Situated on the Garonne River in the Aquitaine Region of southwestern France, Bordeaux is by far one of the most well-known wine-producing areas of the world. Whether you prefer the rich flavors of the Medoc and Saint Emilion wines, or the sweeter taste of the white Sauternes, you will enjoy the numerous opportunities to visit some of the best vineyards and chateaux of the region. Bordeaux is the fifth largest French city and has become a major cultural center of France. In addition to being able to explore the lively neighborhoods and magnificent building facades of the Old City on foot, an excellent local transportation network will take you anywhere you would like to go. Plus, the high-speed TGV trains provide daily service to and from Paris in about 3 hours.

The program is open to students from around the world and includes 16.5 hours of instruction per week. Classes are held at an accredited language institute affiliated with the Universit�de Bordeaux, right in the heart of the center of town. The faculty is made up of native French professors experienced in teaching French as a Second Language. All classes are taught in French. Class size varies from 8 to 12 students. Groups are set up by levels (beginner to advanced), determined by proficiency tests given the first day of each session. Classes are held every morning, Monday-Friday, from 9:00am to 12:30 or 1:00pm. Computer stations, study room, and DVD films are also available to students for additional practice after class.

Course certificates are awarded upon successful completion of each program and must be requested directly from the admissions office in Bordeaux. Official transcripts are processed by the host institution through the FAE office. Students must submit a Credit Transfer Request Form to the FAE office in Virginia to receive a transcript. One transcript is provided at no cost to each student. A fee of $20 is charged for each additional transcript. A daily schedule of activities is available from the institute at final registration in France. Additional services are also available from the Office du Tourisme in town.

Note: No classes will be held on the following national holidays: July 14th and August 15th. FAE also offers 4 and 8-week Summer Study Abroad Programs in Aix-en-Provence, Montpellier, Nice, Paris, and Tours.

Housing is arranged by FAE and the host institution in your choice of a single room with shared bath and kitchen in a student dormitory, a private room with shared bath in the home of a local resident (with daily breakfast & dinner meal plan), or in a furnished efficiency apartment. Bed linens and bath towels are provided with all housing options. Please indicate your first and second choice of housing on your Application Form. Students have a wide selection of inexpensive restaurants and caf� around town for meals that are not included in the housing option.

* Shared Kitchen and bath on each floor
** Refundable security deposit required for apt rentals

Note: Expenses may vary with fluctuating exchange rates.

A daily schedule of activities and excursions is arranged by the institute. These activities require an extra fee. Students sign up for the activities of their choice once in France. Ask for a complete list of options at final registration. In addition to the activities and excursions organized by the institute, the Office du Tourisme offers a wide selection of guided tours and events. Activities range from a walking tour of the city or a visit of the Grand Theatre, to bus tours to one of the vineyards or Chateaux of the Aquitaine Region. You may also take a short train ride south of Bordeaux to visit the ancient city of Bayonne or the surfer's paradise of Biarritz (Atlantic Coast). Wherever your passion lies, you will find just the right place in and around Bordeaux to make your Summer Study Abroad Program an experience you will want to repeat!