CIDEF (Centre International d’Études Francaises), Université Catholique de l’ouest
The Université catholique de l’ouest (UCO) is one of three Catholic universities in France. Its main campus is located within the city of Angers and has an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. As an institution (size, location, Catholic mission), the UCO closely parallels Duquesne University. And like Duquesne, it offers undergraduate and graduate courses in a wide array of fields, including theology, classical and modern literature, mathematics, computer science, economics, biology, environmental science, engineering, etc.

Le Centre International d’Études Françaises, commonly known as CIDEF, is the French language institute of UCO. The Center welcomes nearly 400 students during the academic year and more than 600 during the July, August, and September sessions. It is made up of an international community wanting to work and live without prejudice of race, religion, politics, or nationality and students come from as many as 40 different countries.

Angers is located in the west of France, in the Loire River Valley, approximately two hours away from Paris by train. Because of its relative proximity to the French capital, visits to the museums or libraries in Paris are an easy day trip. It is a mid-sized French city with a population of roughly 148,000 for the metropolitan area. With two major universities (the UCO and the University of Angers), Angers has a sizable student population of 30,000 students and a student-friendly atmosphere.

Program Type
Direct enrollment agreement with the CIDEF language center, facilitated by Duquesne University’s OIP.

Academic Highlights
Semester programs include French language classes as well as special classes on French literature, history or civilization, music, philosophy, and theology. The summer program consists of three one-month intensive language sessions. All language levels are eligible.

Language of Instruction
French

Academic Calendar
Fall Semester: September –December
Spring Semester: early February – early June  

Housing and Board Options
Students are placed with French families and are provided with breakfast and dinner. Lunch is taken in the dining hall on campus.

Services Provided
All students are assisted with finding housing accommodations, obtaining a carte de séjour and otherwise orienting them to Angers and the university. There are two faculty advisers who are ready to assist students with course schedules or personal issues.

Students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities organized by CIDEF or French students such as the student newspaper, the theater and choral clubs, social events, and more. Several educational tours throughout Brittany, Normandy, and the Loire Valley are organized during each session. Students have the opportunity to visit such historical sites as: Vannes, les Mégalithes de Carnac, le Golfe du Morbihan, St Malo, le Mt St. Michel, and les Châteaux de la Loire.

Outline of Estimated Costs (Category I Program)

For a more in-depth look: http://www.uco.fr/CIDEF