward the French Major

- A maximum of 2 equivalent courses can be applied toward the French Minor

- Please consult the list of pre-approved courses: https://french.berkeley.edu/study-abroad/

Yes: Berkeley Summer Abroad: French Language, Culture, and History in Paris, France; and Berkeley Global Internships: Paris, France.

Yes, in consultation with the French Undergraduate Major Advisor. No coursework from BSA counts, however Berkeley Global Internships can count for up to one class towards the major or minor.

During study abroad, students can earn up to two classes (8 units) towards the minor and up to four classes (16 units) towards the major. Coursework must have the equivalent number of units (i.e. a class that = 2.7 units counts as 2/3rds of a class and would need to be “bundled” with another class to be the equivalent of one class). All coursework must be upper division, taught in immersion, and for a grade.

Yes. A list of pre-approved courses is available on the French Department website. 

The French Undergraduate Major Advisor  is always available to meet with students who wish to build a plan that incorporates study abroad.

Courses listed on the pre-approved list, and taken for a letter grade, can be counted toward major and minor requirements, as indicated. Courses that are not listed on the pre-approved list can be submitted by the student to the department for review prior to departure or while abroad.  Students studying abroad should send course descriptions and/or any information they have on a course during enrollment to the Undergraduate Major Advisor for preliminary review. Courses are reviewed as needed by either the Department Chair or Undergraduate Faculty Advisor. Final confirmation of courses for credit is made with a complete syllabus either offered by the instructor or created by the student throughout the semester.

Yes, however they should contact the Undergraduate Major Advisor and begin the initiation process prior to departure or while abroad to ensure timely enrollment into the Honors course upon return.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

The Undergraduate Major Advisor signs the form.

The French Department does not place advising holds prior to registration.

It is always a good idea to consult with the undergraduate adviser when planning your study abroad. Oftentimes EAP programs in France end after UCB graduation ceremonies, so if a student is keen to “walk”, they may miss this opportunity.

Yes, the CIEE French and Critical Studies program. The Institute for Field Education, in partnership with UCEAP, is also approved. The department is open to other independent programs and would consider each on a case-by-case basis.

No.

Meet with the French Undergraduate Major Advisor prior to enrolling in an independent program to review course content and unit value for possible articulation with major or minor requirements.  Keep in touch once you are in France about your actual course list, as there are sometimes changes.