Semester or Year in France

ISEP and MAUI-Utrecht are total immersion programs. In most cases, ISEP and MAUI-Utrecht participants register as a regular student at the host institution, take the same courses and have the same assignments, and participate in the same activities as the local students at that institution. This means that a student applying for an ISEP or a MAUI-Utrecht site must be more proactive and prepared to handle being in a location where they may be the only KU student in the program.

For more information on ISEP sites in France, check out ISEP France.

For more information on the MAUI-Utrecht site in France, check out MAUI-UTRECHT University of Lille.

The many attractions of France are well known to you: scenic landscapes, lush vineyards, bustling markets, lively cafés, haute cuisine, high-speed public transportation, picturesque villages, and metropolises rich in atmosphere, culture, and history.

But what awaits you at ISEP’s 18 French institutions is another side of France that is only experienced by the adventurous few: reading a history book next to a medieval castle in Normandy or Brittany; conducting environmental studies labs along rugged trails in the Alps; painting in the shadows of the great Impressionists along the Mediterranean; and tutoring aspiring French actors in the rolling hills surrounding the Loire River.

The rich diversity of landscapes, history, and culture surrounding ISEP and MAUI-Utrecht France institutions serves as a splendid backdrop for your mastery of French and further exploration of any field of study in one of the most rigorous educational systems in the world.

Students studying in France must be independent, self-reliant, organized, and able to handle ambiguity in order to successfully immerse into the highly structured and oftentimes bureaucratic French university system.

The French ISEP member institutions have developed short intensive language programs to prepare ISEP participants for their direct enrollment at French universities. Classes focus on strengthening basic language skills and introduce students to the methods of instruction and assignments they will experience in French universities. Further details are available from your ISEP coordinator. An intensive language program may be offered through MAUI-Utrecht as well. 

The Lille site from MAUI-Utrecht offers a wide variety of courses to students who go on the exchange program, and some classes are taught in English as well! Courses in English come from these faculties: Business Administration, Economics, and Biology. The following areas are available on the three Lille Campuses as well: 

• Campus Lille 1: Chemistry, Electronics, Electrotechnics, Automation, Computer Science, Mathematics, Mechanics, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Biology, Geology, Life Science, Earth and Environment, Biochemistry, Mathematics applied to Social Science, Natural Sciences, Applied Economics, Economics and Management, Management Science, Marketing, Geography and Urban Planning, Sociology-Ethnology, Economics, Management, Business, Communication, Human Resources, Education Science and Lifelong learning
• Campus Lille 2: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Public Health, Medical Technology, Law, Public Law, Business Law, European and International Law, Social Law, Civil Law, Criminology, Political Science, Social Science, Sport Science, Physical Education, Finance, Account
• Campus Lille 3: History, Archeology, Philosophy, Literature, Languages, Linguistics, Arts, History of Arts, Fine Arts, Performing Arts,  Cinematography, Music and Musicology, Communication and Information Science, Social Development, International Relations, Psychology and Behavioural Science, Teacher training, Adult Education, Tourism, Business studies with languages

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.

Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.

• Sexual and Gender Diversity
• Students of Color Abroad
• Visible and Invisible Disabilities
• Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
• Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
• First Generation Students
• Students with Children
• Students with Financial Need
• Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC

For more information about ISEP, contact Jason Foster at jasonfoster@ku.edu or stop by the Study Abroad Info Center in 105 Lippincott. 

For more information about MAUI-Utrecht, contact Jenna Hunter-Skidmore at jmhunter@ku.edu or stop by the Study Abroad Info Center in 105 Lippincott. 

For information regarding costs and deadlines, refer to the program coordinator.