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France

ESC Dijon / Burgundy School of Business

The Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Dijon Bourgogne (also known as ESC Dijon, ESC Dijon Bourgogne, ESCDB, and Burgundy School of Business—it’s all the same outstanding institution) was founded in 1900 and now has a student population of nearly 1,200 students. Although the majority of students are French, many classes are taught in English. This enables you to be integrated and directly enrolled into a leading French Grande Ecole without knowing French! The system of Grandes Ecoles is an elite and uniquely French model of higher education, making admission as a degree student intensely competitive. The Grandes Ecoles are also known for their “team spirit,” however, and the ESC Dijon Burgundy is no exception; with nearly 30 clubs and societies, opportunities abound to make Dijon your home for a term or longer.

Location
The French recently selected Dijon (population 152,000 with nearly 25,000 students), as one of the top three places to live in France. The city is the capital of the region of Burgundy, which is rich in culture, historic architecture, and fine food and wine. Dijon is situated on the northern edge of the Côte d'Or wine region and is a short train ride away from the Alps—even Paris is less than a two-hour train ride away. Picturesque and bustling pedestrian streets, flourishing trade, beautiful parks and gardens all contribute to the town's lively and warm atmosphere. Dijon offers a diverse and lively social life enhanced by the distinctive Burgundian culture—all of which is just a short walk from the Burgundy School of Business campus.
Areas of Study
ESC Dijon offers a wide variety of courses in Accounting, Business Law, Business Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Information Systems, International Business, Management, Marketing, and Statistics. You may choose from business courses taught in English, French, German or Spanish. Several courses taught in English have been pre-approved for potential core and foundations credit and credit toward various DCB majors.
Activities
ESC Dijon clubs offer a variety of activities and sports; there’s everything from wine tasting to skiing or professional societies. One group in particular, called the “Melting Potes,” consists of French students devoted to integrating international students into the student body. Of course, Dijon is also teeming with cultural events and is conveniently located for excursions to other destinations in France and Europe.
Accommodations
At the Burgundy School of Business, you have three housing options: you can live with a local French host family; you can rent an apartment (the school will provide temporary housing and assist with your search); or you can apply to stay in student residences, which are located some distance from the School.
Academic Calendar
Fall Semester: Early September - late December
Spring Semester: Late January - mid-May
Eligibility
3.0 GPA
Language of Instruction
English, French.
Web site
www.bsbu.com
Additional information
Flyer

IAU Aix-en-Provence and Avignon

The University of Denver offers this program in cooperation with the Institute for American Universities (IAU). IAU offers three distinct options, two in the city of Aix-en-Provence and one in Avignon. The Avignon program is a “French only” environment while the options in Aix-en-Provence, including an art program, provide students with no previous French knowledge the opportunity to study in the south of France.

Location
One of the most beautiful, varied regions of France, Provence is bordered by mountains, rivers, and the Mediterranean. The city of Aix, with 130,000 inhabitants, has been a center of serious study since the university was founded in the 15th century. Avignon is much smaller at about 86,000 residents and served as the papal seat for centuries.
Areas of Study
Centre d’Aix: Principal areas of study are French Language and Culture, Art and Archaeology, European/International Studies, Business, Economics, History, Political Science, and Psychology. Except for French language courses and a few courses in History and Political Science, Centre courses are offered in English. Qualified students also may take courses at the University of Aix-Marseilles. Studio Arts can be studied at the Marchutz School of Art (instruction in English).
Avignon: Courses are available in Art History, History, Literature, Political Science and Visual Arts. All courses are taught in French. Qualified students may take courses for credit at the University of Avignon.
Activities
IAU sponsors activities and events such as hiking, skiing, rugby, football, fencing, and music as well as weekend trips to such places as the seaside town of Cassis and the Matisse Museum in Nice. Some trips will be organized as an integral part of a given academic class. Volunteer opportunities are available for those with sufficient language skills.
Accommodations
IAU will arrange for you to live with a local French family. Daily breakfast and 5 dinners weekly will be taken with your host family. You will be responsible for lunches.
Academic Calendar
Fall semester: September–December
Spring semester: January–May
Eligibility
2.5 GPA (3.0 Cherrington). For le Centre d’Aix programs in English and for the Marchutz School of Art, no prior French is required. Applicants to the Avignon program must have at least two years of college French or the equivalent, with a 3.0 in that field.
Language of Instruction
English, French.
Web site
www.iaufrance.org
Additional information
Flyer

MICEFA

Mission Interuniversitaire de Coordination des Echanges Franco-Américains (MICEFA) was created in 1985 to promote cultural and scientific cooperation between France and the United States. It is a non-profit organization that arranges undergraduate and graduate exchanges to various French universities. MICEFA participants have full access to the French university system.

