France: Communications in Bordeaux

Study Communications in Bordeaux, France, while engaging in a collaborative international learning experience with students at the University of Bordeaux. Known for its historic architecture, regional traditions, renowned cuisine, and vibrant academic community, Bordeaux offers an ideal setting for examining how culture influences communication.

In addition to group projects and presentations at the University of Bordeaux, students will participate in cultural excursions highlighting significant sites, regional foods, and local traditions. Through coursework, virtual collaboration, and meaningful cultural immersion, students will strengthen their intercultural communication skills and develop a greater understanding of communication in a global context.

Program Highlights

  • Participate in Collaborative Online International Learning with students from the University of Bordeaux before traveling.
  • Complete a collaborative project and present a final speech to a faculty panel at the University of Bordeaux.
  • Interact directly with University of Bordeaux students and experience an international academic environment.
  • Apply communications theories and concepts through an intercultural and global lens.
  • Visit culturally and historically significant sites throughout Bordeaux.
  • Experience regional foods, traditions, and everyday life in southwestern France.
  • Develop intercultural communication, teamwork, presentation, and collaboration skills through meaningful cultural immersion. 

Travel Dates

  • Spring Break: March 5-14, 2027
  • Program length: 9 days

Program Location

Program Eligibility

  • Central Piedmont curriculum students with a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Curriculum students from other North Carolina community colleges with a minimum 2.0 GPA 

Academics

COM 110: Introduction to Communication

  • Specific section TBD (First short session, spring 2027. Course will be online with several live virtual meeting dates.)  

Program Leaders & Institutional Partner

Money Matters

Billable Costs

Estimated billable program costs: $3,100 per student. Billable costs are paid to the Center for Global Engagement at the college’s cashier’s office. Billable program costs include:

  • Application fee
  • Airfare and local transportation
  • Lodging
  • Some meals
  • Cultural excursions and scheduled program activities
  • Program-related costs
  • Travel insurance 

Non-billable Costs

Students are responsible to pay for the following expenses directly:

  • Passport and visa fees, if applicable
  • Meals not included in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Optional activities outside the official itinerary
  • Transportation or expenses not associated with scheduled program activities 
  • COM 110 tuition and course registration fees. Check with the Financial Aid Office to determine if your course registration can be covered with your financial aid. 

Scholarships

Scholarships toward billable program costs are available through the Center for Global Engagement and several external organizations. Please visit the “Scholarships” page for information about these scholarships. Note the following scholarship deadlines:

  • Community College Access Scholarship (external) - application open:
    • September 1, 2026 – October 1, 2026
    • December 15, 2026 – February 1, 2026
  • Gilman International Scholarship (external) & Gilman Stem Supplemental Award (external) - application open:
    • Mid-August 2026 – October 1, 2026
    • Mid-January 2027 – February 25, 2027
  • Gilman-McCain Scholarship (external) - application open:
    • Mid-August 2026 – October 1, 2026
    • Mid-November 2026 – January 7, 2027
  • Central Piedmont Study Abroad Scholarships (internal) - application opens mid-August:
    • October 1, 2026: Priority Deadline
    • December 4, 2026: Final Deadline 

How to Apply

Apply to the study abroad program by clicking the Apply Now button below.  

  • Choose which study abroad program you will apply for.
  • Log in using your Central Piedmont username and password.
  • Complete the Study Abroad application thoughtfully and in its entirety, including the video submission and essay questions. Studying abroad is an educational opportunity; your application should demonstrate your commitment to and interest in this program.  
  • Pay the $100 nonrefundable application fee and follow the instructions to submit proof of this payment on the Campus Community website. This step is required, and your application will not be considered until this application fee is paid. 

Apply Now

Note:

  • You must complete all steps for your application to be considered.
  • Some programs will require a personal interview. You will be contacted to schedule an interview after completing the steps above. 

Questions?

Direct questions to the Center for Global Engagement:  

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