International Business in France

International Business in one of Europe’s most connected business regions and a gateway to the European Union.

lille, France

2 weeks

3 US Credits

Start your European adventure in Lille, where study abroad meets the heart of Europe.

The International Business in France programme offers students a unique academic experience in Lille, France, one of Europe’s most connected
business regions and a gateway to the European Union.

Designed specifically for
business students, this January-term programme combines classroom instruction, professional engagement, and cultural immersion to provide students with a practical understanding of international business in a European context.

Students will study under the guidance of Université Catholique de Lille faculty while
engaging with local businesses, industry professionals, and regional organisations
through academic visits and experiential learning opportunities. The curriculum is
designed to connect business theory with real-world practice and explore how organisations operate across international markets.

Beyond the classroom, students will engage with French culture and daily life through organised cultural activities, field trips, and interactions with local students and professionals. Located within easy reach of Paris, Brussels, and London, Lille provides an ideal setting for developing intercultural communication skills, global business awareness, and a deeper understanding of the economic and cultural forces shaping Europe.

The programme is designed to support academic progress toward degree completion while providing students with a meaningful international experience that enhances both their personal and professional development.

Students earn transferable U.S. academic credit while living and studying abroad.

At A Glance

J-Term in France

Dates

Jan 2 - Jan 16, 2027 (dates to be confirmed)

Duration

2 weeks

Early Bird

October 2, 2027*

Apply by

November 2, 2027

Withdraw By

November 16, 2027

What's included?

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

Fees

$4,295 USD

*Students applying by the Early Application Deadline receive the best opportunity for preferred housing and course selection.

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.

Programme Highlights

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

Study abroad in Lille, France for 2 weeks
Earn up to 3 U.S. semester credits*
Designed for students seeking degree-applicable business
coursework
Experiential learning through beyond the classroom experiences
Cultural excursions throughout northern France and Belgium
On-site support from Learn International staff

*Course combinations subject to prerequisites and home institution approval.

Carefully designed as a high-impact learning experience, the programme provides students wth an exceptional educational opportunity to expand their engineering knowledge, strengthen applied skills, and grow personally and professionally through an immersive global perspective.

Academic Options

The International Business in Lille J-Term programme is designed for students seeking degree-applicable business coursework while gaining international experience in one of Europe’s most connected business regions.

International Business (3 U.S. Credits / 6 ECTS Credits)

Students complete approximately 40 hours of instruction and applied learning focused on international business within the French and European context.

Topics may include:

The French and European business environment
International trade and the European Union
Market entry strategies
Cross-cultural management
Global supply chains and logistics
Sustainability and business in Europe

Academic delivery includes:

UCLille faculty instruction
Official UCLille academic delivery
Academic/professional visits
Applied reflection activities
Group presentations and discussion

Cultural & Professional Experiences

Typical academic field-trips and cultural activities included in the programme:

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
Guided visit of Lille and cultural rally
Survival French language class
Day trips to Belgium – Brussels, Ypres and Bruges
Visits to local markets, historic neighbourhoods and student city life

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.

Housing & Support

Students are based in safe, comfortable living spaces within easy reach of campus.

Typically, student accommodation is in single rooms with shared bathroom and cooking facilities. Students will have access to WiFi and laundry services.

Additionally students will be provided with: