Graduate Exchange Program
Graduate students who have enrolled in the M.A. Program in European Studies have the opportunity to participate in our graduate level exchange with the University of Lyon 2 and Sciences Po Lyon. Please note: This exchange is limited to students in the M.A. Program in European Studies.
The exchange program allows qualified students to participate in regular Lyon 2 and Sciences Po Lyon graduate level classes alongside other French students. While students may take classes in more than one academic area, students will need to review their proposed course selections with their UVA advisor.
Location
Lyon is France's second largest city and is immersed in a rich historical and cultural tradition all its own. With approximately 1 million inhabitants, Lyon has the liveliness and energy of an urban setting yet avoids some of the pitfalls of the Paris metropolis. Housing is more affordable; the pace of life is a bit slower; cultural life is abundant; and the cuisine is every bit as good, if not better! Lyon has the reputation of being the gastronomic capital of France.
Located at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers, Lyon is—and always has been—a unique crossroads of European cultures. The city's close proximity to Switzerland and Italy, not to mention Provence, makes it an ideal base for traveling. For those interested in touring the wine country of the Rhone valley, Lyon is a logical place to start. Thanks to the TGV (France's high-speed train), Lyon is no more than two hours from Paris. Students can purchase yearly train passes that, under certain conditions, reduce the round trip Paris/Lyon fare. In Lyon, the university is just one part of a diverse, lively city, and, as a result, American students will not hear English spoken at every café terrace as might occur in some other common destinations for study abroad in France. These are just some of the reasons that one might choose to live in Lyon while studying abroad.
Academics
Curriculum
French Literature and Culture; Anthropology and Sociology; Geography; History; Art History; Tourism; Languages; Letters and Arts; Economics; Communication; Psychology; Education; Political Sciences; Management; etc.
Courses
While in France each student will take a full load of courses. As part of the application, students will be asked to pre-select a range of courses prior to departure with the understanding that certain modifications may have to be made once in Lyon.
Credits
UVA Students: this is a transfer credit program.
Terms
Fall Term: late August- mid January
Spring Term: beginning January - mid May
Courses in Advanced French
For an additional fee of approximately 1500 Euros, UVA students who have not completed the prerequisiste of FREN 3032 (The Reading and Writing of Texts) have the option of enrolling in an entire semester of 3000-level advanced coursework in French during the regular academic year. These courses are offered under the auspices of the Université Lumière Lyon 2's highly reputed International Center for the Study of French (CIEF - Centre international d'etudes francaises).
CIEF Brochure de l'annee
All students have the option of taking a not-for-credit advanced French language class at the CIEF. This class meets for two hours each week throughout the semester and is free of charge.
Program Director
Professor Cécile Rey
Department of French
chr2u@virginia.edu
Accommodation
Students will find housing for the duration of the program in Lyon with the help of the UVA on-site manager. The typical cost of housing ranges from 600-650 Euros per month (assuming apartments are shared), and students should expect to pay housing for a full five month period.
Students may find this document helpful: Lyon Housing Booklet from CIEF
Program Alumna Casey Cordrey '13, French & Foreign Affairs
"Having a full, five month semester in France's second largest city enabled me to really gain a sense of familiarity with the geography and the people."
Cost
There are a variety of associated costs and expenses when studying abroad. The information provided below is a guide to help you plan and budget. Additional resources are available on your host university's website at the link above.
Tuition and Fees: You will pay your regular tuition rate and fees to UVA for the term you are on a UVA Exchange Program. Tuition and fees will be billed to your SIS account and can be paid as normal.
Housing and Meals: Students will find housing for the duration of the program in Lyon with the help of the UVA on-site manager. Be sure to budget for meals as well.
Travel and Travel Documents: You are responsible for booking and paying for your own international airfare, as well as researching and obtaining any required visa(s) or residency permits. You should also budget for in-country transportation costs.
Insurance: The ISO will purchase your CISI insurance coverage for you. More information can be found on our insurance page.
Additional Expenses: You should be prepared to purchase required books and supplies. Also budget for additional personal expenses, including laundry, phone costs, personal travel, meals out, etc.
French Social Security Law: French Social Security law requires that all international students under the age of 28 who will be staying in France for longer than three months pay the full year of social security insurance. The estimated cost is about 215 Euros. UVA students must pay this fee upon official registration at Lyon 2 at the beginning of the semester. Students will also purchase "responsabilité civile" insurance (20 Euros) prior to or at the beginning of the orientation program.
French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) Requirement: French law requires all students studying in France longer than six months to submit a residence form upon arrival in France, to undergo a medical exam organized by the OFII and to pay a 55 Euro tax (cost subject to change). Students should bring their birth certificate to France. Additional documents may be required, please see French consulate website.
Expected Expenses
- UVA Tuition and Fees
- Accommodation and Meals
- International Airfare
- Books and Supplies
- CISI Insurance
- Local Transportation
- Passport and Visa
- Personal Expenses
- French Social Security Insurance
- OFII (Year students only)
Accessibility
The University of Virginia believes in providing reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities on an individual and flexible basis. If you believe that you would require adjustments in order to fully participate in this program, please contact the Student Disability Access Center at 434-243-5180 as early as possible in order to begin this dialogue.
Passport and Visa
All participants will need a valid passport in order to participate in the program. Students must ensure that their passport is valid at least six months past the program return date. US passport holders will need a visa to participate in this program. The ISO will assist with the visa application process by providing the required enrollment letters and guidance on the visa application process, however the responsibility of applying for a student visa falls on the student. Please visit the Campus France (link: http://www.usa.campusfrance.org/en/) website to review the expectations and requirements for a student visa. International students should meet with their International Student Advisor and Education Abroad Advisor in the International Studies Office as part of the application process.
Health and Safety Information
All students considering Education Abroad should consult the Students Abroad section of the U.S. Department of State’s web-based travel resources and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Traveler’s Health web resources to research health, safety, and security conditions; visa requirements; immunization requirements; and recommendations on staying healthy and safe in their target destination(s). Students should also carefully review the UVA Education Abroad Health & Safety Abroad web page. Parents and guardians are strongly advised to review all of these resources, as well. UVA students and visiting students enrolled in UVA Education Abroad programs are subject to the University of Virginia’s Policy on Student International Travel.
