FAQ
Studying abroad is a fabulous adventure, where learning goes far beyond the limits of the classroom. Experiencing a foreign country and culture firsthand will change the way you think, live, and view the world. Some benefits include learning about another culture and learning an entirely new language or becoming fluent in one you have already studied; you can travel and develop new intellectual pursuits, skills, and perspectives.
By living in another culture, you are also likely to gain a new understanding of, and perhaps even better appreciation for, your home country and its way of life. You can also expect to form friendships and create memories that will last a lifetime.
In today’s competitive world, studying abroad is definitely an asset, especially for business students. Learning about other cultures is academically and personally enriching and increases cross-cultural awareness, problem solving skills, and flexibility. Employers, especially those who have studied abroad themselves, recognize that study abroad students are likely to be more successful in the global economy because of cross-cultural communication skills and understanding of other cultures.
Specific skill sets that are often developed during a study abroad experience include:
- problem solving
- foreign languages
- communication
- flexibility
- initiative
- multicultural understanding
- self-motivation/self-reliance
- teamwork
- risk-taking
The CEFAM Study Abroad program is open to all students in good academic standing who want to add an international experience to their education. We hope to welcome motivated, open-minded students from diverse backgrounds who will complement our international student body. As all CEFAM courses are taught in English, there is no French language requirement.
Our programs are also open to both business and non-business majors.
Although our study abroad programs were originally developed for students attending our partner universities, students from other universities are welcome to apply.
Early planning is the key to a successful study abroad experience. If you want to explore the idea further, contact your school’s study abroad office for information. Feel free also to contact CEFAM directly for program specific information. We will be happy to help any way we can.
At CEFAM, students may study abroad for a summer, a semester, or a full academic year. Each possibility offers its own advantages that allow students to find the most suitable option for their career path.
Many students choose to study abroad during their junior year. It is, however, generally possible to study abroad during your sophomore or even senior year. Once again, early planning is essential to making study abroad work for you. Spend time discussing your options with your advisor and your university’s study abroad department.
CEFAM offers both business and general education courses at introductory and advanced levels and will work with your advisors to choose those courses that best suit your needs.
No. At CEFAM, all the courses are taught in English by an international faculty. As part of the study abroad program, however, students will take French language and culture courses to allow for a better adaptation to their “new” city and country.
Credits taken abroad can be applied to your major, minor, elective, or general education requirements.
Talk to your academic advisor to identify specific courses that could be targeted for study abroad, then talk to the Study Abroad Coordinator about what courses are available.
All our partner universities have updated information concerning course offerings at CEFAM for each semester and your academic advisor will be able to help you select the courses you need. If you are currently enrolled in a non-partner university, please contact CEFAM directly for course selection materials. It is essential to get course approval in advance – and in writing. CEFAM also requires incoming study abroad students to obtain approval for a few alternative courses, in case of scheduling problems.
Several weeks after the end of the semester, CEFAM will send official student transcripts to the Study Abroad Offices of the concerned universities. The transcripts contain course titles and codes, the number of credits earned per course, the final grade received for each course, the student’s semester GPA, and a cumulative GPA, if applicable.
Be sure to ask your Study Abroad advisor if your home institution will transfer the grades earned or only the course credits, as each university has its own policy.
You should also keep your coursework from your studies abroad. This way you will have proof of the topics covered and the work you submitted.
Yes, study abroad is easily integrated into most academic programs. Through careful preparation and clear communication with their advisors, students can stay on track for graduation.
Study Abroad Advisor — A Study Abroad advisor can give you information about the programs that are available and answer basic questions about study abroad, as well as direct you to where you can learn more. If you are interested in the CEFAM program and are enrolled in a non-partner university, talk to your study abroad advisor to confirm that you can earn credit for your study abroad experience.
Academic Advisor — An academic advisor in your major department can give you advice on when to study abroad and which classes to take while you are abroad. They can also help you work out course equivalencies so that you can make progress in your major while studying abroad.
CEFAM – We will be happy to provide you with any information you may need to make the best choices. If you have questions about our programs or courses, please contact us directly via email or telephone.
Former Study Abroad Students – These students are a wonderful resource. They can tell you better than anyone what the experience was really like. University study abroad offices often organize campus events to allow students a chance to meet and talk with former study abroad students. CEFAM can also put you in contact with study abroad “alums” who will be more than happy to tell you all about their time at CEFAM.