French


General Planning Tips For French

  • Start planning for your study abroad experience early. You can take general education, KU Core, elective and French courses abroad and still stay on track for graduation. France is obviously an ideal destination for French language and culture studies; however, other possibilities include overseas regions of France and Francophone countries. 
  • Study abroad is a great way to satisfy your KU Core requirements.  Therefore, it is a good idea to reserve some of your KU Core classes to take abroad.  
  • Scholarships are available for study abroad both through KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement and national organizations. The Department of French & Italian offers scholarships for both semester and full academic year language study in French-speaking countries. Research your opportunities early.
  • U.S. Specific Courses: Students should take the KU Core Goal 6 capstone course (FREN 495, 499, 530, 592 or 593) at KU.

When To Go

Freshman and Sophomore

  • Schedule a meeting with a French advisor during your first semester at KU to discuss your four year plan and identify specific courses as well as specific timing opportunities for your study abroad experience.
  • After you’ve met with your academic advisor, continue your program research by visiting the KU Study Abroad Info Center in Lippincott Hall. Study abroad peer advisors can help you to identify suitable study abroad options based upon the information you received from your advisor.
  • Studying abroad usually requires two letters of recommendation, so it’s good to start identifying individuals who can speak to your academic qualifications as well as your ability to be successful during an international experience.
  • If you plan to take mostly general education, elective and/or KU Core courses abroad, the spring semester of your freshman year, or either semester of your sophomore year are ideal times to do that. The summer after your freshman or sophomore year is a great time to participate in the KU faculty-led Language Institute in Paris or to gain some experience through an international internship.

Junior and Senior

  • The ideal times for a French major to study French language and culture courses abroad are either semester of junior or senior year. Application deadlines are typically on October 1st for spring programs and March 1st for fall programs.
  • There is significant flexibility with your course sequencing during this time. Some sample junior and senior level French courses that are commonly offered abroad include FREN 310, FREN 350, FREN 352, FREN 375, FREN 376, various FREN culture courses, and various FREN culture courses.

Courses and Credit 

  • French faculty have already pre-approved a number of French courses abroad.  To see available pre-approved courses, visit the Course Equivalencies Database.
  • If you want to take a class/classes that have not been pre-approved, complete the credit approval process.

Recommended Programs For French

Programs Offering French Courses in France

Language Institute in Paris

Recommended Timing: Summer - after freshman or sophomore year

Sample courses: FREN 230, FREN 240, FREN 375, FREN 376, FREN 440

Université​ Catholiqué de l’Ouest, C.I.D.E.F. - Angers, France

Recommended Timing: Either semester - junior year

Sample courses: FREN 120, FREN 230, FREN 240, FREN 300, FREN 310, FREN 350, FREN 352, FREN 375, various French culture and literature courses

Université​ de Jean Monnet de Saint-E​tienne

Recommended Timing: Fall semester - junior or senior year

Sample courses: various French language and culture courses

Université​ Savoie Mont Blanc

Recommended Timing: Fall semester - sophomore or junior year

Sample courses: various French language and culture courses

Programs Offering French Courses in Overseas France Regions and Francophone Countries

École de Langues de l’Université Laval - Québec, Canada

Recommended Timing: Summer - after freshman or sophomore year OR Fall semester - junior or senior year

Sample courses: various French language courses

CIEE Senegal Language and Culture - Dakar, Senegal

Recommended Timing: Either semester - sophomore or junior year

Sample courses: various French language courses, Wolof language courses, African Society Through Contemp. Lit., Atlantic Slave Trade, Colonization and Decolonization, Crisis Mgmt and Int'l Law in Africa, Dvlpmt Econ., Education and Culture in Senegal, Gender and Dvlpmt in Senegal and Sub-Saharan Africa, Intercultural Comm. and Leadership, Public Health and Dvlpmt in Senegal and Africa

Université de la Réunion - Island of La Ré​union

Recommended Timing: Either semester - junior or senior year

Sample courses: various French language and literature courses, Creole courses, economics courses, geography courses, history courses

Programs Offering Internship Experience

Internships in Dublin, Ireland

Internships in Germany

Internships in London, England

Internships in Shanghai, China

Internships in Sydney, Australia