France: Business Semester in Angers with ESSCA
L’Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Commerciales d’Angers (ESSCA) is a private business school which has earned a reputation for excellence throughout France. It is considered one of France's top schools of management. Students can choose to take courses in either English or French. Students interested in taking courses in French may find more course options available. Students will be able to choose one French language course each semester.
Angers, France is a small medieval city of 160,000 inhabitants located in the heart of the Loire Valley. It is a historic and student-friendly city filled with cobblestoned streets, cinemas, cafés, restaurants, and bars. The city is just a quick 90-minute train ride from Paris and only 60 minutes from the spectacular beaches of the Atlantic coast. Angers is home to many museums, a 12th century fortress, a lively city center and a large student population.
ESSCA is an internationally focused institution with campuses in:
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Angers, France
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Paris, France
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Budapest, Hungary
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Shanghai, China
GVSU students most commonly study in Angers and Budapest. These four sites offer programs in the Fall, Winter and Summer.
GVSU's partner universities are largely independent programs; prospective participants should carefully consider if this form of study abroad suits their needs before registering. These partnerships allow students to experience a more independent international study abroad, but also require students to have a high level of flexibility and the ability to navigate much of the program independently. Those who prefer additional support may wish to consider other study abroad options such as external study abroad providers and our faculty-led options.
Partnership
2.5 GPA Required
No Language
Requirement
Requirement
Issue Friendly
Program Dates and Application Deadline
Fall 2023
Estimated Program Dates: August 2023 - December 2023
Application Deadline: February 1, 2023
(Closed)
Academic Year 2023 (Fall 2023-Winter 2024)
Estimated Program Dates: August 2023 - May 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2023
(Closed)
Winter 2024
Estimated Program Dates: January 2024 - May 2024
Application Deadline: September 1, 2023
Courses
ESSCA-Angers offers several academic tracks for Undergraduate and Graduate students. Courses are available in English and in French.
For a list of ALL available courses and course descriptions, visit:
Pre-approved Courses: Other GVSU students have studied abroad at this partner institution. The button below will take you to a list of GVSU equivalencies they have received. PLEASE NOTE: This list indicates courses that have been previously approved. This is NOT a list of all available courses on this program.
Students registering for courses that have NOT been pre-approved will need to follow the course approval instructions: Course Approval Process
For information on fulfilling general education courses abroad, visit: General Education
Note: ESSCA uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). In general, 2 ECTS credits is equivalent to 1 US credit.
Housing
ESSCA offers several different accommodation options:
- Residence De La Maine
- Fac Habitat
- Couffon Pavot
- Residence Volta
Early application for housing is encouraged as some units fill quickly. Many international students choose to live in the city center and take a bus to the ESSCA Campus for classes. Students who want the convenience of being close to ESSCA's campus should consider Residence Volta which is across the street from ESSCA. Many of the European international students prefer to live in the city centre. Options are available to suit your preferences.
Cost and Scholarships
NOTE: "Other Expenses" listed above are general cost
estimates. Due to COVID-19, costs may increase for basic goods and
housing. These estimates are provided as a guide to help students in
their planning, but they are subject to change.
International Exchange Grant ($500 - $1,000): Decisions on awards will be made following the deadline for application. Questions? Contact [email protected] or 616-331-3898
Seidman College of Business Study Abroad
Scholarship (Deadline: March 1) APPLY NOW
Fred A. Bell Business Scholarship (Deadline: March
1) APPLY NOW
Paul and Sue Spindler Accounting Study Abroad Scholarship (Deadline: March 1) APPLY NOW
Padnos Scholarship: (Up to $15,000): The Barbara H. Padnos International Scholars program provides scholarships for year long study abroad programs (Students must study abroad for 2 semesters or more). The average scholarship ranges from $5,000-$15,000. APPLY NOW
Eligibility
Students must be degree-seeking, have attended at least one semester at GVSU, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the time of application.
No current Covid Requirements
Additional Information
Host University Website
https://www.essca.fr/en/international/exchange-student
Culture
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
Campus Info / Campus Life
Fall semester is 15 weeks
Spring/GV's Winter is 20 weeks
Google Map
Already Applied
Visa Requirements
Students studying in France for more than 90 days are required to obtain a student visa. The process for securing a student visa is lengthy and requires students to first obtain approval through Campus France. Students should begin the Campus France application a minimum of 8 weeks prior to departure, however earlier application is highly recommended. Students must have acceptance from the host university before finalizing their Campus France application. Students will be required to travel to the VFS French Visa Processing Center for a visa appointment. The nearest processing center is in Chicago but students are welcome to schedule appointments at any of the VFS processing centers throughout the United States. Please review our student visa guide for France for important details regarding the application process.
Arrival Information
ESSCA provides detailed arrival instructions on their website in the Practical Guide. Students typically fly into Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris and take the TGV high-speed train to Angers (St. Laud) train station. Angers is on the Paris-Nantes TGV lines. The train station is located in the airport terminal 2. It takes about 2 ½ hours from Paris to Angers. The cost will vary based on the time of day and demand. To find information on the train schedule and rates visit: www.raileurope.com. With advance notice, ESSCA can arrange for someone on the Welcome Team to meet you at the Angers train station.
CDC Report
US State Department Information
US State Department Country Information (France)
Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
US Embassy in France - Location
US Department of State - Students Abroad
Guides
Resources for Emergency Situations
Reporting an Incident
Contact Information
"As I look back on my time in college, I can say without a doubt going abroad was the best decision I had ever made. During the summer I spent in France, I learned more than I ever imagined and made memories and friends I will cherish for a lifetime. There are not many things I have experienced that are life changing, but studying abroad was one of them." -Victoria Pryson
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