International Winter School - Bordeaux Montaigne University v1.2
International Winter School
Take part in Bordeaux Montaigne University International Winter School
February 14 - February 27, 2027
Every year, during two weeks, Bordeaux Montaigne University offers an exciting opportunity for students to participate in a global summer programme with courses in a French university while discovering the beautiful city of Bordeaux and its surroundings. This is a chance to boost your academic background and develop your own international network of students from different countries.
This short-term program mixes 16h of English-taught academic courses, led by Bordeaux Montaigne University teachers and professors, on several topics: linguistics, French culture, History, Geography, Gender and Humanities. In addition, 10h of French language courses for all levels will be added to these courses. At the end, students will be awarded 3 ECTS credits.
A field trip, several cultural and social activities such as a wine tasting or culinary class, an intercultural workshop, visits to
museums, activities with local students or a sport session will complete this intensive and fulfilling program.
This program is totally open to students with disabilities.
Attendance to courses and activities is mandatory.
The 2027 IWS will take place from February 14 to February 27, 2027. The applications are not open yet.
Feedback from students
Should you have any inquiry or wish to receive information once the applications are open, do not hesitate to contact us at intl-events @ u-bordeaux-montaigne.fr
Practical information
Social programme
Bordeaux Montaigne University's International Winter School includes several social and cultural activities, including visits to museums and workshops that will allow students to immerse and discover French culture:
- Musée d'Aquitaine (history and art museum)
- intercultural workshop
- culinary or wine-tasting workshop
- field trip to the Arcachon Bay or St Emilion
Please note that these activities are subject to change depending on the schedule. Another visit to an art exhibition or museum may be added.
Academic programme
The academic programme is composed of 8 courses taught in English, for a total of 16h (2h each) and 10h of French language courses.
The programme and the detailed syllabus will be published soon.
The programme is open to any applicants from any study programmes, from partner universities or not. The only requirement is to be a full-time student in the home university and have at least a solid B1 level in English.
We highly recommand students to have a minimum level of B1 in English (or equivalent) in order to participate in the International Winter School. This will allow students to fully understand and actively participate in the classes taught in English, and also to connect with fellow international students.
There is no language requirement for French language courses, all levels are welcome, even total beginners!
Please note that this International Winter School does not apply to university staff.
If you wish to enroll the International Winter School at Bordeaux Montaigne University, the first step is to complete the application form (the application period is not open yet) and gather the documents required:
- Copy of your passport or ID card
- Certificate of enrollment from your home university (student card for the current academic year, official certificate)
Once your application is complete and confirmed by Bordeaux Montaigne University, you will need to proceed with the payment using a link (provided by the International Relations Office, see following section). This will secure your enrolment and confirm your participation to the International Winter School.
The invitation letter and proof of stay will be sent after these steps, upon the payment reception. These two documents will be needed to support your visa application (if you require one).
Different fees apply depending on whether you are studying in a partner university or not. If you are not sure, you can contact us or get in touch directly with the International Office at your university.
Fees will include:
- Accommodation for 13 nights in a hotel, with a small kitchen and a shared room with separate beds (maximum 2 or 3 students/room)
- Registration and administrative fees
- Course material
- Field trip to the Arcachon Bay or the village of St Emilion
- Visits to museums
- Access to workshops
- Unlimited transportation card in Bordeaux for two weeks
Students will have to take care of their own travel expenses from their home town to Bordeaux and must be covered by their own personal insurance. Meals are not included in the participation fees but several cheap options are available on campus. Students also have the option to prepare meals or dinner at the hotel.
Participation fees will be published soon.
Payment method
The tuition fees must be paid in full by international transfer, on the university's platform called "Guichet". A link will be sent after your application is confirmed by the International Relations Office.
Attendance is mandatory and students are expected to attend all classes. Professors will check the student's attendance at the beginning of each class.
The students must participate in the workshops and activities as they are included in the programme and as the visits are closely linked to the academic courses.
Depending on the number of missed classes, students might not receive all the ECTS credits.
The type of visa will vary depending on your situation. You can check here what type of visa you should apply to. At the end of the short questionnaire, there will be a list of all the documents you need to provide to complete your visa application.
Please note that you have to apply for a visa by yourself. We do not ask for any document on our side.
The refund policy is as follows:
- In case of visa rejection (with the official visa rejection notification):
- The total amount will be refunded if you notice us at least 21 days before the start of the programme
- A partial refund (total total amount less the accommodation costs) if you notice us 21 days or less before the start of the programme
- In case of cancellation or withdrawal for personal reasons:
- A total refund is granted if noticed at least 21 days before the start of the programme.
- A partial refund (total total amount less the accommodation costs) if you notice us 21 days or less before the start of the programme: we will only be able to refund the activities/visits and the courses as the accommodation costs are already paid for it in advance and no refund is provided by the accommodation provider in case of cancellation of participants.
- If you arrive after the start date of the program and you miss some classes or activities, there will be no refund.
- No refund in case of no show.
- In case of visa rejection (with the official visa rejection notification):