Overview
Since 1954, CALS has offered their students unique opportunities to study abroad via the CALS Exchange program. CALS students are able to internationalize their academic experience by integrating themselves into a partner university abroad, taking classes and living alongside degree-seeking students. The CALS Exchange programs are rooted in, and in many cases designed by, CALS faculty affiliated to an international academic institution or university department that complements your academic program. Students who have previously gone on exchange have found it to be a rewarding experience as it has added an international dimension to their degree, challenged them academically and facilitated the development of new skills, and enhanced their personal growth and self-confidence.
In 2011, CALS partnered with France Agro3: French Network for Education and Research in Life Sciences, a group formed by three French higher education institutions that specialize in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences to offer unique pathways that include a semester of coursework in addition to experiential learning and research opportunities.
This exchange program is recommended for undergraduate students majoring in Animal Science, Agricultural Sciences, E&S, Food Sciences, IARD, Plant Science and Development Sociology. Students in majors outside of those recommended may also be able to participate, depending on your interests and academic needs.
What is unique about this program?
ISA Lille is a french graduate school of agriculture and bioengineering offering master’s programs with majors in Agricultural Science, Food Science, Environmental Science and Economics, Marketing & Management, taught in English and French. Created in 1963, ISA Lille’s campus is part of Lille Catholic University, the largest private higher education institution in France, with 26,000 full-time students and 2,500 international students. In addition to academic programs and research activities, ISA Lille offers consulting activities to local companies as well as global leaders in the sectors of agriculture, food industry and environment in France and abroad. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a summer program prior to the start of the fall semester. You can learn more about the summer opportunity in the academics section of this listing.
What is unique about Lille, France?
With a city population of about 230,000, Lille is a major cultural hub in France known as "The Capital des Frandres." The Palais des Beaux-Arts museum is home to France's second largest art collection after the Lourve. Centrally located near France's border with Belgium with easy access to Brussels, Paris and London, with Flemish architectural and cultural influence, Lille is a bustling university city with over 100,000 students and hundreds of cafes, restaurants, and events (music concerts, theatre) all through the year. Check out Le Chti, the annual city tour guide.
Review the other opportunities in France via this unique partnership:
Past Participants
Would you like to ask a past participant questions about their experience? The CALS exchange coordinator is happy to connect you to a Cornell student who has studied at ISA. Email cals-exchange@cornell.edu to request an introduction.
How do I apply?
- Attend a CALS Exchange and Study Abroad Information Session
- CALS will be holding information sessions for students to answer questions regarding types of programs, the process, financial aid/costs concerns, returning credits, and any additional questions you may have. You can find the schedule and login information here.
- Meet with the CALS Exchange Advisor
- The CALS exchange advisor is happy to meet with each student to go over specific programs, answer individuals academic questions that could not be discussed in an information sessions, assist with program selection based on interest, etc. It's also an opportunity to discus the application process, the course approval process, etc. Schedule an appointment.
- Click the green apply button (there is an application preview button for those interested in what is on the application-by clicking apply, you will start an application to the program)
- Already met with the CALS Exchange Advisor or is it close to the application deadline and you can't get in to see the advisor? That's okay. Click the green apply button and start the Cornell application process so you don't miss any deadlines.
- Click Submit
- Once you've completed all of the application requirements, click submit. The CALS Exchange Advisor will review your application within a week of your submission. If accepted, you will receive further instructions regarding next steps and the application process to your host university.
