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 and IE3's application, 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 and IE3's application, 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 and IE3's application, 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 and IE3's application, please visit IE3’s Lyon: Direct Enroll page.
