Study Abroad

France
Exchange Program

 Exchange Program fees are set based on UW-L tuition, fees, housing, and meal plan charges.  Fee inclusion varies by program.  Please refer to the Fees link on this website for more information.		 Caen

University of Caen

Open to Business Master Students Only

UNIVERSITY OF CAEN
UW-La Crosse and the University of Caen have maintained a successful exchange of students and faculty for more than 15 years. The Centre d'Enseignement Universitaire International Pour Etrangers (CEFE), the university's center for international students, provides language classes designed to help students improve their French while offering courses in other subjects. Although UW-L students take the majority of their coursework at the CEUIE, students with French proficiency may also make arrangements to attend integrated University of Caen courses.

The University of Caen was founded in 1432 by King Henry VI of England. The university opened in its modern, post-war form in 1957. The campus is centrally located in the city and has approximately 16,000 students. The University of Caen is a major regional university, offering instructions in the traditional disciplines along with schools of medicine, law, pharmacy, physical education, and the Franco American Center for the study of business. The Centre d'Enseignement Universitaire International Pour Etrangers (CEUIE) is housed in a new, modern facility and provides instruction in French for approximately 350 students from more than 25 different countries.

CAEN, LOWER NORMANDY
Caen provides an ideal location for students interested in learning more about France, its language, and its people. In the 11th Century, William the Conqueror chose Caen as an official residence and directed the construction of several important monuments that still stand today. The city suffered greatly during the final phases of World War II, but it has been rebuilt and is now a modern, thriving city of 200,000 inhabitants. Excellent museums and a municipal theater contribute to its rich cultural life.

Caen is the capital of Lower Normandy, renowned for its mild climate, meadows, and beaches, as well as its cheeses, cider and "calvados" (apple brandy). The famous seaside resorts of Deauville and Cabourg, together with nearby Mont Saint-Michel are milestones in everyone's image of France. Paris is only two hours away by train, and a car-ferry links Caen with Portsmouth, England. The city itself has an excellent bus system, which provides efficient, convenient transportation.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Instruction at the CEFE ranges from beginning to advanced levels of French language study. Students with prior French training are given a placement examination to determine the level of their course of study. An optional three-week intensive language program precedes the start of the fall semester (not included in program fee). Students with advanced language skills can also enroll in regular university courses with French students in a large number of academic fields.

The French Language Program consists of the following levels:

Level IV (Intermediate) Certificate of French Studies
 Written and oral comprehension, grammar, corrective phonetics, civilization, language and French civilization.

Level V (Upper-intermediate) Diploma of French Studies
 Written and oral comprehension, advanced grammar, contemporary civilization, and 7 hours of optional courses.

Level VI (Advanced) Diploma of Superior French Studies
 Oral expression, written comprehension, grammar, and 12 hours of optional courses.

Optional Courses for Levels V and VI include:

  • Communication and Media
  • Global Simulation
  • French Media and Multimedia
  • Business and Society
  • Business French
  • Legal French
  • Economic and Social Geography
  • History
  • Rhetoric and Argument
  • Literature an the History of Literature
  • Contemporary and Francophone Literature

English courses are also available:  (Note: the following courses offered are at the master’s level)
(24 hours + final exam)

  • Corporate Financial Management (November) taught by Dr. Aiuppa, UWL
  • Business Communication (December) taught by a professor from Minnesota
  • International Finance (January) taught by a professor from Minnesota
  • Leadership/Project Management (January and March) taught by a professor from Minnesota
  • Legal Environment of Business in the US/Business Contracts (January and March) taught by a professor from Minnesota
  • Marketing in the North American Environment (March) taught by a professor from Tennessee
  • International Economics (April) taught by a professor from Louisiana
  • International Marketing (May) taught by a professor from Texas
  • Information System (May) taught by a professor from Arizona

COURSE EQUIVALENCIES
The course equivalencies spreadsheets have been compiled from past approved Academic Plan forms.  They show when the course was last approved and how it transferred back to La Crosse.  You may notice that some classes satisfied several UWL options.

This list is not comprehensive nor does it take the place of  meeting with your advisor for final approval!  They are meant to be a guide of what courses may be appropriate for your studies abroad.

HOUSING AND MEALS
The program fee includes housing in campus residence halls in single rooms with a washbasin. Shared bathroom facilities are located on each floor. You will receive a set meal stipend each month to purchase meals in one of three restaurants on campus. There are also numerous cafes and restaurants near the university and in the city. For an additional fee housing can be arranged in private homes including breakfast (petit dejeuner) and a stipend for lunch and dinner on campus.

PASSPORTS & VISAS
Before you travel abroad, you will need to obtain a passport, which will serve as proof of your U.S. citizenship. A passport may allow you to gain entry to (and exit from) other countries. Depending on the country to which you're traveling, a visa may be required as well. Entry requirements vary from one country to another. The U.S. State Department issues travel warnings specific to certain countries, and offers tips and publications relevant to travel abroad generally. Well in advance of your departure, you should also familiarize yourself with international travel health issues, and health recommendations specific to your destination.

PROGRAM DATES
Academic Year: mid-September to late-May
Spring Semester: early-February to late-May
Due to the academic calendar at most French universities, a fall-only program is not possible.
For more precise dates refer to the Program Dates.

ADMISSION CRITERIA
2.5 GPA minimum, 2.75+ GPA preferred
Second-semester sophomore standing (45 credits minimum)
4 semesters college-level French minimum (FRE 202 or the equivalent)
Open to students from other universities

PROGRAM FEE
The program fee includes the following:

  • Tuition (15 credits) and Administrative Fees
  • Housing in dormitories
  • Meal Stipend
  • Orientation to Study Abroad Class
  • Study Abroad Health Insurance (required by UW System)
  • International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
  • Study Abroad Graduation Sash

Airfare is not included in the program price.
Financial Aid is applicable to program fees.
Refer to Program Fees for the most current program fee.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
http://www.unicaen.fr
http://www.unicaen.fr/ceuie
 Tips and Advice from Program Alumni

Office of International Education
1209 Centennial Hall
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601 USA

Telephone: 608-785-8016 Fax: 608-785-8923 E-Mail: studyabroad@uwlax.edu