• International symposium at the European Study Center (ESC) Strasbourg, France

Socially Responsible Business & Leadership in Europe

Fall & Spring Semester Program | Earn 12 – 15 US Semester Credits

It was an amazing experience and I will be grateful for that opportunity forever.

Emily Tingler, West Virginia University, Fall Semester Program

Top 5 Reasons to Attend This Program:

1. Learn about democracy and free enterprise systems in the EU

Visit institutions that support democratic values and social prosperity in Strasbourg including the EU Parliament and financial institutions in Frankfurt including the European Central Bank to learn how they keep markets stable and support economic growth and free trade.

2. Identify your social responsibility philosophy

Investigate how the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals align with environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) considerations.

Visit Freiburg, Germany’s greenest city, and birthplace of the environmental protection movement. Learn about the European Court of Human Rights and the role of European institutions in protecting human rights.

3. Examine leadership theories and practices

Through practical workshops and seminars identify your personal strengths and leadership style.

Visit local start-up organizations and ARTE, a leading media company to learn how they manage international teams in today’s global world.

4. Develop competencies in intercultural communication and management

Learn how to motivate international teams through professional workshops and seminars.

A weekend in Paris includes a visit to a multinational company and guided tours to experience the influence of the French capital’s history and culture firsthand. 

5. Live in an 18th century French castle

The European Study Center is housed at the Château de Pourtalès (pictured left), a 250-year-old fairytale castle nestled gracefully in a beautiful park just minutes from the EU institutions and the historical center of one of Europe’s most dynamic and multicultural cities, Strasbourg, France.

The Château de Pourtalès has witnessed nearly 300 of the most compelling years in the history of Western Europe and graciously welcomed some of Europe’s most notable nobility, diplomats, dignitaries, musicians, philosophers, and poets.

Socially Responsible Business & Leadership in Europe

  • Academic Field(s)

    International Studies, Business, Management, Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship, Organizational Leadership, Sustainability, French Culture, and more!

  • Dates

    Program begins, arrival day, check-in:

    Saturday, August 24, 2024

    Program ends, check-out and departure day:
    Saturday, December 14, 2024

    (Dates are tentative and to be confirmed.)

  • Destinations

    Based in Strasbourg, France

    Weekend Trip to Paris

    Day Trips in France and Germany

  • Eligibility

    College Sophomore or higher with 2.5 GPA, all majors welcome

  • Application Deadline

    May 1

  • Accommodation

    Housing and daily breakfast provided at the Chateau de Pourtales

  • Finances

    Scholarships Available

  • Included

    Professional development opportunities, field trips, local and international excursions, site and company visits

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.   

Strasbourg’s unique charm will inspire you. Nestled along the Rhine River, Strasbourg sits at the crossroads of France and Germany. An intercultural city for centuries, Strasbourg is the capital of Europe and home to the European Parliament.

During your program, you will take courses at both the Château and the University of Strasbourg. Classes are all available in English and you will have the opportunity to take courses at the University alongside French and other international students.

Chateau de Pourtales, European Study Center in Strasbourg France
  • Accommodation

    Housing and daily breakfast at the Chateau de Pourtales

    • Dorm style accommodation with twin rooms and shared bathrooms
    • Full buffet-style French breakfast provided every morning
    • 18th century French castle surrounded by large nature park
  • Academics

    12-15 credits, transcripts, lectures, professional development opportunities

    • Courses at Ecole de Management (Business School) or at the Sciences Po (Political Science School)
    • Two courses (3 credits each) at the Chateau
    • Multiple guest lectures addressing international relations, business, peace-building, and communications
Flags of the European Union in Brussels
  • Excursions, Field Trips, and Immersive Learning Opportunities
    • 3-Day excursion to Paris, France
    • Guided tours and professional visits to European institutions and international businesses
    • Multiple excursions and visits to companies and cities in France and Germany
Students on an Excursion at the European Study Center in Strasbourg
  • On-The-Ground Support and Assistance
    • Accessible and friendly on-site staff
    • 24/7 emergency service and support
    • Pre and post-departure assistance
    • Dedicated coordinator and helpful ESC Center staff

Course Selection

During your program, students will enroll in two courses taught at the European Study Center (ESC) 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 students will take all of their courses in English.

15 semester credits are included in the program fee. 

Courses at the ESC (earn up to 9 US semester credits)

Courses are worth 3 US credit hours each, for a total of 9 US semester credit hours. The courses will include both classroom instruction and cultural/professional development elements and excursions. Course offerings at the ESC for the semester are as follows:

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

There are many courses available at the University of Strasbourg. The CEPA Foundation Academic Director has carefully pre-selected below an example of the types of courses available as part of the semester program.

