Cergy-Pontoise, France
University Website
Exchange Student Information 
University and Location
Founded in 1907, the ESSEC Business School is consistently ranked among the top business schools in Europe. Critical thinking and creativity are the cornerstone of an ESSEC education that prioritizes the cultivation of personal responsibility and an entrepreneurial spirit. A truly global institution, more than a third of the 6,000+ students at ESSEC are international. Each year, ESSEC welcomes over 500 exchange students from more than 160 partner institutions in 45 countries.
Located 35 minutes from the center of Paris in the suburb of Cergy-Pontoise, students have easy access to the history, culture, architecture, art, fashion and gastronomy that make Paris one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. In addition, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the student community of ESSEC through participation in more than 130 clubs and athletic teams, as well as through the welcome activities and semester events hosted by Le Bureau des Elèves (student union).
Language and Instruction
English and French
Available Fields of Study
Management, Finance, Marketing, French Language and Culture, Economics, Information Systems
Program Dates
Fall: Late August - Late December
Spring: Late February – Early June
Course Selection
Exchange students select from course offerings in the 3
rd and 4
th years of the Global BBA Program. Nominated students will receive registration information directly from ESSEC. Course lists information about course selection can be found
here.
Students may wish to check the
Undergraduate Transfer Course Guide in SIS to determine which courses, if any, have already been evaluated and approved. Course approval does not guarantee that a course will be offered during a particular semester.
Courseload
ESSEC uses the European Credit Transfer System or ECTS. One ECTS credit is interpreted as approximately .5 of a U.S. semester credit. Exchange students typically take 30 ECTS credits per semester. Students must remain enrolled for the equivalent of at least 12 Rensselaer credits in order to maintain full time status.
Grading
ESSEC uses the French grading scale of 1-20, with 20 as the highest grade. Rensselaer students must achieve a grade of 10 or above in order to receive credit.
Accommodation and Meals
Housing within close proximity to the ESSEC campus is available in one of the 4 residences of the ESSEC Student Housing Association, ALEGESSEC. A variety of room types and amenities are available, and students will be invited to apply for housing upon acceptance to ESSEC. Students may prepare their own meals in residence kitchens or take advantage of the many campus and local eateries. Detailed information can be viewed
here.
Estimated Expenses and Cost of Living
Students pay Rensselaer tuition while on exchange at ESSEC and will receive any regular Rensselaer financial aid for which they are eligible. In addition, students pay for airfare, accommodation and living expenses. Individual expenses will vary according to lifestyle and travel, but students should expect to spend a minimum of $1500 USD per month to cover accommodation, meals, local transportation and basic living expenses.
Questions? Please contact Karen Dvorak, Program Manager