Study Abroad Semester and Summer Programs

Lyon étudiant fourvière

Students wishing to enroll at CEFAM for a semester or academic year are welcome. CEFAM is by definition international, making it a prime location for students from around the globe who hold the shared goal of internationalizing their higher education path. Because CEFAM follows the American Liberal Arts tradition in education, any student can join us to earn US and ECTS credits.

Our most established program offers General and Specialized Business courses, or General Education courses. Students who choose to enroll in this program also have the opportunity to study the French Language and French Culture, and participate in a specialized professional development workshop catered specifically to their experience abroad.

Study Abroad Brochure

Download the course catalog in order to review all courses offered. All instruction is in English apart from our specialized French Language and Civilization courses in French:

CEFAM’s Course Catalog for short-term students

Summer Term:

At CEFAM, we realize that often students are unable to spend an entire fall or spring semester abroad. For this reason, students may enroll in up to 6 hours of courses in our 5-week summer term.

Study Abroad Summer Session

Specialized Opportunities

Hospitality and Tourism Management: Study & Work in France

CEFAM offers a 1- or 2-semester program in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Students can enroll for fall + spring or spring + summer. The first semester is spent in dedicated courses at CEFAM, for example Culture & Communication in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Contemporary Issues in Hospitality in Tourism Management. This semester includes the same excursions and cultural activities as all CEFAM study abroad programs as well as offering optional, specialized activities.

The optional second semester is comprised of a full-time, paid Internship in France. This is an incredible opportunity to build on your international experience professionally, and expand your global network at CEFAM and in the field of Hospitality and Tourism.

The internship can include roles such as:

  • Kitchen Services/Gastronomy/Pastry
  • Dining services
  • Sommelier services
  • Reception

Some examples of corporate partners who accept interns from this program are:

  • Best Western
  • Groupe Accor
  • Relais and Chateaux
  • Michelin starred restaurants

French language is not required to complete the internship. Housing is included, and varies depending on placement.

French Language and Civilization

CEFAM has the opportunity for French majors, minors, and Francophiles alike to study French language and civilization in French. From local literature to local flavors, students have the chance to explore Lyon in her native tongue. Being in Lyon puts CEFAM at an epicenter of French gastronomy, history, tourism, and commerce. This makes CEFAM a key location to study these areas. We also recommend students in this program to choose the homestay option during their time in Lyon in order to make the most of this language acquisition opportunity.

Suggested Courses include Lyon et ses écrivains (Lyon and Her Writers), French for Business, Advanced French Language, 315 Littérature d’expression française et choix de la langue française. (French Literature)   and Civilisation française (French Civilization). Students enrolled will also have access to CEFAM’s traditional Business and General Education courses instructed in English.

Professor Jessica Ketcham from Cascadia College

Accommodation

Students may choose from 2 types of accommodation: single apartments and homestay.

Single apartments are located in a modern residence which is ideally situated either across from campus or maximum 10 minutes from downtown Lyon and 10 minutes from CEFAM by subway.

Students may also choose to experience life in a French family. They will live with an approved French family in Lyon and share the family’s life, meals, and language. The packages are flexible, offering accommodations plus up to 7 breakfasts and dinners per week.

CEFAM fees for 2024 – 2025 (Spring, Summer, Fall)

All-inclusive pricing for Study Abroad programs is also available: The all-inclusive pricing includes airport pickup/dropoff, lodging in a student residence, up to 16 hours of university credits, and select cultural activities.

Click here to download the complete cost sheet.

Logo Tony Parker Adéquat Academy

Sports and Business: a tailor-made sports training in an international management school

The Tony Parker Adéquat Academy (TPAA) wishes to develop the reception of students on its Gerland campus. With its expertise in hosting American students and 31 other nationalities, CEFAM will be able to allow these students to live their passion for sports (basketball) and simultaneously take business courses in English. These students will be able to discover Lyon’s life, practice basketball, and earn American course credits for a semester or a full year while benefiting from the TPAA’s infrastructure in Gerland. 

Apply to the CEFAM and TPAA program

By choosing to live on the TPAA campus, students get to practice and live a real cultural immersion with full access to an apartment (full-board included) in parallel of their studies. 

TPAA campus
Download the brochure

Application Process and Dates:

  • Spring, 2025: January 13 – April 25
    • Application deadline:
  • Summer, 2025: May 13 – June 14
    • Application deadline: April 15
  • Fall, 2025: September 2 – December 13
  • To apply to CEFAM’s short term Study Abroad Program, please send :

To Camille GARNIER : camille.garnier@cefam.fr or Cécile MAURY : cecile.maury@cefam.fr

Testimonials

  • “My experience at CEFAM was unparalleled. I had an enriching experience in class with an engaging professor that cultivated and sustained the academic growth of each of her students. I additionally made many lifelong friends, and look forward to coming back to Lyon in the near future for that very reason!” – Anna, NEU, 2022
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    Anna from Northeastern University, 2022
  • “Regarding my experience in CEFAM/Lyon, I have to say that students and staff members made me feel welcomed at all times. They offered me their help, even when I didn’t ask for it, and that means a lot to me.” Student, University of the Ozarks, 2021
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    Student from the University of the Ozarks – 2021
  • “I truly loved my time spent here…coming to France opened my eyes to traveling… Coming to France has opened my eyes to a different culture and has taught me how to try to make friendly connections with peers even though there may be a language barrier. Being able to try to learn a new language…
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    Joenxi from Siena College, Albany – 2021
  • I will definitely be recommending this program to other students because I loved it so much and made so many new friends. Again thank you for all of your help, I will miss CEFAM so much! Thank you for such a good semester!
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    Allison Leonard (Loyola)
  • You did an awesome job this semester and made our abroad experience very enjoyable!  You were very responsive and helpful and went above and beyond for us.  I would definitely recommend the program to others! Thank you again for an awesome semester and happy holidays!
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    Virginia Collins (Loyola)
  • I really liked the trips we did like the tour of Lyon, the cheese tasting, and the trip to Beaune.  I would recommend this program to other students who are looking for a school with a family feel. Thank you
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    Julia Krasinski (Siena College)