NameSemesterDisciplineSyllabus
Ethics and ManagementFall/SpringHuman ResourcesPDF
Deciphering French culture - Mindsets and practicesFall/SpringInterpersonal Development TechniquesPDF
Introduction to European Economic PolicyFall/SpringEconomicsPDF
Storytelling and Self-ManagementFall/SpringInterpersonal Development TechniquesPDF
Theatre & body language: tools of managementFall/SpringInterpersonal Development TechniquesPDF
Business NegotiationFall/SpringOrganizational Behavior & LeadershipPDF
International and European Business LawFallInternational Business LawPDF
Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Sustainability ChallengesFallEntrepreneurshipPDF
Cases in International MarketingFallMarketingPDF
Economy of Happiness gr.1FallEconomicsPDF
Global Business NegotiationFallCommercial Management and NegotiationPDF
International StrategyFallStrategic ManagementPDF
Intercultural Management - gr.1FallHuman ResourcesPDF
Organizational PsychologyFallOrganizational Behavior & LeadershipPDF
European integration history from a transnational perspectiveFallInterpersonal Development TechniquesPDF

You will have the opportunity alongside French and International students at the University of Strasbourg. Courses are available in English, but you may still elect to take courses in French if you can document a high level of competency in the language. There are two tracks available for semester students, Political Science (Sciences Po) and Business (EM).

When you enroll in courses at the University of Strasbourg, courses will be listed in ECTS (European Credit Transfer Service). In most cases, two courses at the University of Strasbourg will transfer back to your home university as a single 3-US-credit course (2:1 ratio). Work with your study abroad office to select the courses and determine the appropriate course numbers and identifiers for when they are transcripted.

Scholarships
Application

Spring Dates – Overview

Application deadlineOct. 1, 2023 (Late applications will be accepted until Oct. 15th based upon availability.)
$500 non-refundable depositDue within 7 days of invoice or October 1, whichever comes first
First payment is dueDue Nov. 1, 2023
Pre-departure webinar (I) student participation is requiredThursday, Nov. 30, 2023 (General Information)
Final payment is dueDue by Dec. 1, 2023
Pre-departure Webinar (II) student participation is requiredThursday, Dec. 14, 2023 (Academic Information)
Arrival in Strasbourg PROGRAM BEGINSThursday, January 4, 2024
On-site orientationJanuary 5, 2024
Blocked Weekend - activities are planned on these days, please do not travel independentlySaturday, Jan. 27 - Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024
World Cafe (previously Castle Talks Symposium)Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Borderwalk and Euro Institute ExcursionWednesday, March 27, 2024
Winter Break - no classes, free to travel independentlyMarch 6-10, 2024
Blocked Weekend - activities are planned on these days, please do not travel independentlyMarch 15 - 17, 2024
Blocked Weekend - activities are planned on these days, please do not travel independentlyApril 5-7, 2024
PROGRAM ENDS students enrolled in Ecole de Management (EM), CHECK-OUTSaturday, May 4, 2024
PROGRAM ENDS students enrolled in Sciences Po, CHECK-OUTSaturday, June 1, 2024

Fall Dates

Application deadlineMay 1 (Late applications accepted based on availability)
$500 non-refundable depositDue within 7 days of invoice or May 1, whichever comes first.
First payment:Due by May 31
Final payment:Due by June 15

Important Dates:

 

Pre-departure Webinar for general information (required)

TBA

Pre-departure Webinar for academic information (required)

TBA

PROGRAM BEGINS, Arrival in Strasbourg 

Saturday, August 24, 2024
OrientationThurs. Sept. 5, 2024
Classes beginMon. Sept. 9, 2024
3-day trip to Paris, FranceThurs. Oct. 3 - Sat. Oct. 5, 2024
3-day trip to Brussels, BelgiumSat. Oct. 26 - Mon. Oct. 28, 2024 
"Castle Talks" SymposiumMon., Nov. 11 - Wed. Nov. 13, 2024
PROGRAM ENDS, check-out:Saturday, December 14, 2024
The dates listed are subject to change. 

Fee Structure

 Courses, Credits, and Transcripts+ Cultural Program CEPA Services+ Housing, breakfast daily, and some group meals= Program Fee
Summer 2024 $2,550$1,770$1,670$5,990
Fall 2024 $5,580$5,220$5,190$15,990

Spring 2025
(Business Track, 15 weeks)

 $5,580$5,220$5,690$16,490
Spring Semester 2025 (Politics Track, 19 weeks) $5,580$5,220$6,190$16,990
Application
Scholarships

We’re here to help!

Eliana Rafael

Eliana Rafael

Program Director

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