Location
The MICEFA office is located in Paris’ fourth arrondisement near the Luxembourg gardens. MICEFA facilitates university enrollment for students with sufficient French language ability in eleven of the University of Paris universities (III through XIII) and two other Paris-area institutions, as well as universities in Lille and Toulouse.
Areas of Study
Areas of study include language and linguistics; literature; culture; cinema; drama; history; law; communication; fine arts; and computing. Your field of study will determine which university you choose, although it is possible to take classes at more than one university in Paris. All participating students begin their studies with a Preparatory Language Program and Orientation conducted by MICEFA. Individualized study programs are created for students in their preferred field, given their level of fluency in French and degree of specialization and requirements.
Activities
Because you will be fully enrolled in the French university system, you will have access to all student events and organizations, whether that means fencing with the university team, joining an archaeological dig, or participating in volunteer work or an internship.
Accommodations
The MICEFA staff is available to provide housing leads, give pointers and answer your questions, but you are responsible for making your own housing arrangements.
Academic Calendar
Fall semester: September–February (varies by university)
Spring semester: January–June (varies by university)
Eligibility
2.5 GPA (Cherrington: 3.0)
Language of Instruction
French.
Web site
www.micefa.org
Additional information
Flyer

Sciences Po

One of Europe’s most competitive universities, Sciences Po has been a leading university for teaching and research in the social sciences for over a hundred years.  Students are drawn to Sciences Po for its commitment to understanding the contemporary world through a multidisciplinary grounding in the social sciences.  International students in particular stand to benefit not only from the solid training of the core curriculum, but also from Sciences Po’s pedagogical approach, based on constructing concise, convincing, and well-structured arguments.  An emphasis on internationalization means that you will be among 2,200 international students out of a student body of 6,700.

Location
Situated in the heart of Paris, Sciences Po is part of the historic St Germain des Prés district.  Students are within walking distance from political centers of power and world-class historical and cultural attractions.
Areas of Study
The International Program at Sciences Po offers a broad spectrum of social science courses from an international and comparative perspective.  Areas of study include contemporary history, economics and business, international relations, law, European studies, political science, journalism, and sociology.  Students can choose between classes offered in English or French, or a combination of the two.  All students are required to take a French language course.
Activities
Incoming students are treated as full-time Sciences Po students and thus have full access to all campus facilities, including computer rooms, email, libraries, cafeterias, the cyber-cafe, and the careers and placement service. They may take part in the many student organizations, and are encouraged to take advantage of all aspects of student life at Sciences Po. A month-long orientation program is provided for international students, which includes language study, an introduction to the pedagogy at Sciences Po, and time to look for housing and obtain a carte de séjour.
Accommodations
Sciences Po is not a residential campus, and thus has no housing of its own. Finding accommodation will be your own responsibility, although Sciences Po offers assistance, including a list of contacts. During orientation, as you are searching for a residence, they will also help by speaking to landlords and agents on your behalf. It is recommended that you find temporary housing for the first two weeks of your stay.
Academic Calendar
Fall Semester: September – January
Spring Semester: February – June
Note: As part of the exchange agreement, DU students are required to enroll for the academic year.
Eligibility
No prior knowledge of French is required as courses are taught in English. However, students with the equivalent of two years of college French may access courses taught in French. You must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Denver with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Host universities/programs reserve the right to admit students. This is a competitive program since it operates as a balanced exchange.
Language of Instruction
English, French.
Web site
http://international.sciences-po.fr/prospectivestudents/exchange_all_levels_en.html
Additional information
Flyer

At a Glance

Student Profiles


Cherrington Scholars Eligible

  • Between 350 and 400 different cheese types are produced in France, including the famous Bleu, Brie, Camembert and Roquefort. The sheer number once spurred former President Charles de Gaulle to ask, “How can you govern a country which has 246 varieties of cheese?"
  • According to legend, when St. Denis—France’s patron saint—was martyred by beheading, he retrieved his head and walked several miles while preaching a sermon. The spot where he finally died eventually became the burial place of French monarchs.
  • The Académie Française, the nation’s official authority on the usage of the French language, was formed in the 1600s as an informal literature-discussion group. The Académie publishes the official French dictionary, and its members are known as “les immortals.”
  • Paris’ Cimetière du Père Lachaise is one of the world’s most visited cemeteries, and given the notoriety of those interred there, it’s little wonder. Famous occupants include Honoré de Balzac, Maria Callas, Isadora Duncan, Gertrude Stein and Jim Morrison.

Photos by Study Abroad participants.