Toulouse, France

Language + Culture

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Information for term Language + Culture

Application deadline, and cost information.

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Aug 30 – Dec 23, 2023 (16 weeks)
  • Credit: 15-18 semester hours / 22.5-27 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

November 1, 2023
weeks
days
hours

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Deadline: November 1, 2023
  • Dates: Jan 4 – May 20, 2024 (20 weeks)
  • Credit: 15-18 semester hours / 22.5-27 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Aug 30, 2023 – May 20, 2024 (38 weeks)
  • Credit: 15-18 semester hours / 22.5-27 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA

Overview

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Voted one of the best cities in France to study abroad, Toulouse is renowned for its small-town charm and strong community-focused culture. During this incredible Language + Culture program, you're invited to explore all France's fourth-largest city has to offer while earning credits in art, history, music, language, gastronomy, and more!

Designed for students from all academic backgrounds and those who wish to practice their French language skills, this dynamic program will take place at CIEE Toulouse and CIEE's partner school, Institut Catholique de Toulouse. All courses are complemented with co-curricular activities and excursions organized by CIEE beyond the city to help you enhance your classroom learning and provide an intercultural understanding of southern France.

In your free time, you are encouraged to explore all Toulouse has to offer. Meander down the city center's narrow streets to explore its charming red brick buildings, enjoy water views of The Garonne River, and partake in local cultural delights like traditional Occitan dances and cheese and wine lessons. On this epic study abroad adventure, you'll discover firsthand why Toulouse is one of France's top study abroad destinations!

  • Spend the day

    at a cheese tasting, a music festival or take in a professional rugby game.

  • VOLUNTEER AT A LOCAL SCHOOL

    and gain insight into French primary or secondary system of education.

  • Study at L’Institut Catholique de Toulouse

    an heir of the Medieval University founded in 1229.

  • UNESCO World Heritage sites

    2
  • students

    103,000
  • miles from Paris

    420

Location & Culture

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In the South of France between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, Toulouse is consistently rated as one of the best places to live and study in France. Toulouse is well known as the city of art, history, and culture. The Garonne River banks, quaint neighborhoods, and wonderful café-lined squares offer students great opportunities to immerse in France’s laid-back rhythm of life.  

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Toulouse.

The Culture

FEATURED EXCURSION

Explore the LOT Department in the city of Figeac with Champollion Museum of Writing, dive into the past at the Pech Merle pre-historic cave, and find out about goat cheese production at a local farm .

OTHER EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • Tour vintage stores in the city center. 
  • Visit a local recycling company and experiment with giving used objects a second life 
  • Explore diverse neighborhoods and city urbanism in the face of social challenges  
  • Enjoy the year-round pleasant climate of Toulouse while you visit the city’s historical district, monuments, and diverse neighborhoods. 
  • Learn the subtle secrets of wine and cheese pairings 

PROJECTS

Volunteering. Volunteer at a food bank, women’s shelter, primary or secondary school, retirement home, a recycling company, or tutor children after school. 

Internships. Intern at a local organization, earn academic credit, and gain insight into the French working environment at a non-profit or business. 

Program Blogs

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Program Blogs

Daily Life

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  • HOUSING

    All housing is within a 30- to 40-minute commute to CIEE. 
     
    Homestays: Live with a French family, with or without another CIEE student, and immerse yourself in the city’s language and culture. Each student has an individual room. 

  • MEALS

    Two meals on weekdays and three meals on weekends are included in the study abroad program fee. You typically eat weekday breakfasts and dinners with your homestay family. You may purchase lunches at local cafes, restaurants, and markets located throughout the city. 

Toulouse, France

Where You'll Study

  • 1

    TOULOUSE BUSINESS SCHOOL

    A 10-minute metro ride to CIEE Center

  • 2

    L’INSTITUT CATHOLIQUE DE TOULOUSE

    A 10-minute metro ride to CIEE Center

Academics

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Academics

The Language + Culture program in Toulouse invites beginner–intermediate French students to immerse themselves in the language, culture, and history of France. Students are expected to invest time in French language study and use their language skills in everyday life with French students, homestay families, and members of the Toulouse community. Although most of the direct enrollment and specialized CIEE courses are taught in English, students are expected to use French as much as possible outside of class. 

Institut Catholique de Toulouse is an academic center hosting this program and is made up of faculties, organizations, and schools enriched by its diversity in social backgrounds and cultures. The university is located in the historic center of Toulouse and hosts more than 3,000 students. 

