• International symposium at the European Study Center (ESC) Strasbourg, France
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Socially Responsible Business & Leadership in Europe

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

Student Testimonials

 
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Brandan Naef, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

"It was a ideal setting to learn and experience French culture, close to Germany and other countries as well. It was an interesting experience to view the lifestyles of another culture over a long time and see what parts of your life that you never thought about might be able to be changed or improved by thinking about it differently."

Hannah Jones, West Virginia University

"From this experience, I gained a new sense of confidence and independence that I will carry with me from now on. Being able to see the world and travel on my own has pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to grow as a person. Strasbourg is very centrally located and makes it very easy to get out and travel around Europe. The CEPA program was great because they supplemented our in class learning with excursions around the area to help us learn more and experience our environment. If given the chance I would do it all over again"

Jonah Harris, Georgia College and State University

"Selflessness, inspiration, and consciousness; these are the type of values and people that the ESC program attracts."

Shinnay Richards, Georgia State University

"This experience was definitely worthwhile, and taught me a lot about myself that I was afraid to admit. I also learned so much about Europe that the history books did not include, and I must say it is intriguing to learn about a countries history while being able to visit the monumental areas."

Andrea Crooks, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

"I learned so many things about other cultures through the other international students I met in classes. It was fascinating to see the similarities and differences between education, and the way everybody lives in Europe."

Elizabeth Crawford, West Virginia University

"I learned a lot about myself. I gained several life lessons that I will apply in the future. Finally, I got to experience different cultures."

Cameron Geer, Georgia State University

"Do it! Definitely worthwhile. It is important to learn the local language and step out of your comfort zone."

Emily Tingler, West Virginia University

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

Fall Semester Program

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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 3-day trip to either Paris, France or Brussels, Belgium is included in the semester. (Destination is dependent upon on the majority of the academic focus of the student group, either business or political science) 

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.

Learn more

Socially Responsible Business & Leadership in Europe

Program OverviewWhat’s IncludedCourses and CreditsDates and FeesHow to Apply
  • Academic Field(s)

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

  • Dates - Fall Semester

    Program begins, arrival day, check-in:

    Saturday, August 24, 2024

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

  • Destinations

    Based in Strasbourg, France

    Weekend Trip to Paris, France or Brussels, Belgium

    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

  • Brochure


    semester

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 or Brussels, Belgium
    • 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

Students will enroll in two courses taught at the European Study Center (ESC) for up to 6 US semester credits and will take the remainder of their courses at the University of Strasbourg’s business school – Ecole de Management (EM) or the Political Science School – Sciences Po.

There is no foreign language requirement for this program as students will take all of their courses in English.

15 US semester credits are included in the program fee. 

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.

Credit for courses taught at the ESC are in the US semester credit system.

Credit for courses taught at the University of Strasbourg are in ECTS (European Credit Transfer Service) system.

In most cases, two courses at the University of Strasbourg will transfer back to your home university as one 3 US semester credit course (2:1 ratio).

Work with your study abroad advisor to select the courses and determine the appropriate course numbers and identifiers for how they are transcripted.

Students will receive two separate transcripts after completing the semester program:

Transcript #1 for courses taken at the European Study Center (ESC):

  • Courses are graded according to the US system.
  • If the student directly enrolls in the program, the CEPA Foundation School of Record will issue transcripts for all coursework and exams completed at the ESC.
  • If the student enrolls in the program through an exchange, generally, the student’s exchange institution will issue the transcript for all coursework and exams completed at the ESC.

Transcript #2 for courses taken at the University of Strasbourg:

  • Courses are graded according to the French system (1-20).
  • The University of Strasbourg will issue transcripts for coursework and exams students complete at the University of Strasbourg.
  • Fall Semester transcripts are usually issued in late February. Spring Semester transcripts are usually issued in late June.

Courses taught at the European Study Center Château de Pourtalès

Courses are worth 3 US credit hours each. The courses below include both classroom instruction and cultural/professional development elements and excursions.

TitleSemesterCredits - USSyllabus
LEAD 399 - Socially Responsible Business and Leadership in EuropeFall / Spring3PDF
INTS 360 - EU and Contemporary AffairsFall / Spring3PDF
INTS 361 - European Identity and French German Cooperation along the RhineFall / Spring3PDF

Courses taught at the University of Strasbourg – EM Strasbourg Business School

The CEPA Foundation Academic Director has carefully pre-selected courses as part of the semester program.

