IE3: Lyon Exchange

Language Requirement: 1 Year
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or Above
Location: Europe, France
GPA: 2.75
Program Overview

The Lyon exchange program is ideal for students in a variety of majors who have a background in French language and are hoping to experience French cultural immersion. This program is run through Oregon State University’s IE3 Global Office. The program offers several options for students at higher or lower levels of French: a yearlong exchange with direct enrollment in a French university, semester and yearlong language institutes, or English-taught classes in international studies, political science, or business.

For further information about the program, including dates and course information, please visit: IE3: Lyon Exchange

Dates and Deadlines
To confirm the exact program dates, please consult IE3.
Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Spring Semester 2024 10/15 Early January Mid-May
Fall Semester 2024 03/31 Late August Mid-December
Academic Year 2024-25 03/31 Late August Mid-May
Academic Details

The academic program begins with a "stage," an intensive cultural and linguistic orientation course for international students for which you will receive UO credits. During the stage, you will complete a language skills evaluation that determines French language class placement levels and/or confirms that you are ready for direct enrollment in general university courses taught in French.

French Language Institute
There are two French language institutes in Lyon: the Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises (ILCF), and the Centre International d'Études Françaises (CIEF). Semester-only students enroll at the CIEF. Year-long students entering the program may be able to move into the direct enroll program after one semester of intensive language study, if their French proficiency allows.

Students are placed using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which is an international standard for describing language ability. It describes language ability on a six-point scale, from A1 for beginners, up to C2 for those who have mastered a language. This does not align precisely with the system generally used by UO and other American insitutions, however here are self-assesment grids in French and English for reference.

For more information, visit IE3’s Lyon: French Language page.

Business (Most courses taught in English)
The business program allows you to choose from ESDES at the Université Catholique de Lyon, or SELF at Université Jean Moulin - Lyon 3. Core business courses are taught in English, but you will also take a French language course.

Most courses in this program translate as 2 credit courses through UO. Work with your academic advisor to figure out how courses can be combined to fill major/minor requirements.

For more information, visit IE3’s Lyon: Business page.

International Studies, and Political Science (Most courses taught in English)

If you are interested in international studies and/or political science, you  have the option to spend a semester at Sciences Po – Lyon, a French “grande école” for the study of politics, government and public administration. Please note, students participating in the Direct Enroll option can take regular Sciences Po – Lyon courses as part of their program.

For more information, visit IE3’s Lyon: DFES (Diploma of French & European Studies) page.

Year-Long Exchange/Direct Enroll
Students may select from direct enrollment courses offered at any of the five partner universities in Lyon, with academic programs in wide range of topics in science, liberal arts, and language. 

For more information, please visit IE3’s Lyon: Direct Enroll page.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional requirements
  • For Graduate Students: a GPA of 3.25 or above
  • For Business or Sciences Po Lyon: One year college-level French, or placement in FR 201 or higher by the start of the program.
  • For Business:  declared and admitted major or minor in business or international studies with an international business focus.
  • For Sciences Po: declared major or minor in Political Science, International Studies, European Studies, or related academic program, one year of college-level French or equivalent, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Direct Enroll: three years of college-level French or equivalent
Application process

Applications for IE3 programs involve two parts, both of which are due by the application deadline. Early application is advised. 

1. Completion of the GEO online application

2. Completion of the IE3 online application, which includes the following:

  • Essays
  • Two Recommendations
  • Official Transcripts

Application fees are due at the time the applications are submitted and are non-refundable under any circumstances.

Graduate Students (year-long program only)

In addition to the process described above and below, graduate student applicants must also complete the Graduate Enrollment in GEO Study Abroad Programs form. This form requires that you obtain pre-authorization for your program from your adviser, department head and the Graduate School.

Application Links