GPA

2.5

Language Prerequisites

There are no specific language requirements for this program. However, if students opt for French-taught courses either at CIEE or ICT, they are required to have at least four semesters of college-level French or equivalent. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Program Requirements

Students will take the following courses: 

  • One French language course (4 credits) 
  • At least one CIEE culture course (3 credits each) 
  • A combination of CIEE and elective courses at the Institut Catholique de Toulouse (ICT) for a total of 8-11 semester credits 

Program Credit

Total credit range: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 quarter credits 

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 
  • CIEE French language courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits, 60 contact hours 
  • CIEE Internship course: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours 
  • Institut Catholique de Toulouse (ICT) courses: typically 1-3 U.S. semester/1.5-4.5 quarter credits; 50-150 notional hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

Professors in France tend to be more formal than in the U.S. and see themselves as specialists who are there to impart their knowledge. French students are generally very self-disciplined and judge courses by the quality and quantity of information taught. Syllabi are seldom as detailed as in the U.S., and students are responsible for determining what information is most important. Students should remain open to new teaching methods and styles and take this as part of their foreign study experience. The CIEE Toulouse team is available to help students navigate the local academic culture. 

Class Format

Classes in which CIEE students enroll normally meet Monday through Friday, with excursions typically taking place on weekends. Language classes typically meet twice a week (2 sessions of 2 hours each). Student course schedules may change during the semester. The Center Director will work closely with each student to make sure that students are clear about their weekly and semester schedules. Students are expected to complete all the work assigned and take exams when scheduled. 

Grading

French professors use a French grading scale of 0–20, with 10 considered a minimal passing grade. CIEE converts all final grades into recommended U.S. letter grade equivalents. Assessment is based on essays, written tests, oral presentations, out-of-class projects, class participation, and final exams. Students can expect at least two major exams during the term; the final exam typically accounts for as much as 50 percent of the final grade. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

French and English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

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Course Information

Course Notes

  • Registration is finalized on-site. 
  • Students can participate in the CIEE Internship course; placements are available both in English and French. 
  • The Institut Catholique de Toulouse (ICT) offers courses in English, French, and Spanish. For courses taught in French or Spanish, ICT requires successful completion of at least 4 semesters of college-level French and/or Spanish. Many courses at the Institut Catholique de Toulouse (ICT) are worth 1-1.5 credits, for which home-school approval is recommended. 

 

Fall 2023 CIEE Courses

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Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Health Professions and Related Programs

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Host Institution Courses

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INSTITUT CATHOLIQUE DE TOULOUSE (ICT) – FACULTÉ LIBRE DES LETTRES ET DES SCIENCES HUMAINES

ICT courses are offered on a weekly basis throughout the semester for a total number of contact hours ranging from 10 to 36 classroom hours for 1-2.5 semester / 1.5-3.75 quarter credits. 

Please note that the majority of courses are offered in French unless otherwise noted. You can choose to follow courses either in French, English, Spanish, or a combination of the three. 

The following list of courses constitutes a representative sample of course offerings through the Toulouse Business School and is subject to change. Students will receive detailed course information upon acceptance into the program. 

BUSINESS

  • Organization as a System of Social Links: Identity and Culture (in French) 
  • International Business (in French) 
  • Introduction to Accounting (in French) 
  • Operational Marketing (in Spanish) 
  • Import, Export (in French) 
  • Mathematics – Statistics (in French) 
  • Economy and Economics Policy (in French) 
  • Direct Marketing and Web Marketing (in English) 
  • Main Economic Issues (in French) 
  • Civilization: Society and Culture, Economy and Political Life - English and American (in English) 
  • Civilization: Society and Culture, Economy and Political Life – Spanish and South America (in Spanish) 

LAW

  • International Relationships (in French) 
  • Introduction to European Law (in French) 
  • Geopolitical Issues (in French) 
  • French Political Life (in French) 
  • Contemporary Social Issues (in French) 
  • General Culture (in English) 
  • Environmental Sustainability (in English) 
  • International Political News (in English) 
  • European Art Culture (in English) 
  • Introduction to Human Rights (in English) 
  • To Become a Start-up Manager (in English)

HISTORY

  • Roman History (in French) 
  • Medieval History (in French) 
  • Geography (in French) 
  • Modern History (in French) 
  • Contemporary History (in French) 
  • Geography (in French) 
  • Introduction to Art History: Methodological Approach (in French) 
  • Urban Planning in Brazil (in French) 
  • Art Object: from Creation to Exhibition (in French) 
  • Modern History (in French) 
  • Contemporary History (in French) 
  • Geography (in French) 

LITERATURE

  • Literature: History of European Literature (in French) 
  • French Literature: Tales and Other Youth Literature (in French) 
  • Literary Genres (in French) 
  • General Linguistics (in French) 
  • French Literature: 16th Century (in French) 
  • Comparative Literature: Renaissance and Humanism (in French) 
  • Medieval Literature and Literary Influences (in French) 
  • Comparative Literature: Humanism and Utopia (in French) 
  • French Literature: 20th – 21st Centuries (in French) 
  • Comparative Literature: South Francophonies (in French) 
  • New Literary Approaches (in French) 

