Lyon, France: Intensive French or Undergrad Studies in English

I had the most amazing time in Lyon! It seriously changed my life and perspective so much. The intensive language program pushed me and my french became so much better! The people in the program were so nice, and it was a close knit group. The support the USAC staff offers is amazing, they are there for you any time and for any question you have, no matter how small. Lyon itself is a beautiful city with a lot to do, but it is not overwhelmingly big. It's super easy to get around with public transport, walking, or biking. It's also pretty easy to travel from there!

Studying abroad in Lyon with USAC was easily one of the most rewarding experiences I had in college. The program felt organized and supportive without ever being overbearing, which made it easy to settle in and start exploring. The staff were approachable and genuinely cared about our experience, whether it was helping with classes or just giving local recommendations. Lyon itself is such a vibrant, livable city with incredible food, beautiful river views, and so much history around every corner. My classes were interesting and manageable, leaving plenty of time to travel, practice French, and build real friendships. I left feeling more confident, independent, and grateful for the experience.

USAC Lyon was an amazing experience! Months before I even arrived there was so much support from the USAC staff. They provided us with guidance on virtually every logistical thing you could imagine, which made the transition to living in a new country as easy as possible. The program was small but the students were friendly and it was easy to make friends. The class load was more than most people probably expect while abroad (french class 4 hours every day and other required classes) but there are options to customize, and my french improved enormously after the intensive program. Lyon is a beautiful city, it is not overwhelmingly big but there is still a lot to do and I was never bored. Traveling by train from Lyon is super easy, but flying is sometimes inconvenient because the airport is small and there aren't many direct flights. I highly recommend this program!

This program was really incredible for improving my language skills! Many people spoke English, so it was easy to struggle in my second language along with the people I was speaking with. There was very little pressure and often times people would help me or give me to space to express myself. The classes were also very helpful with us starting class by sharing what slang we learned! I chose Lyon for the academics and even though that was my priority I fell in love with the city. Lyon is a large city but has a smaller city feel. There was so much to explore but it didn't feel too overwhelming. As Lyon was very influential city for the French resistance during WWII, there is a lot of history embedded into the city. There were so many opportunities to meet people in and outside of the university and program. I was able to engage with French language and culture as well as engage with the immigrant communities! The onsite staff were also incredible and helped me through many situations!

This was my first time traveling alone and visiting a different continent, which made me very anxious. However, this culturally rich city exceeded my expectations in many ways. I got to try delicious croissants and baguettes, find my way despite the language barrier, and engage with French society’s identity and values. Lyon was the perfect place to immerse myself in French culture. It is large enough to explore for months, but not as overwhelming as Paris. Classes were challenging, but helpful.

Studying abroad in Lyon with USAC during the spring semester was truly transformative. The city’s rich culture, welcoming people, and amazing well-known food culture made every day exciting and meaningful. I attended classes at UCLY, where I took intensive language classes that successfully helped me with my goal of improving my French. Through this experience, I gained independence, confidence, and a global perspective that shaped how I see the world. I met incredible friends from all over, picked up new recipes, and grew personally and academically. I highly recommend the USAC Lyon program to anyone seeking growth and adventure!

Lyon truly has it all, and USAC serves as the perfect liaison, setting you up with a community and a multitude of opportunities to become involved within Lyon. From meandering open-air markets to exploring les traboules, to attending the orchestra, plays, and opera, eating lunch in Roman ruins, and having access to a myriad of museums, and of course impeccable cuisine, Lyon has so much to offer. The program directors always had their door open for drop-in questions or simply tea and a chat. USAC provides incredible support, helping mitigate the tedious and often daunting paperwork and logistics that coincide with living abroad. The language program itself is a neat design that sets you up for success in your French learning journey - it's incredible how much progress you make without realizing. I highly recommend taking the classes offered to USAC students that are in French; it will definitely accelerate your learning process - if fluency is your goal. USAC Lyon is the perfect program for someone who wants to study abroad and get outside their comfort zone, while also having a support system upon arrival.

My time studying abroad in Lyon was truly unforgetable. The USAC program provided so many amazing opportunities for students to get a fully immersive experience. I got to participate in a language exchange with other French University students, volunteer with young friend kids, and learn about the history of Lyon in my classes. There was ample time to travel without having to miss classes, and tons of amazing things to do in the city as well. I will forever cherish the friends and memories I made!