Program Details
- Location:
- Lyon, France
- Program Type:
- Study Abroad
- Degree Level:
- Undergraduate
- Term:
- Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Summer
Program Overview
- Program Description:
*Due to the global health status worldwide, USAC is making programmatic changes to 2021, 2022. and 2023 programs and some options might not be available. These changes are posted on individual program pages on the USAC website.
Lyon is one of the most attractive cities in France, creating a fresh combination of the bustle of a large, European city and the simplicity of French tradition. The Presqu’île of Lyon serves as the city center with towering business buildings, blocks of busy shops, and streets lined with cafés full of Lyonnais taking their afternoon break. The charm of the city lies in your ability to escape the crowds by turning onto a quiet cobblestone street and ducking into a small bistro, where you are sure to get a chance to practice your French. Spend your weekends biking or strolling along the Rhône or Saône rivers, planning a Sunday picnic with friends, or wandering through some of the most well-preserved Renaissance architecture in the world. Choosing a homestay while you are abroad will give you the opportunity to see into the heart of French home life, culture, and cooking.
The Lyon semester and yearlong program offers an intensive language approach at L’Université Lumière Lyon 2 (University of Lyon 2), where you will be able to earn up to 12 credits of French in one semester. Depending upon your language level, you will choose electives in culture, political science, cinema, economics, or literature taught specifically for USAC students. The university itself also offers the opportunity to enroll in courses with French students, taught in either English or French. You may choose to stay for one semester or a full year.
Program fees include tuition, orientation, field trips, and tours.
- Setting Description:
- Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, Lyon remains an important center for French culture and history. Significant monuments include the Nôtre Dame de Fourvière and the Gallo-Roman Museum. The local theatre, Le Théàtre des Célestins, is itself an important piece of Lyonnais history situated in the center of the city. The theatre presents both locally-produced and touring performances year-round. Lyon is also a hub for cinema thanks to the Lumière brothers, Lyon natives who created the first moving picture. Their legacy endures in Lyon through the Institut Lumière where you can watch movies for an affordable price. The city holds one of the largest film festivals in France which brings directors, actors, and cinephiles from all over the world to celebrate the history of film.
Additional Program Information
- Scholarships:
- Yes
- Scholarships Description:
- Learn more about USAC scholarships and discounts at https://usac.edu/money-matters
Program Reviews
Overall Rating
Based on 2 Reviews
- My Home11/01/18
I studied in Lyon for the 2017-2018 academic year, and I wish I never had to leave. My experience was unique in that I was a year long student so I was able to make longer lasting connection to the city and people. It was a learning experience getting
use to the different university environment, in that, most classes were two hours long and the learning curriculum was different. After the adjustment period, I loved learning the language with other international students in the CIEF program. By going with USAC, it provided a support system that you wouldn't have had otherwise. They were there from helping with classes to helps or just another person to talk to. Overall, this was one of the best experiences of my life, from the people I met to living in the city I call my second home. I am waiting for a way to get back to Lyon.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Yearlong in Lyon12/30/16
I loved my time with USAC in Lyon! Given what I was looking for in my study abroad experience, Lyon was perfect. The city itself was a great mix of French culture and tradition within a big, authentic location. The on-site staff was helpful throughout
every part of my study abroad process. I met many great people including others in the USAC program, French locals, and classmates that I consider to be life-long friends. I took interesting courses while I was abroad that were taught by great Visiting Professors including: French Culture and Civilization and Scandals throughout French History. Some interesting electives that I took alongside the French Language track are: French Cuisine, Theater, and Travel Photography. The field trips that were included in the program were engaging, interesting, and very enjoyable. Lyon offered me an opportunity to earn college credit and travel throughout Europe with a great, central Location while living in a beautiful city. I wouldn't trade my experience with USAC Lyon for anything and highly recommend the program.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend