This exchange program is recommended for undergraduate students majoring in Agricultural Sciences, Food Sciences, Global Development, Plant Sciences, and Viticulture and Enology. 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?

Located in Angers, France, ESA offers a unique pathway that includes a semester of coursework in addition to experiential learning and research opportunities. ESA strives to bring students, community, and companies together to research and respond to contemporary issues in the agricultural and agri-food industry. Throughout their experience at ESA, students might be working on cutting edge research or visiting a local farm.

What is unique about Angers, France?

Angers is located approximately three hours southwest of Paris in the Pays de la Loire region, was ranked the "greenest city" in 2017 by the Union Nationale des Entreprises du Paysage-UNEP and is home to approximately 148,000 residents. Of those residents, almost half of the population is under 30 and a destination for many students studying at one of the 18 higher education institutions in the area. There are many opportunities to attend in local festivals, fairs, and events. Fun fact, there is a "theme park" of plants also know as Terra Botanica.  

What is unique about CALS Exchanges?

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. 

How do I apply?

• Applying to study abroad is a two-step process. For more information, visit Apply for Semester and Year on the Education Abroad website. 

  1. For Cornell approval and nomination, click on the "Apply" button on this webpage. Applications are reviewed by Education Abroad. See timeline. Students who secure a space will be invited to commit. Once committed, the Education Abroad Office will nominate you to the exchange partner. 

  2. Once nominated by Cornell, complete the external application for exchange students provided by the partner. Schools typically admit the students nominated by exchange partners, but you must complete this process for them to review your application and offer you a place. The timeline for nominations varies greatly by program; you will hear from your Education Abroad Advisor or the program itself when it is time to apply externally.