Le Mans Université

A multidisciplinary campus of approximately 9200 students, Le Mans Université is located in the historic city of Le Mans (population 148,000), on the Sarthe River near the Loire Valley. Le Mans, with its Roman walls, a beautiful cathedral, plenty of museums, and many recreational activities, is a convenient one hour train ride from Paris.

France

France is one of Europe’s largest countries and is bordered by Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg to the northeast, Switzerland, and Italy to the southeast, and Spain to the southwest. The United Kingdom borders France via the English Channel. The country is considered to be the gateway to Europe with several large international airports, ferry terminals, and the French rail service. France is the most popular tourist destination in the world. There are many reasons why so many people enjoy visiting a diverse country, including natural beauty, the amazing climate, outdoor recreational activities such as golf courses, art museums, and galleries and so much more. 

Le Mans

Situated on the Sarthe river, Le Mans is about one hour by train southwest of Paris. The city is of great interest from a historical and geographical point of view: the Gallo-Roman walls still stand 1700 years later as a testament to the excellence of Roman engineering. These walls encompass the Vieux Mans along with several houses celebrating the architectural diversity of different historical periods: the Middle-Ages, the Renaissance, and the 18th century. Le Mans Cathedral displays a beautiful combination of Roman and Gothic art due to its different periods of construction from the 11th to the 15th century. Numerous cultural activities and events take place year-round (theater, dance, and music). Le Mans offers students a combination of a charming small French town with easy access to the City of Lights.

Areas of Study

  • French as a Second Language (required course)
  • French/English Translation (required course)
  • History
  • Geography
  • Literature
  • Business

Language of Instruction

French is the medium of instruction, thus, a minimum of two years of college level French language study is required for this program. There are a limited number of courses in some disciplines that are taught in English.

Academics

Students will take five courses for a total of 15 credits. All students will take the following two required courses: French as a Second Language, designed to improve communication skills, AND French/English Translation, with first or second-year French students in the department of English (LEA). Students will select three additional courses from the fields of History, Geography, Literature and Business. Students with an interest in Education may choose an elective practical experience in a local school, in lieu of a fifth course. To earn credit for this practical experience students, will need to work with a UMF Education faculty member to arrange an independent study, prior to participation.

Grading Scale

LMU Grade

UMF Equivalent
14 – 20 A
12 – 13.9 B+
11 – 11.9 B
10.5 – 10.9 B-
10.1 – 10.4 C+
10 C
9 – 9.9 C-
8 – 8.9 D
0 – 7.9 F

Academic Calendar

Fall Semester runs from late August to late December or mid-January, depending on individual course exam requirements.

Spring Semester runs from early January to late May, depending on individual course exam requirements, and includes an extended Easter holiday break.

Program Cost

Students will pay UMF for 15 credits of UMF tuition and fees. All other program costs will be paid out of pocket and/or directly to the host institution.

Estimated Budget

Housing

Students will be housed on-campus in Cité Universitaire Vaurouzé, in single rooms which include a bed, drawers, desk, mini-fridge, bathroom, and internet access. A bedding pack can be provided at the reception desk (loge d’accueil) of the Vaurouzé halls of residence at the cost of 30€. If you do not need one, remember to bring your own bedding (sheets, blanket or quilt, pillow). Various collective spaces include a computer room, workroom, and laundry.

Apply Now

Helpful links

Incoming Student Guide

Campus France USA (pre-visa)

Visa Information

France Tourism

Le Mans Tourism

Office of Experiential & Global Education
University of Maine at Farmington
106 Fusion Space
117 South Street
Farmington, Maine 04938
Phone: 207-778-7122
leustis@maine.edu