Study Abroad

All students who have completed FREN215, both majors and non-majors, are strongly encouraged to spend at least one semester studying abroad in a French-speaking country.

We encourage students to participate in Wesleyan’s Program in Paris (the Vassar-Wesleyan Program: http://en.vwpp.org/), which has existed since the 1960s. Wesleyan students must have an overall academic average of at least a “B” and have completed FREN215 (or the equivalent) with a “B” or better before leaving for Paris.

For the application procedures and policies, see https://www.wesleyan.edu/cgs/osa/applying/index.html.

The program is based on a comprehensive or whole-life approach to study abroad and has three goals:

  • to allow students to study all aspects of French culture and civilization : politics, art, literature, cinema, history…
  • to bring students into direct contact with French and European life, heightening their understanding of French society, but also of the United States in relation to other countries and cultures.
  • to help students develop a command of the French language sufficient to live and work successfully in a French-speaking environment.

The program helps students reach these goals through its four principal components:

  • courses in French universities.
  • courses and tutorials organized by the program.
  • internships
  • extracurricular activities.
  • living in a Parisian home.

Students may participate in the program for either one semester (fall or spring) or two semesters. 

Wesleyan also sends one exchange student a year to the Institut d’Etudes Politiques (Sciences Po) in Paris. Students interested in this program should consult the Office of Study Abroad (https://www.wesleyan.edu/cgs/osa/programs/europe_c.html; click on “France”).  

Wesleyan-approved study-abroad programs also currently exist in Cameroon, Madagascar, Morocco, and Senegal. Students who would like information on other programs or who have strong academic reasons for wishing to participate in other French-based programs should consult the Office of Study Abroad (https://www.wesleyan.edu/cgs/osa/options/index.html).

French Studies majors may receive up to four credits toward the major while studying abroad.