Program Details: ESSCA Shanghai
Is this program for me?
For more than 20 years, GVSU and Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Commerciales d’Angers (ESSCA) have partnered together to offer full immersion exchange opportunities to students in business and international relations. ESSCA is a small, private, not-for-profit, business school located in France with approximately 3000 students. Founded in 1909, ESSCA’s mission is to educate students to work in an international environment, and offers campuses in Angers (main campus), Paris, Budapest, and Shanghai. ESSCA- Shanghai offers courses in the fall and spring (GV's winter) semesters, as well as a summer program. Courses are offered in English, and include subjects such as: Chinese language and culture, economics, tourism management, politics and society, international trade, Asian economy and geopolitics, marketing, supply chain management, and more.
The ESSCA-Shanghai program is small, and consists of French and international degree-seeking ESSCA students, as well as other exchange students from around the world. The program includes company visits, and a variety of cultural excursions.
Host University Website for Exchange Students
Check out past participant reviews.
ESSCA's summer program in Shanghai offers features that are different from the semester program. Students interested in the summer program should review the information under the Summer Program Information section at the bottom of this page.
Location
The ESSCA Shanghai campus is ideally located in the center of one of the most vibrant metropolises in the world. With over 24 million inhabitants, Shanghai is the largest city by population in the world. It’s breathtaking landscape, ancient history, vibrant culture, and rich traditions make it an ideal place to study. China is transforming economically, with one of the fastest growing economies in the world making it a critical hub for business and industry.
Cultural Information
When studying abroad, it is important to learn about the culture of your host country.
For information on music, food, language, news & more, view Cultural Information
Cost
2017-2018 Estimated Semester Budget
The cost of any study abroad program depends to a large extent on the participant's personal spending habits and lifestyle.
A PIC Partnership Grant is available for this program.
Any student studying abroad for a semester is automatically considered for the Study Abroad Semester Grand, click here for the grant guidelines.
Visa Information
All non-Chinese nationals must apply for a visa to enter China for the purpose of studying. Students can find guidance and application details in our student visa guide. Please note that the appropriate consulate or embassy must be consulted for the most up-to-date visa information.
Housing and Meals
Students may work with a rental agency to secure housing, or find accommodation independently. For detailed information, please visit the ESSCA Shanghai Practical Information brochure.
Program Dates
ESSCA-Budapest offers several academic tracks for Undergraduate and Graduate students. All courses are conducted in English.
Fall: late August - mid December (16 weeks)
Winter: mid Jan - end of May (20 weeks)
Academic Year: not available
Summer:June- July
Courses
Courses available to GVSU exchange students at ESSCA in Shanghai
Course offerings at each of the ESSCA campuses can be found on the ESSCA website. There are different links for each semester, as well as a separate link for the summer program.
ESSCA Shanghai Fall Semester Program offers 3 options:
(1) Undergraduate: Chinese Business and Language Semester; (2) Graduate (or students in 4th year): Asian Business Semester or (3) Brand Marketing and Retailing in China.
ESSCA Shanghai Spring Semester Program (GV's Winter semester) offers 2 options:
(1) Undergraduate: Chinese Business and Language Semester; (2) Graduate (or students in 4th year): Asian Business Semester.
Additional Course Information:
ESSCA Shanghai undergraduate courses
List of ESSCA Shanghai courses that have been pre-approved by GVSU faculty:
There are currently no pre-approved courses for the semester Shanghai program.
ESSCA uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). In general, 2 ECTS credits is equivalent to 1 US credit.
ESSCA Application Process
Step 1 - Students must apply and be accepted into the GVSU OASIS application system.
Step 2 - The Padnos International Center will provide all applicants with application instructions after the OASIS priority deadline.
Step 3 - Students must complete all required application materials for ESSCA.
Step 4 - Students receive admission into the program and are provided with additional pre-arrival instructions.
Summer Option
ESSCA offers a 5 week summer program for graduate level students or SCB students in their 4th year. The summer program offers features that are different from the semester program. Program details can be found on the ESSCA website or in the ESSCA Summer Brochure.
Dates: June - July.
Cost: 2017 Estimated Summer Budget
Courses offered include: Doing Business in China: Economy, Commercial Environment, and Legal System (3 credits);
Chinese language (1 credit); Field Research (1 credit); and Old and Contemporary Chinese Civilization: Politics, and Society (1 credit)
Campus Information
Campus life in Shanghai is city life. Shanghai is one of the world’s largest cosmopolitan cities. The city offers a bustling night life, many museums, parks, shopping, and cultural activities. While the ESSCA site is very small, in comparison to a typical US campus, the learning environment could not be more rich. Students from around the world take classes together to learn about Chinese culture, society, and business. Students will connect with a very diverse group of colleagues who often become future leaders in business and industry.
Travel Information
Students will fly into Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport which is about 25 miles east of the city. Students can either take a taxi (approx. $35), or an airport bus (approx. $5). ESSCA does offer to organize airport greetings for students who make the request with their arrival details at least one week prior to arrival. Please check with ESSCA regarding the cost for the airport pick-up.