French Language and European Studies: Pau, France - USAC

This program is provided by

Location

France: Pau

Description

The Pau program offers a unique opportunity to study the French language intensively, take courses in other disciplines, and to experience student life and culture at a French university. Pau is the perfect environment if you are looking to immerse yourself into traditional French culture while enjoying an active student culture as well. The city is in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful regions in France the most visited country in the world with parks and mountains surrounding the campus and city. The city is small enough to have everything within walking or biking distance; however it's large enough to have several theaters, student clubs, outdoor cafes, and fantastic shops.

The Pau program offers an intensive language approach that allows you to complete up to one and a half years of university language coursework in one semester. Additional courses in subjects such as literature, political science, film, culture, and art history are offered and taught in English or French, depending on the semester. The program allows for students to enroll in integrated courses with other international students studying at the University of Pau, as well as with other USAC students.

Highlights

Located in the Bearn region of the Atlantic Pyrenees in southwestern France, Pau is a picturesque town. It offers spectacular scenery and a temperate climate year-round with easy access to both the Pyrenees Mountains and the Atlantic coast, and is only two hours away from Spain. The city lies roughly one hour from the beaches of Biarritz, 45 minutes from the ski resorts of Gourette and Artouste, and 30 minutes from Lourdes. Pau, well-known for its beautiful parks, has more square meters of green space per inhabitant than any other European city. Many of the streets in the charming city center are pedestrianized.

The Old Quarter dates back to medieval and Renaissance times, and is built around the castle of Henri IV. It has an active commercial district, several museums, and a library that houses the mementos of Henri IV and Marechal Bernadotte, the former king of Sweden. Many colorful figures in the history of France came from this region, including Marechal Foch and dArtagnan (leader of the Three Musketeers). The Wright brothers (famed American aviators) also worked in Pau for many years.

France has a strong national identity and built one of the largest colonial empires of its time, stretching across West Africa and Southeast Asia and influencing the cultures and politics of these regions. France is one of the founding members of the United Nations as well as the European Union. It is the most visited country in the world.