PSYCHOLOGY

  • Cognitive Psychology: Learning Process and Memory ( in French) 
  • Clinical Psychology: The Individual, the Subject, the Person (in French) 
  • Developmental Psychology: 0-3 year-old Children (in French) 
  • Psychotherapeutic Practices: Theories ( in French) 
  • Developmental Psychology: 3-12 year-old Children (in French) 
  • Social Psychology: Representation of Self and Others (in French) 
  • Case Study: Therapeutic Management (in French) 
  • Social Psychology: Representation of Self and Others (in French) 
  • Cognitive Psychology (in French) 
  • Developmental Psychology: from 12 year-old to Adulthood (in French) 
  • Introduction to Psycho-ontology (in French) 
  • Introduction to Psychogerontology (in French) 
  • Research Methods in Psychology (in French) 

PHILOSOPHY

  • History of Antique Philosophy (in French) 
  • Metaphysics I (in French) 
  • History of Medieval Thoughts (in French) 
  • Introduction to Ethics (in French) 
  • Epistemology (in French) 
  • Philosophy of Culture (in French) 
  • Ontology (in French) 
  • Philosophy of History (in French) 
  • Metaphysics II (in French) 

MEDIATION

  • Introduction to Communication - Theories and Strategies (in French) 
  • Introduction to Economy - Principles and Process (in French) 
  • Introduction to Marketing - Strategies and Financing (in French) 
  • Artistic Trends - Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism, Romanticism (in French) 
  • Scenography (in French) 
  • Communication Strategy (Principles) (in French) 
  • Artistic Trends - Outsider Art, Pop Art, Urban Art (in French) 
  • Contemporary Art Workshop (in French) 
  • Photography (in French) 

EDUCATION

  • Cognitive-emotional Approaches to Learning (in French) 
  • Sociology of Educational Facts (in French) 
  • Conception of Learning Situations (in French) 
  • Didactics and Pedagogy (in French) 

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

  • FUNDAMENTALS OF COMMUNICATION (in French) 
  • ETHICS OF COMMUNICATION AND ITS STAKES (in French) 
  • DIGITAL CULTURE (in French) 
  • MEDIA ANALYSIS (in French)  
  • INTERNAL COMMUNICATION AND CRS ISSUES (in French) 
  • DIGITAL ETHICS (in French) 
  • AUDIOVISUAL AND PHOTOGRAPHIC PRACTICES (in French) 

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

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Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.

See more scholarship info

Dates & Fees

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Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Fall 2023 16 weeks Deadline Passed Aug 30, 2023 Dec 23, 2023
$18,950
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Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $14,153 **

Housing = $4,300 ***

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $18,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $800

International Airfare = $800

Local Transportation = $40

Books & Supplies = $100

Visa Fees = $393 ††

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500

Personal expenses = $1,500 †††

Other = $25 ††††

Total Estimated Costs = $4,158

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** includes breakfast and dinner seven days a week

round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†† average cost, including Campus France fees

††† This can vary a lot depending on individuals' lifestyle

†††† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required

Academic year 2023-2024 38 weeks Deadline Passed Aug 30, 2023 May 20, 2024
$36,950
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Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $27,403 **

Housing = $9,050 ***

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $36,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $800

International Airfare = $800

Local Transportation = $160

Books & Supplies = $300

Visa Fees = $393 ††

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500

Personal expenses = $1,500 †††

Other = $25 ††††

Expenses during break = $900 †††††

Total Estimated Costs = $5,378

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** includes breakfast and dinner seven days a week

round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†† average cost, including Campus France fees

††† This can vary a lot depending on individuals' lifestyle

†††† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required

††††† academic year students who wish to stay onsite are responsible for arranging their housing and meals during the semester break

Spring 2024 20 weeks Nov 1, 2023 Jan 4, 2024 May 20, 2024
$19,850
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Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $14,606 **

Housing = $4,750 ***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $900

International Airfare = $900

Local Transportation = $60

Books & Supplies = $100

Visa Fees = $165 ††

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $200

Personal expenses = $300

Total Estimated Costs = $2,625

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** includes breakfast and dinner seven days a week

round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†† average cost, including Campus France fees

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

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What's Included

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What's Included

Tuition
Housing
Meals
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext and a local liability insurance
24/7 emergency on-site support

Our Staff

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Get Started

Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:
  • 1

    START AN APPLICATION
    You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! 

    Apply Now
  • 2

    CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE 
    Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

  • 3

    Contact Us

    Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.