The caesura
Timeline for Gap Year Applications
What is a caesura?
“A study break is defined as a period during which a student enrolled in an initial higher education program temporarily suspends their studies in order to gain personal or professional experience, either independently or under the supervision of a host organization in France or abroad […]
"It is stated that the gap year is not an alternative to the degree program; it cannot replace the requirements for earning the degree, such as the final thesis, professional internships, or instruction in a foreign language."
Dispositif Césure – University of Montpellier – CFVU, November 18, 2019 – DFE.
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When and for how long?
Students may take a gap year between different levels of their university program, from the first year of undergraduate studies (L1) to the second year of graduate studies (M2).
It must last for at least one semester and no more than one academic year.
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In what circumstances can I request a leave of absence?
- Education in a field other than the one listed on the application;
- Civic service programs (voluntary civic service, volunteering, European Voluntary Service, civic service with the fire department);
- Starting a business as a student entrepreneur;
- Personal experience;
- Work experience: Professional experience may be considered based on an employment contract (fixed-term contract), a volunteer agreement, or an internship agreement.
If a student requests a break for one or more internships, each internship must not exceed 6 months and/or 924 hours per internship and per host organization.
The gap year cannot begin before September 1 (the first day of the academic year) and cannot extend beyond August 31 (the last day of the academic year).
Putting together your gap year application
=> The enrollment certificate or Scol’Pass for the academic year during which you wish to take a gap year
=> A copy of both sides of your ID
=> A resume
=> A cover letter (reasons for applying, goals, etc.)
=> As many letters of commitment as there are host organizations (volunteer work, civic service, etc.)
=> A letter of support from the advisor for your academic program
=> A detailed month-by-month plan for your gap year
AND
=> The gap year agreement (signed by the student and the academic advisor only) and the gap year application form
These two documents will be sent to you starting in June
Internship during the gap year
If you wish to complete one or more internships during your gap year, you must sign a specific internship agreement, which you can obtain by contacting:
fds.cesure@umontpellier.fr
Important: Any agreement generated through Esup-Stage will not be considered valid.
Before any trip outside mainland France
If you wish to leave mainland France or travel abroad as part of one of your projects, you must submit a travel request via the Emvhol app.
You should also consult the Ariane portal to learn about the risks associated with your destination.
If the country or region is in the red category (Strongly discouraged) or orange category (Discouraged unless for compelling reasons), the request for a leave of absence will be denied unless there is a compelling reason.