France » Lyon » Admission & Preparation

Application Deadlines

The application deadline for both the year-long program and Business fall term program is February 15.

Eligibility Requirements

The year-long program is open to students from all fields of study. To be eligible for the year-long program, students must meet the following minimum requirements before departure:

• 45 credits or more (sophomore standing)
• An overall GPA of 2.75 or above (3.25 for graduate students)
• A minimum of two years of college-level French with a GPA of 3.00 or higher (Direct exchange students are expected to have three years of college-level French or the equivalent.)

The fall semester business program is open to undergraduate students majoring or minoring in business. To be eligible for the business program, students must meet the following minimum requirements before departure:

• 45 credits or more (sophomore standing)
• An overall GPA of 2.75 or above
• A minimum of one year of college-level French OR placement into FR 201 or higher by examination OR completion of intensive summer French courses prior to arrival in Lyon, either on campus or through an intensive language program offered in France

Students must also make satisfactory academic progress throughout the application process and during their study abroad program, and otherwise comply with policies and procedures of the host university, the OUS International Programs Office, and their home campus International Office.

If you do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements, please consult with your home campus contact person before applying.

Special Notice for UO Students

Students who are hoping to enroll in direct exchange courses in the fall semester are strongly advised to take FR 320 Intensive Grammar Review (4 credits) in the year prior to the start of the program.

Application Process

Early application is advised. Selection for the program is based on a review of the student's written application, transcripts, recommendations, personal interview, and language evaluation. Applications are available in the International Programs Office on your home campus and online by clicking here ______.

Completed applications should be submitted to your home campus international programs Office. A $50 application fee is due at the time the application is submitted and is non-refundable.

Selection and Participation

Participants must meet the eligibility requirements for their chosen program, and be prepared linguistically, academically, and socially to succeed abroad. Overseas study participants must satisfactorily complete the following:

• Well-written program application
• Personal interview and language evaluation
• Timely submission of required paperwork
• Attendance at pre-departure orientation sessions
• Payment of program fees

Program participants must also demonstrate the ability to be successful overseas through evidence of maturity, motivation, and flexibility. Participation in any program is subject to the approval of the OUS International Programs Office and its partner institutions, which may grant or withhold such approval at their sole discretion.

Acceptance to all study abroad programs involves a significant amount of paperwork for legal, financial, academic and safety reasons. Your Campus Contact and our office are ready to help explain and guide you through the paperwork process; however, it is your responsibility to complete the paperwork in a timely and professional manner.

Visa Information

Students (except for EU and Swiss citizens) who are admitted into the Lyon program will need to apply for a French student visa. The visa is a supplement to the U.S. passport, authorized by the French government, which gives students the right to enter France as a student and to live there for the program period. Americans cannot remain in France for more than ninety (90) days without some type of visa.

Due to heightened security procedures adopted in recent years and the creation of a European Union immigration database, students will need to apply for their visas in person at the French Consulate in San Francisco if their home address is within the San Francisco jurisdiction. The OUS International Programs office will provide detailed instructions, application forms, and supporting documentation to admitted students. If there is enough interest, arrangements may be made for carpool or a group trip to San Francisco.

Orientations

All students are required to complete a pre-departure orientation that will cover academic, logistical, and financial matters. For detailed information, including dates and locations, please click here. In addition to the Oregon orientation, students participate in stage upon arrival in Lyon which is a linguistic and cultural orientation for which students receive academic credit.