Life in Pau
If you’re dreaming of quintessential French life where you can immerse in the culture and study the French language away from tourist traps and bustling big cities, Pau is the place for you.
Study abroad in Pau, France offers students the chance to live and learn in a charming, small city neighboring the Pyrenees with more green space per inhabitant than any other European city. Language learners, culture seekers, and outdoor enthusiasts will all find a home in Pau.
Resident Director for Pau
Each USAC Specialty Program has an on-site Resident Director (RD) who is responsible for the overall operations of the program, such as student housing, organizing exciting field trips, student support, and more.
Meet the Resident Director for our Pau, France program, Robina Müller here.
Host University and Academics
USAC Pau students will study at the University of Pau, which is home to over 13,000 students. USAC courses are held on the main campus in the northern part of the city. The campus has multiple libraries, two large dining halls and a café, residence halls, and a variety of sports facilities that USAC students can enjoy.
Students who study in Pau can take courses in the French language, as well as French and European studies.
Additionally, internships are available during select terms in Pau. If you choose to participate in an internship, you will be placed with a local organization in one of the following fields:
- Business
- Translation
Field Trips and Tours
Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Pau and the surrounding areas. Lucky for you, USAC coordinates a number of field trips and optional tours to highlight areas of significance and teach students about the history, culture, and traditions of France. Possible destinations include:
- Gavarnie: Pyrenees Mountains
- French Basque Coast: Bayonne and Biarritz
- Bordeaux
- Toulouse and Carcassonne
- Paris/Loire Valley Tour
*The following are possible destinations, view term calendars for specifics. Due to continually evolving COVID-19 regulations some tours and field studies may or may not be available during the term you choose to study abroad.
Immersion Activities
The best way to immerse in the local culture and make local friends is to get involved with campus life. USAC, the University of Pau, and community organizations have a number of activities for students to get involved in. Sample options include:
- Practicing French with a conversation partner.
- Skiing or hiking the Pyrenees Mountains with local students.
- Participating in campus sports, such as volleyball, Basque pelota, dance, canoeing, and more.
What Alumni Have To Say
“I studied abroad during the Spring 2018 semester. It was single-handedly the best experience that I have had in my college career. I have met many lifelong friends through this program. Pau was the perfect location for me. The program was intense on the language and culture of France and it was great! I receive comments regularly from my French professors here at my current university on how much my French has improved. I feel that the program in Pau is amazing for anyone looking to improve their language skills specifically.” – Ashley H., USAC Pau alum
“I studied abroad with USAC Pau in 2019. My experience wouldn’t have been the same if it wasn’t for the staff. The two program advisors are truly exceptional. They care about the well-being and success of each student. They take time to get to know you and offer all sorts of resources to make you feel welcomed. All the excursions were well-organized, educational, and very fun! It was always a great time in group excursions because we had fabulous guides and great food… The support, education, and entertaining experiences I had in USAC Pau will always be unforgettable. Although a small city, it truly offers the opportunity for full immersion. If you are looking for an authentic study abroad experience, USAC Pau knows how to help you achieve it.” – Valentina P., USAC Pau alum
