European River School: European Integration & Global Strategy

An immersive river-based academic experience through Europe

Europe

Summer school

3 US Credits

Broaden your horizons. Make Lille your study abroad destination and spend a summer in the heart of Europe.

Would you like to broaden your mind by studying in Europe but haven’t an entire semester at your disposal? Joining the European Summer Programme (ESP) at Université Catholique de Lille will open the gateway to an unforgettable French adventure.

Spend a summer in Lille, the capital city of France’s Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, and earn academic credits with a wide selection of innovative, learner-centred summer school programmes.

You will be ideally placed to immerse yourself in the language, history, and culture of this friendly city. With fast connections to must-see destinations such as Brussels, Paris, and London (to name a few), exploring Europe is simple and affordable too.

At A Glance

European River School

Dates

May 21 - May 31, 2027

Pre-Programme: May 10 - May 19
Post-Programme: June 1 - June 15

Duration

4 weeks

Apply By

TBD

What's included?

Airfare, materials for class, in-country transportation, weekend meals, and spending money aren’t included.

Fees

$TBC per student* **

*Application fees are waived for partner institutions

**A non-refundable commitment fee for all participants applies

About Université Catholique de Lille (La Catho)

Founded in 1875, Université Catholique de Lille is France’s largest private, not-for-profit university. La Catho was ranked among the top 800 universities on the planet in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2021.

The beautiful neo-Gothic campus is just 15 minutes walk from the city centre of Lille. It boasts 5 faculties, 20 schools, institutes, a cultural centre, and a hospital group. Expert teaching staff and research teams employ student-focused strategies to deliver a fully integrated educational experience.

The university is dedicated to constructing a sustainable, more ethical future. Renowned as a ‘Third Place’ for the reinvention of society, La Catho is a driving force in regional dynamics to inform the end users of buildings about energy performance management through its ‘Live TREE’ project.

A continuing commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 can be witnessed across campus, with renovation projects transforming many buildings.

Study at France’s largest private (not-for-profit) university, whose campus is ranked as the 2nd most beautiful place to study in the country.
Develop your skill set with access to cutting-edge facilities. The university houses 5 faculties, 20 schools (including two triple-crown awarded business schools and industry-leading engineering schools), and even a hospital group.
Build your knowledge with access to expert teaching staff and leading teaching methods for a fully integrated educational experience.
Meet like-minded others. With 5,000 international students on campus and over 2,500 students welcomed from across the globe on the European Summer Programme since 2001, you will be in great company.
Immerse yourself in French life and European culture with activities, guided tours, day trips, and weekends away

Did you know? In 2020, Lille became the seventh recipient (and the first French metropolis) to be awarded the ‘World Design Capital’ accolade.

Why Choose This Programme

Reinforces foundational science knowledge useful for A&P, microbiology & pharmacology.
Strengthens graduate-school readiness for PA, PT, OT, medical school, nursing, public health, lab science, etc.
Helps students connect biochemistry concepts to real-world clinical practice Exposes students to European healthcare models.

Learning While Doing

Students participate in non-credit medical experiences such as:

Hospital and clinical site visits observing healthcare delivery in France
Tours of medical schools to understand medical education pathways
Research laboratory visits exploring biomedical research practices
Shadowing opportunities with doctors, nurses, or lab technicians
Guest lectures from UC Lille faculty, healthcare professionals, and researchers

Programme Highlights

6 week programme in vibrant Lille, a top student city near Belgium, Paris and the North Sea.

Study in Lille, a European hub for healthcare and life sciences
Clinical observation, professional shadowing, and industry visits
Cultural experiences and regional excursions in northern France and neighboring Belgium

Academic Experience Courses:

Biochemistry (4 credits)

Taught by UC Lille science faculty — 60 contact hours with ~15 hours of lab work.

Transcript: University of Wyoming.

Clinical Observation & Industry Exposure (3 credits)

Structured experiential course (clinical observation, professional shadowing, and industry visits).

Transcript: University of Wyoming

Destination

1. Location

Lille is the gateway to exploring Europe due to its unique geographical location and excellent transport routes. Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and London are all accessible within a couple of hours.

2. Culture

Lille might not be as well known as Paris, but it’s a student-friendly city with a genuinely multicultural vibe. Feast your senses in bustling markets such as the colourful Marché de Wazemmes (Wazemmes Market), and discover the region’s artistic heritage at Palais des Beaux-Arts or La Piscine Museum of Art & History.

3. Gastronomy

Let’s talk about waffles. Pâtisserie Méert has been creating traditional French’ gauffre’ (waffles) filled with butter, sugar, and Madagascan vanilla since 1849. These delectable treats should not be missed. And, let’s not forget traditional seafood dishes like Les Moules-Frites and a profusion of local beers just waiting to be sampled.

4. Design

Lille is celebrated for design. In 2020, the metropolis received the World Design Capital designation due to a project seeking to transform its landscape through design and collaborative initiatives.

5. Affordability

Lille offers an affordable standard of living compared to many other European cities. Which is good news for students and travellers alike.

Where Will I Live?

Students are based in safe, comfortable living spaces within easy reach of campus. Typically, student accommodation is in twin rooms with shared bathroom facilities. You will have access to WiFi and laundry services.