Study Abroad in Tours, France
Dates | Costs | Location | Activities | Courses | Language | Eligibility
Housing and Meals | Application | Visa
The University of Francois-Rabelais of Tours is a multidisciplinary university with a population of nearly 25,000. Nearly 12% of the student body is international. The University was founded in 1970 and named after famous French writer Francois-Rabelais. The University is comprised of 7 teaching and research units and a Center for French Studies, which caters to foreign students studying French language.
Click here for more info on Francois-Rabelais University
For more detailed information related to student exchange to Tours, click here.
Dates
Application Deadline for Fall: March 12
Fall Semester: Mid-September - Late December
Application Deadline for Spring: October 1
Spring Semester: Mid-January - Late May
Costs
Students will pay tuition and fees to UNC. They will pay all other expenses in France. The budget given in US dollars is an estimate and is subject to change dependent on exchange rates.
Click here for the most current exchange rate. Exchange rate as of: 1/13
(1 USD = .77 Euro) |
Estimated |
|
Tuition & Fees |
$3,300 |
Paid to UNC in USD |
Study Abroad Admin Fee |
$300 |
Paid to UNC in USD |
Study Abroad Insurance |
$170 |
Paid to UNC in USD |
French Student Health Insurance |
$293 |
220 Euros |
Books & Supplies |
$145 |
100 Euros |
Housing |
$1,993 |
300 Euros/month |
Meals |
$2,658 |
400 Euros/month |
Round Trip Travel |
$1,600 |
Paid to Airline in USD |
French Visa ree |
$230 |
Paid to French Government |
Travel to Los Angeles for visa** |
$400 |
Costs will vary |
TOTAL |
$11,089 |
|
*All costs are estimated based on a five-month semester.
**Students need to show up in person at the French Consulate in Los Angeles for their visa.
Location
The University of Francois-Rabelais of Tours is located in the picturesque Loire Valley less than one hour from Paris by fast train. It is capital of the Touraine region and has population of about 142,000. It was once home to several famous historical people including Leonardo da Vinci and Descartes. With more than 150 historical sites and landmarks it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is no shortage of things to do as the city of Tours offers an intense cultural life with world renowned cuisine and wine.
Click here for more information about Tours.
Activities
The city of Tours is home to several museums and theaters including the Museum of fine arts, Contemporary Creation Center, Regional Theater, Choreographic Center, and the Opera and Concert Hall. The university offers more than 100 student associations, which will help students get involved with campus life. Additionally, those interested in Sports have the opportunity to join 160 clubs participating in 120 different sports. Exchange students may also request a student mentor from Tours who will help show them around the city and the university.
For current list of events, visit here.
Courses
Students may take courses in intensive French language and civilization at the University Center of French Studies for Foreign Students (CUEFEE). Those with proficient skills in French may take regular university courses. The University of Francois Rabelais of Tours offers courses in Earth Science, Mathematics, Life Sciences, Computer Science, Performing Arts, Classics, French Literature, Linguistics, Applied Foreign Languages, Law, Public Administrations, Economics, History, Archaeology, Sociology, Psychology, Geography, Art History, Philosophy, and Music.
Most popular courses (with credits listed) taken by exchange students can be accessed here.
The University of Francois-Rabelais uses the ECTS credit system. You will enroll in a minimum of 24 ECTS credits a semester while abroad, which is equivalent to 12 UNC transfer credits.
Language of Instruction
French
Eligibility and Availability
To be eligible to apply students must have at least a 2.5 gpa and must have completed at least one semester of courses at UNC, Since all instruction is in French, it is recommended students have the equivalent of 4 semesters of College French before participating in this program. This program is open to all majors with no limit on the number of UNC students who can participate each semester. Students may apply for one semester or one academic year.
Housing and Meals
The student service agency in Tours will help students find accommodations. The University of Francois Rabelais of Tours offers 10 residence halls or accommodations in studio apartments at a reduced rate. Students may also find their own accommodations in the city or with host families.
Students will purchase groceries and cook for themselves. They may also purchase meals at one of the 15 restaurants located on campus. A complete meal can be purchased for about 3 Euro.
Application
Students must first complete the UNC study abroad application. Applications will be evaluated and selections will be made immediately after the application deadline. If selected, the student will need to complete an additional admissions application for Tours.
Visa
Students will need to apply for a Long Stay Student Visa if staying for longer than 90 days. Before applying for a visa students must complete an application with Campus France. Prior to completing the Campus France application, please be sure to read the application guidelines. Once the Campus France application is complete students will be given a validation number and may proced with their visa applicaton. The validation number will be used to make an appointment with the French embassy in Los Angeles. Students are required to apply for their visa in person at the consulate in Los Angeles.
French visas take a minimum to two weeks to process after the appointment in LA. No expediting is possible.
Click here for consulate information about visas.
Once in country, students must register with their local OFII office. A French student visa permits travel around the Schengen area.. Students may leave and re-enter France (from outside the Schengen area) for 90 days from the date they first arrive in France. After this point, students must have the OFII vignette (sticker) in their passport or an "Attestation de dépôt de dossier OFII" (receipt of submission). Students who do not have one of these will need to apply for another visa to re-enter France.
