University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

European Study Center at the Château de Pourtalès
in Strasbourg, France

A study abroad program offered by the non-profit CEPA Foundation

This is a comprehensive semester program which includes: university courses through an exchange program with the University of Strasbourg Ecole de Management, the Science Po, and the Franceh language institute, IIEF. Business, Political Science, International Relations courses, French language courses, cultural activities, multiple excursions, and professional visits are integral to the program. Students can also choose to live in a real French castle during their semester abroad.

The ESC Strasbourg Program Fee includes:

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

Housing

Students can choose between an 18th century castle, the Château de Pourtalès, homestay, and student residences. Students will share double occupancy rooms with shared bathrooms during the program. Free use of campus facilities at the Château – classrooms, lounges, a computer lab, wi-fi access throughout the facility, a library, laundry facilities, a breakfast room, a student lounge, and student kitchen. Recreational facilities are located on the premises and nearby. Bikes are also available for students to use during the semester (deposit required).

Meals

• Welcome reception and group dinner at the start of the semester
• Delicious French breakfast buffet is included every day at the Château de Pourtalès
• Tarte flambeé group dinner
• Group dinner at a restaurant in Brussels
• Special holiday group meal, depending on the season
• Farewell group dinner at the end of the semester
• Optional: $1,500 weekly meal allowance can be arranged. Costs will be in addition to the program fee.

Signature programs included in the ESC Strasbourg Semester:

• Participation in the “Castle Talks” international symposium
• International Career Seminar - CEPA’s unique career support program developed especially for study abroad semester students
• Community volunteer and engagement opportunities at local organizations during the semester
• Yoga classes are offered once a week at the castle. Students can join the classes free of charge.

Trips and Site Visits:
Strasbourg, France:

• Visit to the European Parliament
• Visit to the Council of Europe
• Visit to the European Court of Human Rights
• Visit to the EURO Institute

Brussels, Belgium and Verdun, France:

• During your 3 day trip to Brussels, you will visit 3-4 European or international institutions – e.g. European Commission, Council of the European Union, SHAPE, US Mission and / or World Bank Group

Germany:

• Visit to the German Central Bank in Frankfurt
• Visit to the German Stock Exchange in Frankfurt
• Visit to the German Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht) in Karlsruhe

Cultural visits and social activities:

• 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
• Guided tour of the Historical Museum in Strasbourg
• Company visit, e.g. to an automobile company in Rastatt
• Special seasonal party at the castle, depending on the semester: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter, etc.

Language and support from the on-site team:

• 6 hours of basic French
• Orientation session and on-site team who will provide you with personal support before, during, and after the program

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 official activities and excursions included in the program

Internet:

• Free use of computer lab & internet access at the castle
• Students are also able to use land-line phones at the castle to receive international calls at no charge.

Insurance

• International health insurance and the French Social Securité insurances are included in the program fee
• Membership to University of Strasbourg's Student Union (semesters)
• CEPA student services and support from the on-site team, including 24-hour emergency on-call support

Eligibility:

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

* The EM Business School and West Virginia University are AACSB accredited

Scholarships are available from the CEPA Foundation to students who qualify.

Please visit the program website at: www.studyabroad-france.eu

CEPA Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) international education organization.

PLEASE NOTE:
To be considered for this program, students must submit an application for both UWM and CEPA by their respective deadlines. To start a UWM application, click on "Apply Now" button on the top of this page. Visit the CEPA website to apply.

PROGRAM FEE:
Please see the top of the program page for cost information. Click on the term you are interested in and you will be directed to a budget sheet that contains program fees and other important financial information.

The program fee is set by CEPA. CEPA will invoice UWM for the program fee and this fee will be posted to students' PAWS accounts in addition to CIE administrative fees and mandatory health insurance fees. Please visit the UWM study abroad "Fees & Policies" page for details about program fees. Students should consult the CEPA website for latest program cost projections and inclusions and exclusions.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS:
Financial aid, scholarships and grants may be used for our programs. Attend a Financing Study Abroad 101 Session to learn about study abroad costs and budgets and how financial aid can be used for study abroad, as well as general information on how to search for scholarships and other funding resources.

Based on eligibility, students may apply for any scholarship either through our office or elsewhere.  For a general list of study abroad scholarships and grants, visit our webpage. We encourage students to search widely for other scholarships that can be applied to their study abroad program. 

Are you a Pell Grant recipient? Check out the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.