Structure and Content

• Content of the Programmes

  In-depth Language Training

  One of the main objectives of the Hérodote and Hérodote Plus programmes is for participants to acquire a sufficiently high level of French or German to pursue future academic studies in that language. To this end, the programmes offer in‑depth language training.

  This training includes intensive courses before the semester, regular courses throughout the year, and coaching to prepare an official language exam. The regular courses represent between 10 and 14 hours per week, i.e. a workload of 20 to 30 hours including preparation and homework. Courses take place at the Language Centre, and preparatory‑year participants attend them together with other students.

  As members of the student body, participants also have access to the Language Centre’s self‑learning materials as well as the tandem programme.

  Introduction to the Field of Study

  To familiarise themselves with teaching methods, academic expectations, and the specialised vocabulary of their intended field of study, participants in the Hérodote and Hérodote Plus programmes must also participate in courses in that field.

  Participants may take teaching units amounting to up to 12 ECTS credits per semester for Hérodote and 6 credits for Hérodote Plus, with an overall cap of 20 and 12 credits respectively.

  These courses are selected together with the Hérodote team and depending on the intended study level (bachelor’s or master’s). They aim to provide a realistic insight into academic expectations.

  Transversal Skills

  The preparatory year includes a transversal module reserved for programme participants. This module addresses questions related to the functioning of the university and challenges of integration into a new study context (e.g. how to navigate the university, where to look for information, etc.). It also aims to clarify the individual study projects and provide targeted reinforcement in the study language (complementing the language courses).

  In addition, participants have access to transversal skills courses that are part of the University’s regular offer. These courses—such as workshops in digital skills—aim to strengthen competencies useful in various academic and professional contexts.

  Mentoring

  Mentoring is personalised support. Each participant benefits from the guidance of a student mentor to facilitate integration and daily life at the University. The Hérodote team collaborates with the student association OFI/OBI to recruit mentors trained for this task.

  At the beginning of the first semester, an agreement is signed between participants and their mentor to define the modalities and frequency of their meetings. At least three meetings must take place during the first semester of the preparatory year.

  Campus Life

  Participants in the Hérodote and Hérodote Plus programmes are considered students at the University of Fribourg and therefore have access to sports and cultural activities as well as various events organised by the University.

  Participation in university life is encouraged throughout the programme. Although optional, it fosters inclusion within the academic community.

• Support Measures

  Support for each participant is organised in such a way as to ensure that they derive maximum benefit from their preparatory year while also fulfilling the requirements inherent to the programme they follow.

  A Learning Agreement is signed with the Language Centre at the beginning of the programme. This agreement defines the objectives to be achieved during the year as well as the list of courses to be taken each semester.

  At least one formal review interview is also organised during the programme. Additional interviews, as well as meetings involving integration counsellors, may be arranged depending on needs.

  The purpose of these interviews is to ensure smooth progress through the preparation year, facilitate the resolution of potential problems, organize external support measures (e.g. tutoring, remedial courses) when necessary, or develop an alternative training project for the time after the preparatory year.

• Validation of the Programmes and Access to Regular Studies

  The Hérodote programme lasts at least one semester, and the Hérodote Plus programme at least two semesters. Regular participation in all parts of the programme is mandatory for its validation.

  Validation of the Language Training

  Participants in the programmes are automatically subject to the assessments of the attended language courses and may, upon successful completion and if permitted by their future study plan, have the corresponding ECTS credits recognised.

  In addition, as part of the Hérodote programme, participants can sit an official language examination at the Language Centre to obtain a B2‑level language certificate.

  Validation of Courses in the Field of Study

  Participants in the programmes take the exams and assessments of the courses followed as part of the introduction to their future field of study. Only one attempt is permitted, but in case of failure, it is not counted towards future studies. 

  The faculties decide whether the ECTS credits obtained through these exams can be recognised for future studies.

  Any ECTS credits obtained in transversal skills workshops may also be counted towards regular studies if the study plan allows it.

  Certificate

  At the end of the preparatory year, each participant receives a certificate of participation in the programme as well as an interim transcript. This document certifies the different courses attended and any ECTS credits obtained.

  Access to Regular Studies

  Hérodote

  The formal eligibility of participants in the Hérodote programme for university studies is verified before the start of the programme. To gain access to regular studies, only the language requirement must in principle be demonstrated, unless the formal admission conditions have changed or the chosen study programme has additional specific admission requirements.

  A proof of sufficient language proficiency meeting the requirements indicated in the corresponding regulations must therefore be provided for admission to regular studies. For this purpose, at the end of the preparatory year, participants have the opportunity to take an official B2‑level language examination.

  Hérodote Plus

  For an admission “sur dossier” to regular studies at the University of Fribourg, participants in the Hérodote Plus programme must pass an aptitude test for university studies.

  In the event of failure on the first attempt, the Hérodote Plus programme may be extended by two semesters, after which the exam will be taken again. A second failure results in the permanent impossibility of accessing regular studies.

   Additional admission requirements may exist for certain study programmes.

  For more details on the programme validation process, please consult the applicable regulations and directives.