French and European Studies
The Program
The Pau program offers an extraordinary opportunity to study the French language intensively, to take courses in other disciplines (which may fulfill university graduation requirements) and to experience student life at a French university. Located in the capital of the province of the Atlantic Pyrenees, this program offers a diverse, authentic and affordable French experience.
The Pau program offers intensive language study – up to one and a half years of university language courses may be taken in one semester. Additional courses in literature, political science, film, culture and art history are taught in English or French, depending on the session. You also may take a program-organized French Cuisine course just to impress your friends back home! The Pau program offers a unique opportunity to enroll in integrated courses with other international students studying at the University of Pau.
In addition to opening an academic window on the French people, this program introduces you to the rich cultural diversity of France through field trips to Paris and Versailles, Béarn, the Basque country and Spain.
Past students have reported that the yearlong program was especially helpful in terms of language and culture study. However, you may choose to attend fall or spring semester only. (Please request a summer catalog if you are also interested in the USAC France summer program.)
Each USAC program has a Resident Director who oversees the USAC office abroad and is responsible for the overall operations of the program: securing appropriate student housing, hiring outstanding faculty, organizing exciting field trips and optional tours and overseeing the students’ well-being.
Robina Müller is the Resident Director for the Pau program. She is fluent in French, German, Spanish and English, and will meet you at the airport, organize transportation to your housing and provide an on-site orientation. The program assistant, Ryan Findley (a USAC alum), also provides additional assistance and resources while you are on the program.