Bordeaux, France

Do you have a pioneering spirit? Come help us start a movement among the students in the wine capital of the world.

Bordeaux is one of the most beautiful of Europe’s smaller cities. In June 2007 it was awarded the honorable status of a ‘unesco’ world heritage site and in 2015 it was voted “Europe’s Best Destination” to visit. The city has excellent museums, great nightlife and the beaches of the atlantic are very close by. It is surrounded by beautiful countryside, charming villages, and hundreds of wine-producing chateaux.

Wine is obviously the biggest industry in the city, but it is a very strategic city for student ministry. There are a scarce few churches and full-time ministries focused on the 70,000 students in France’s fifth largest city. Who will share with them the living Bread and Wine of life in Christ?

Though Catholicism had major influence throughout the history of France, a great majority of young people today are completely indifferent or profoundly ignorant of the gospel because they have never had a meaningful exposure to it. Of the 66 million people of France, only 1% are dedicated Christ-followers. The people of France are like the prodigal son. They have grown up with signposts for faith in God all around them, but they have chosen to put God aside, run off and follow the road of worldly pleasures wherever it may lead them.

Young people in France are confused and looking for hope for the future. Traditional family structures are breaking down and the unemployment is high. With the rising presence of Islam and the recent influx of refugees, the French are grieving the ever-changing nature of their cultural identity. But all of this has left many students looking for answers and they are open spiritually. Will you come and help be a part of calling this prodigal nation home?!

Where can I study?

There are many campuses where you would have an opportunity to study in Bordeaux. Here are a few websites: (select ‘anglais’ in the upper left hand corner of the websites to see the page displayed in english.)

• Universities
• Les Grandes Ecoles - The website translates this as “high school” but it is really the highly specialized universities.
• Art & Culture

What types of classes can I take?

These universities offer a wide variety of programs for coursework that will count towards most students’ degrees. The study abroad office on your campus can help you select the courses you need for your degree requirements. Your course load will be similar to a normal load (about 16 credit hours) of classes you would have in the States.

When can I go?

Fall terms at most French universities typically run September through mid-January, and spring terms late January through early June. You’ll need to check with each prospective university for exact dates.

What kind of ministry will I be doing?

If you are studying there in 2017, you would be networking with students on campus to try to identify potential French Christian leaders that we could get in touch with and train to start a movement on their campus. We can also help equip you with some tools and ideas to engage those around you in conversation about spiritual things and the gospel. We’d love to get to know you and learn how you’d like to serve with the particular heart and gifting that God has given you!

In addition with your Cru Study Abroad coach from the States, we would like to provide an in-country contact to keep in touch with you and encourage you. We’d be happy to connect you with some local churches that we’re familiar with and we’d also like to connect you with the student movement in the city of Toulouse, which is also in Southwestern France. Since Bordeaux is a priority city for us, we may send a short-term mission trip to do evangelism with you and generate some momentum for a community starting in this city. We’d also like to encourage you and the Christian students you meet to come and visit our student group in Toulouse. You may be able to capture some vision and participate in regional weekends. We’d also like to keep you informed of National conferences and mission trips to help you grow in your walk with Christ, get you connected to students in other cities, and give you opportunities to learn how to share your faith in France.

God-willing, we would like to send a long-term French-speaking team to Bordeaux in 2017. If you have even one potential Christian student leader to pass on to that team, we’d call your year a great success! We’d of course be happy to follow up with any of your friends who are in the process of exploring faith in Jesus as well.

Where will I live?

Although host families may be an option with the study abroad program of your university, we’d encourage staying in a student residence. Relationships can develop so naturally there and they can be great mission fields!

Will there be a language barrier?

No. Most French and International students have been learning English since they were in grade school and are happy to have a chance to practice it with you!

How much does this cost?

The cost of tuition and fees varies by each campus and by the university you currently attend.

When is the application deadline?

• For fall semesters, please apply here by August 1st.
• For spring semesters, please apply here by December 1st.
• For summer terms, please apply here by May 1st.