View Full Course List
TitleSemesterCredits - ECTSSyllabus
Ethics and ManagementFall/Spring5PDF
Deciphering French culture - Mindsets and practicesFall/Spring5PDF
Introduction to European Economic PolicyFall/Spring5PDF
Storytelling and Self-ManagementFall/Spring5PDF
Theatre & body language: tools of management 5PDF
Business NegotiationFall/Spring5PDF
International and European Business LawFall5PDF
Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Sustainability ChallengesFall5PDF
Cases in International MarketingFall5PDF
Economy of Happiness gr.1Fall5PDF
Global Business NegotiationFall5PDF
International StrategyFall5PDF
Intercultural Management - gr.1Fall5PDF
Organizational PsychologyFall5PDF
European integration history from a transnational perspectiveFall5PDF
Human Resources and socially responsible perspectivesSpring5PDF
Sustainable marketing (sem B)Spring5PDF
Strategic Management in a Global business contextSpring5PDF
Leadership & InfluenceSpring5PDF
International managementSpring5PDF
Eco-literacy and Intercultural CompetenceSpring5PDF
The European Single Market : Challenges and ConsequencesSpring5PDF
The Government of the European unionSpring5PDF
Introduction to European EconomySpring5PDF

Courses taught at the University of Strasbourg – Sciences Po Political Science School

View Full Course List
Title SemesterCredits - ECTSSyllabus
Britain and Europe from 1945 to BrexitFall5PDF
Fascisms, European history, current challengesFall3PDF
Financial InvestmentsFall3PDF
Immigration to the United Kingdom : History and RepresentationsFall3PDF
International Economic Law and PolicyFall3PDF
Introduction to the Law of the European Court of Human RightsFall3PDF
Microfinance (enseignement en anglais)Fall3PDF
Minorities, Immigrants and CinemaFall3PDF
The Council of Europe in International Relations Fall3PDF
The European Court of Human Rights (S1)Fall3PDF
Understanding Contemporary AfricaFall3PDF
Understanding the USFall3PDF
Cultural Policy in EuropeFall3PDF
Environmental Politics in the USFall3PDF
European Cultural HistoryFall3PDF
History, Institutions and Policies of the EUFall3PDF
The EU and the World EconomyFall3PDF
From Slavery to Black Lives MatterSpring3PDF
International EconomySpring3PDF
The Challenge of Climate Change: Strategies of the European Union, the United StateSpring3PDF
The politics of Visual culture in divided societiesSpring3PDF
Concurrence, Innovation et environnementSpring3PDF
Public International LawSpring3PDF
History of European integrationSpring3PDF
International Relations and the challenge of multilateralismSpring3PDF
Political Sociology of the EUSpring3PDF
The European Court of Human Rights (S2)Spring3PDF
The Evolution of the Media in the 21st CenturySpring3PDF
African American History from Reconstruction to the PresentSpring5PDF
Approaches of Cultural Pluralism: Artistic Transfer and Transnational HeritageSpring3PDF
The Commonwealth of Nations: From Empire Management to International and Transnational Cooperation3PDF
Scholarships
Application

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 

Sunday, August 25, 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 21, 2024
The dates listed are subject to change. 

Spring Dates – Overview

Application deadlineOct. 1 (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
Pre-departure webinar (I) student participation is requiredNov. 30 (General Information)
Final payment is dueDue by Dec. 1
Pre-departure Webinar (II) student participation is requiredTBA (Academic Information)
Arrival in Strasbourg PROGRAM BEGINSFriday, January 3, 2025
On-site orientationTBA
Blocked Weekend - activities are planned on these days, please do not travel independentlyTBA
World Cafe (previously Castle Talks Symposium)TBA
Borderwalk and Euro Institute ExcursionTBA
Winter Break - no classes, free to travel independentlyTBA
Blocked Weekend - activities are planned on these days, please do not travel independentlyTBA
Blocked Weekend - activities are planned on these days, please do not travel independentlyTBA
PROGRAM ENDS students enrolled in Ecole de Management (EM), CHECK-OUTSaturday, May 10, 2025
PROGRAM ENDS students enrolled in Sciences Po, CHECK-OUTSaturday, May 31, 2025

Fee Structure

 Courses, Credits, and Transcripts+ Cultural Program CEPA Services+ Housing, breakfast daily, and some group meals= Program Fee
Fall 2024 (16 weeks)$5,580$5,220$5,190$15,990
Spring 2025
(16 weeks)		 $5,580$5,220$5,690$16,490
Spring Semester 2025 
(20 weeks)		 $5,580$5,220$6,190$16,990
Summer 2025  (4 weeks)$2,550$1,770$1,670$5,990
Fall 2025
(16 weeks)		 $5,580$5,220$5,690$16,490
Application
Scholarships

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Eliana Rafael

Eliana Rafael

Program Director

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