Spend your Fall or Spring semester at the European Study Center in Strasbourg, France!

This study abroad program is offered by the CEPA Foundation, a non-profit, family-run 501(c)3 organization.

This comprehensive semester program includes housing at the Château de Pourtalès, an 18th Century French Château, courses and transcripts, group excursions to cultural sites and government and business institutions in France and Germany, daily breakfast and some group meals, a three-day trip to Paris, AND MORE!

Gain the global awareness about diversity, sustainable development, and ethics that leaders need to be effective in today’s international environment. Through workshops, professional visits, and awareness programs, students will develop a personalized socially responsible leadership philosophy and intercultural competency portfolio.   

During the program, you will take classes at both the European Study Center and at the University of Strasbourg. There is no foreign language requirement, as all courses are offered in English (though you can take French language courses). At the University of Strasbourg, you can enroll in the Ecole de Management and/or Sciences Po. You will be able to take courses in International Studies, Business, Management, Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship, Organizational Leadership, Sustainability, French Culture, and more! Visit the ESC website for more information on course options. 

Academics:

• 12 to 15 US semester credits
• Registration fees in Strasbourg
• Official transcripts from the University of Strasbourg (FRANCE) and School of Record (USA)

Courses and Credits:

• French language crash course at the start of the semester (no credit)

Courses at the Château (earn up to 9 US semester credits)
The courses will include both classroom instruction and cultural/professional development elements and excursions. Course offerings at the Château for the semester are as follows:

LEAD 399 – Socially Responsible Business and Leadership in Europe
INTS 360 – EU and Contemporary European Affairs.pdf
INTS 361 – European Identity and French-German Cooperation along the Rhine

Courses at the University of Strasbourg (earn up to 9 US semester credits)

During your program, you will enroll in two courses taught at the European Study Center and will take the remainder of your courses at the University of Strasbourg’s business school – Ecole de Management (EM). There is no foreign language requirement for this program as you will take all of your courses in English.you can enroll in the Ecole de Management (AACSB-accredited business school) and/or Sciences Po (world-renowned political science institute). 

Visit the European Study Center website for more information about course options and syllabi
 

Housing and on-site amenities:
During your semester, you will reside at the Château de Pourtalès, an 18th-century French Chateau. The Chateau features many amenities including a French buffet-style breakfast served every morning, classrooms, a student lounge, a computer lab, wi-fi, a library, laundry facilities, and a student kitchen. There are recreational opportunities onsite, including tennis and volleyball courts, yoga classes, and a large park for exercise or relaxation (the Parc de Pourtalès). 

• Dorm-style accommodation with shared rooms and bathrooms
• The coordinator and Chateau staff will provide personal support before, during, and after the program
• Wifi, computer lab, library, and free printing
• 24/7 emergency assistance/staff on-call

Meals:

• Welcome reception and group dinner at the start of the semester
• A delicious French breakfast buffet is included every day at the Château de Pourtalès
• Tarte flambeé group dinner
• Group dinner at a restaurant in Paris
• Wine and cheese evening with the President of CEPA Foundation
• A special holiday group meal, depending on the season
• Farewell group dinner at the end of the semester

Transportation:

• One group pick-up will be arranged for all students who arrive at Frankfurt International Airport on the official arrival day and time
• Public transportation pass for Strasbourg for the duration of the program
• All ground transfers for the activities and excursions included in the program

 

Trips and Site Visits:
Strasbourg, France:

• Visit the European Parliament
• Visit the Council of Europe
• Visit the EURO Institute
• Visit including a presentation about Europe and the institutions at Lieu d'Europe 

Paris, France:

• During your 3-day trip to Paris, you will visit a multinational company and take guided tours to experience the influence of the French capital’s history and culture firsthand.

Frankfurt, Germany:

• Visit the German Central Bank in Frankfurt

 

Cultural visits and social activities:

• Participation in the World Café
• International Career Seminar - CEPA’s unique career support program developed especially for study abroad semester students
• Yoga classes are offered once a week at the castle. Students can join the classes free of charge.
• Guided tour of the Haut Koenigsbourg Castle
• Visit the former concentration camp Struthof
• Day trip to the city of Heidelberg, Germany. Walking tour and visit to the famous Heidelberg Castle
• Guided walking tour of Strasbourg including a food tasting
• Guided tour of the Historical Museum in Strasbourg
• Company visit, e.g. to an automobile company in Rastatt
• Seasonal party at the castle, depending on the semester: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter, etc. 

Insurance:

• International health insurance and the French Social Securité insurance are included in the program fee
• CEPA student services and support from the on-site team, including 24-hour emergency on-call support
• Free yoga classes at the castle

Eligibility:

• The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students from an accredited, higher education institution.
• All courses may be taken in English, although the option to take courses in French is available to students with sufficient foreign language skills.
• All majors are welcome to apply. Minimum 2.5 GPA required.

 

Scholarships are available from the CEPA Foundation to students who qualify.
Apply online and visit the program website: www.studyabroad-france.eu
Need help with your application? Contact: eliana.rafael@cepa-foundation.org