Study Abroad in Cannes: Academics

Open to students in good standing (2.5 minimum GPA). Requires no previous knowledge of French. Elementary courses introduce beginner language skills while intermediate and advanced courses strengthen language skills. With its extensive ties to the community and modern language facilities, the Collège offers a supportive atmosphere in which to learn a new language.

Attendance

is required. In accordance with Collège regulations, students absent without prior authorization may not be eligible to take exams or may be awarded lower/failing grades.

Class time

Language classes meet 16 weeks each semester. Seminars meet 12 weeks and begin the fifth week. Final exams are held the last week of the semester. One class hour equals 55 minutes. Scheduling conflicts may occur. The Collège Director and AIFS Resident Director reserve the right to cancel or modify courses in unavoidable circumstances or for insufficient enrollment (less than 10 students).

Course load

Students enroll in an intensive French language course (15 hours a week) equivalent to 9 semester credits at the appropriate level based on a placement test given at the time of enrollment. All language courses are conducted in French with the different sections appropriate to student ability and background.

Students must also enroll in at least one seminar. These meet three and a half hours a week and require additional preparation outside class. Each seminar is equivalent to 3 credits.

The minimum course load is 12 credit hours; the maximum is 18. Average course load is 15 credit hours.

Elective courses

There are several non-credit elective courses to help students expand their understanding of French life and culture. One course takes place at a local institute: landscape drawing, where students work with a local artist at the Association des Beaux Arts. A non-credit afternoon conversation class is available at the Collège for those who wish to further practice their French. These courses are available for a small fee payable directly to the Collège.

Language courses

Students enroll in an intensive French language course (15 hours a week) worth 9 credits. Several sections are offered for differing levels of language ability. All students take a placement test to help determine which courses would best suit their needs.

Seminars in English or French

Small classes and open discussion facilitate a deeper understanding of materials. A range of courses on French culture and civilization taught in English or in French are offered. Seminars meet for three and a half hours per week and are worth 3 credits. Students take at least one seminar in addition to their language course. Students who may not feel confident in their language abilities are encouraged to take the courses in English.

Grades

The grading system in France is based on a scale of 20. The French scale at the Collège is interpreted to American letter grades as follows:

French
16-20
15
14
13
12
10-11
9
8
7
U.S.
A
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
F

Students who take and pass the DELF exams receive this diploma on top of the college transcript. Students in French 101 do not cover enough material to take this exam, but receive a transcript.

No AIFS participant is permitted to take a course without receiving a letter grade. Pass/Fail grade options are not available.

Multimedia room

In addition to the language facilities and multimedia room, students may use the Cannes Mediathèque.

Bureau Virtuel

Students are able to connect their laptop to a Bureau Virtuel where the teachers regularly communicate documents complementary to material distributed in class.

Student advising

The Resident Director’s office is on campus. She provides academic counseling and advice about the community and also communicates with the Collège on behalf of students.

Transcripts

AIFS organizes this program with Chapman University, Orange, California, and the Collège International de Cannes. Academic credit is awarded to students on official transcripts issued directly to students’ home institutions by Chapman University which is accredited by the Western States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Students will also receive a transcript from the Collège.