Study Abroad in Cannes: Academics
Open to students in good standing (2.5 minimum GPA). Requires no previous knowledge of French. Elementary courses introduce beginning 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. Students take between 12 and 18 credits a semester, with 15 being the average.
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 pay $200 for this transcript. Students may request a transcript from the Collège.
Internship opportunities
The Collège can arrange placements in a wide range of public organizations and private companies depending on your academic major, interests and suitability. French proficiency at the 300 level is required.Typical internships include a minimum eight hours of work a week with local government and housing projects. Internships may also be with local television, youth clubs, hospitals or the Cannes Film Festival.
Language development
The staff at the Collège encourage students to use their French. In addition to language skills learned on campus, the Collège has three unique programs to help students extend their language skills outside of classes:
University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis
Students can practice their language skills with French journalism students from the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis who are full time students at the Collège.
Échange-Langue Club
The club invites French people from Cannes who want to practice a foreign language to meet with students for conversational exchange. Participants spend six to eight hours a week together, conversing half the time in French and the other half in the students’ native languages.
Accueil-plus
Shops specially selected by the Collège display Collège initials in their windows. They not only offer discounts to students but are places where staff will take time to chat in an open and relaxed atmosphere.
Attendance
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 nine 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 three credits.
- The minimum course load is 12 credit hours; the maximum is 18. Average course load is 15.
Elective courses
There are several non-credit elective courses to help students expand their understanding of French life and culture. Two courses take place at local institutes: landscape drawing, where students work with a local artist at the Association des Beaux Arts, and French cuisine, taught at the Centre de Formation d’Apprentis. 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.
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:
| French | U.S. |
| 16-20 | A |
| 15 | B+ |
| 14 | B |
| 13 | B- |
| 12 | C+ |
| 10-11 | C |
| 8 | D+ |
| 9 | C- |
| 7 | F |
Students who take and pass the DELF, Alliance Française or Chambre de Commerce exams receive these diplomas. Students in French 101 do not cover enough material to take these exams, but receive a transcript.
Language courses
Students enroll in an intensive French language course (15 hours a week) worth nine credits. Several sections are offered for differing levels of language ability. All students take a placement test to help determine which course would best suit their needs.
Libraries
In addition to the language facilities and library, students may use the Cannes Mediathèque.
Seminars in English or French
Small classes and open discussion facilitate a deeper understanding of materials. A wide 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 three 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 audit French seminars.
Student advising
The Resident Director’s office is on campus. She provides academic counseling and advice about the community and communicates with the Collège on behalf of students.
