Overview
Open to CALS Students: Recommended for Animal Science, Food Science, Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Business
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.
What is unique about this program?
L'Ecole d'Ingenieurs de PURPAN in Toulouse was founded in 1919 by Jesuit teachers and farmers and has maintained a spirit of direct collaboration with the agricultural environment ever since. It is administered by a non-profit making council and is connected with the Ministry of Agriculture. It awards the degree of “Ingénieur en Agriculture” which is equivalent to a MSc in Agriculture.
The PURPAN curriculum is based on three key principles: intensive academic studies, on-the-job experience, and strong international exposure. There are additional research opportunities at PURPAN in advance of and/or during the semester, dependent on a student's experience and interests.
FALL (early Sept - late Dec)
- Animal Production & Winemaking (harvest)
- Sustainable Luxury: Corporate Responsibility in the Luxury Sector (wine, food, fashion, beauty)
SPRING (early Jan - end May)
- Food Science & Winemaking (wine processing, business & marketing)
- Global Issues (a capstone course with international and local students)
Review the other opportunities in France via this unique partnership:
What is unique about Toulouse, France?
PURPAN is located in Toulouse, in Southwestern France, the 4th largest city in France and the 2nd largest university town. Located in France's most important agricultural region, Toulouse is also a high-tech center and important scientific research hub. With more than 120,000 students, Toulouse is one of the liveliest cities in France yet it also remains connected with tradition. At the crossroads of Europe, Toulouse is only 6 hours from Madrid, 4 hours from Barcelona, 2 hours from from the coast, and 1 hour from Paris by plane.
What is unique about CALS-Exchange programs?
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.
Past Participants
You can view photos from past participants. Would you like to ask a past participant questions about their experience? Email the Office of Global Learning to be connected with a Cornell student who has studied at PURPAN.
How do I apply?
- Have questions about which abroad program to choose and the application process? Schedule a meeting with an advisor at the Office of Global Learning.
- Selected your program and have questions about international course approvals or academic policies while abroad? Please reach out to cals-studentservices@cornell.edu.
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)
Click Submit
- Once you've completed all of the application requirements, click submit. The Office of Global Learning will review your application.. If accepted, you will receive further instructions regarding next steps and the application process to your host university.
