The CLA (center of applied linguistics) of Besançon was founded in 1958. It was one of the first centers to develop a practical curriculum for language instruction, based on research in the teaching of applied linguistics, and oriented towards specific professional goals.

Today, the CLA, part of the University of Franche-Comté, welcomes over 3,000 students each year from all parts of the globe.



The CLA promotes the following missions:

• The teaching of FLE (French as a foreign language) and several foreign languages
• Teaching of professors and instructors
• University research and development
• Expertise and foreign missions upon the request of institutions such as the Foreign Affairs ministry and French embassies, the Minister of Education, foreign ministers, and other educational and cultural institutions.

The CLA is a member of the ADCUEFE, an association that brings together around thirty university FLE centers. The ADCUEFE promotes the study of French within university studies, keeps a quality charter for member institutions, and ensures the equivalency of diplomas given by the centers.

The CLA is also a partner with the Campusfrance agency, a public interest group that brings together the Minister of Education, the Minister of Research and Higher Education, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs for matters of higher education and specialized schools.

Finally, the CLA has the label of FLE with three out of three stars for all criterion of the label.

The CLA is:

• 100 permanent staff members and 100 temporary staff
• Services tailored to meet your needs during your stay in France: welcome, information, housing, cultural activities, cultural exchanges, a media center, communication
• 3,300 m² / 35,500 ft² dedicated to teaching, learning, and the enrichment of your stay
• 25 classrooms, a resource center and individual workshops, 4 multimedia labs, and a café