École Supérieure des Sciences Commerciales d'Angers (ESSCA)
University of Missouri-St. Louis Exchange Program in France
| École Supérieure des Sciences Commerciales d'Angers (ESSCA) A great program for students of international business, international studies, or European history. Students take courses taught in English or French and a French language course. |
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What is it like there?
Angers is a beautiful city in the Loire Valley with about 260,000 inhabitants.
It has a small-town feel that makes a great atmosphere for French immersion,
while being large enough to always have something to do. It is a university
town, with about 30,000 students. A castle fortress overlooks the colorful
streets of Angers.
A business school created in 1909, ESSCA (Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Commerciales d'Angers) is a member of the prestigious "Conférence des Grandes Ecoles," the association of top Business Schools in France. The main campus of the ESSCA Group is situated in the city of Angers in the famous Loire valley region of France with sister campuses in Paris, Budapest (Hungary), and Cholet. You can read more about Angers here.
What will I study?
The Angers
European Business Semester (AEBS), taught each spring semester, focuses
on different aspects of the European business environment and economics
as well as modern history and contemporary socio-economic and political
issues. It is a unique opportunity for students who wish to obtain a
first-hand insight into European affairs and to understand what the European
Union really stands for. The Angers European Business Semester is taught
in English, but also offers a French language course from beginning to
advanced levels. French culture and civilization courses, taught in French,
are also available. Download the academic brochure for details and syllabi for each class. This program is ideal for business or political science majors.
During the fall semester, advanced undergraduate students and masters students can choose from a number of ESSCA business/management classes taught in English.
Students with high French proficiency make take regular ESSCA courses in the fall or spring semester.
After completing one semester at ESSCA, students will have access to their internship database. French proficiency is required to obtain an internship.
What is the language of instruction?
English and French. Students do not need to be proficient
in French to participate in this program.
Where will I live?
Students will live in the new student residence, UniverCity, in the Angers city center. This residence is available for both international and French students and has easy access to a direct bus line to ESSCA. Students may choose from studio apartments or 3/4 bedroom apartments, each with a private bath. Prices range from 475 euros/month to 564 euros/month. The rent includes utilities, internet, and English-speaking staff on site. See the Practical Guide to Living in Angers for more information.
When can I go?
The AEBS runs only during the spring semester. Additional classes taught in English are offered during the fall, and students with advanced French profiency may take classes in the fall or spring. ESSCA also runs a summer
program on European business and politics.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and be a
junior or senior.
How can I learn more?
Visit the "Programs in English" portion of the ESSCA website (links on bottom left) or stop by the Study Abroad Office in 261 MSC to browse their catalog.
You can also make an appointment to discuss this program with a study
abroad advisor; call 516-5229.
How much does it cost?
Below are the 2009-2010 estimated costs for one semester (4 months) at ESSCA
compared to a semester at UM-St. Louis. When you participate in a UM-St. Louis exchange program, like ESSCA, you continue to pay UMSL tuition and may use your financial aid. In addition, both CIS and external scholarships are available.
Please note that the French government requires students to apply in person for the student visa. This means you must go to the French Consulate in Chicago approximately 1-2 months before departure. Details will be provided to applicants.
ESSCA |
UM-St. Louis | |
| Educational Fees1 | $2,947.20 | $2,947.20 |
| Information Technology Fee | $146.40 | $146.40 |
| Student Facility, Activity, & Health Fee | $0.00 | $418.68 |
| Housing2 | $2,800.00 | $2,805.00 |
| Meals3 | $1,600.00 | $1,698.00 |
| Airfare | $1,400.00 | |
| Books | $300.00 | $400.00 |
| Miscellaneous4 | $1100.00 | |
| Total Estimated Cost5 | $10,293.60 | $8,415.28 |
1 Educational fees are based on 12 credit hours. Non-resident fees may apply.
2 Housing cost based on single room. Price may fluctuate based
on the exchange rate.
3 UMSL cost based on Option 2 Meal Plan.
4 Includes transportation, mandatory international insurance
(students must also purchase French health insurance through ESSCA before departure), visa fees, and round-trip travel to Chicago for the visa interview.
5 Please note that expenses are ESTIMATES. Costs vary depending on the exchange rate, the inflation rate, individual spending habits, and amount of extra travel. The cost estimate above does not include personal expenses or independent travel, which vary widely from student to student.
How to Apply/Application Process:
To apply, please visit the Study Abroad Application Deadlines & Procedures page.
Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation:
All UM-St. Louis students who study abroad are required to attend pre-departure orientation. This session will cover registration and financial aid, credit transfer, travel, health and safety topics, culture shock, and much more. Details and location.
Last modified January 5, 2010