French

The Department of French has provided information for students who plan to study abroad. Review your department’s responses to the Major Advising Questionnaires below, then contact the department directly with any additional questions.

Advising Resources

Study Abroad Information on the French Website

French Advising Contact Information

Major-Specific Info

The French Department encourages its students to spend a semester or a year in a French-speaking country.   Students consolidate their oral fluency in French and enrich their cultural fluency through full-immersion study in French universities, and with homestays with French host families.  Returning students report that they learn to think and even dream in French by the end of their sojourn.  Pre-approved coursework for the major and minor ensures smooth integration of EAP coursework with UCB major and minor requirements.

Why study abroad?

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.

When can I study abroad?

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.

Where can I study abroad?

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)
What classes can I take?

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/

Berkeley Programs Questionnaire

Does your department currently sponsor a Berkeley Summer Abroad or Berkeley Global Internships program?

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

Do any courses offered on a Berkeley Summer Abroad or Berkeley Global Internships program currently satisfy requirements within your major?

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.

UCEAP Programs Questionnaire

What is the maximum amount of major credit given for courses taken during UCEAP? Is this maximum calculated by number of courses or by units of credit?

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.

Does your department maintain a list of courses previously awarded credit on UCEAP and/or a list of pre-approved courses for UCEAP programs? How do students access this information?

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

Does your department have a 4-year or 2-year plan available to students that incorporates semester or year-length study abroad? How do students access this information?

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

What is the process in your department to have courses evaluated? What materials must be submitted? What is the timeframe for response?

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.

Are students in your department able to undertake a senior honors thesis the semester following UCEAP participation?

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.

Does your department calculate UCEAP grades into departmental GPA?

Yes.

Are UCEAP grades counted towards departmental honors?

Yes.

If you represent a department which teaches foreign language, does your department award major credit for the courses taken during the Intensive Language Program (ILP) portion of the UCEAP program?

Yes.

Does the undergraduate adviser sign the UCEAP academic planning form, or must a faculty adviser sign?

The Undergraduate Major Advisor signs the form.

Does your department place Academic holds on declared majors prior to each registration period? If yes, what is your departmental policy on releasing advising holds for students currently abroad on UCEAP (e.g. is advising possible via email, skype, etc.)?

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

Do you have any department specific advice for students participating on a UCEAP program in their last term at Berkeley?

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.

Independent Programs Questionnaire

Have any Independent programs been approved by your department and the Study Abroad Advisory board for credit in the major?

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.

Are there any pre-approved courses for your major from other UC summer abroad programs (UCLA, UCD, etc.)?

No.

What is the process to have a course from an Independent study abroad program evaluated for your major?

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.