École Supérieure des Sciences Économiques et Commerciales, ESSEC, Cergy-Pontoise - France
The ESSEC Business School was founded in 1907. ESSEC has gained an international reputation for providing its graduates with an innovative approach to management, leading to top managerial positions around the world. ESSEC is a diverse institution with an enrollment of three thousand graduate and undergraduate students as well as exchange students from over 40 countries. Internationally respected, ESSEC became the first school outside of North America to be acknowledged by the AACSB, the International Association for Management Education. ESSEC has continually been referred to as one of the top European schools for management education.
Location
ESSEC is located in the thriving town of Cergy, approximately 30 km northwest of Paris. Cergy is a 40 minute drive from Porte Maillot or Porte de la Chapelle. Close to ESSEC is Syndicat de l’Agglomération Nouvelle (SAN). SAN is an important source of public information for things such as transportation, cultural activities, education, etc. Flexibility in course schedules will allow for the opportunity to visit such sites as the Eiffel Tower, L'arc de Triomphe and a stroll down the Champs-Elysses. The Cergy-campus has a rich student life with many student organizations.
Approximate Term Dates
Fall Term: *Late September – late December
Winter Term: Early January – late March
*Optional French language course in September
Academic Information
Exchange students to ESSEC will take Advanced Management courses, excluding AST or Chair courses. There is a maximum allowance of two management courses per day.
Academic programs can be designed in a variety of ways to meet your needs and time constraints. For information please consult the ESSEC Web site at www.essec.fr .
Credit Equivalency
4 ESSEC courses = 12 SSB credits
5 ESSEC courses = 15 SSB credits
Size of Classes/ Features
Class sizes vary depending on the teacher, schedules and the novelty of the course. The average class size is 25 – 50 students.
Language
There are a number of courses instructed in English. A conversational level of the French language is strongly recommended.
Computer Facility
There are a number of library/computer services that students have access to which assist students in research and internet skills. These facilities are open at all hours and are available to all students.
Type/Availability of Accommodation
ESSEC has a separate student housing administrative unit called ALEGESSEC which takes care of ESSEC housing. ALEGESSEC, the student residence association of ESSEC offers over 600 rooms to ESSEC students. There are three residence halls in close proximity to the main Cergy-Pontoise campus. Students may also independently find furnished apartments to rent in Cergy-Pontoise, or in Paris.
Health Insurance
Students from non-European Union countries must show proof of medical insurance upon arrival in Cergy. European Union students need to obtain an E111 or E 109 form from their local social security office before leaving home. This will ensure them for minimal health insurance coverage during their stay in France. In addition, it is recommended that all students attending ESSEC, have repatriation and civil liability insurance. This should be obtained before arriving in France.
Visa
A Student Visa is required and should be obtained at the French Embassy in your native country. For visa information, please visit:
130 Bloor Street West, Suite 400, Toronto, ON, M5S 1N5
416-925-8041, Fax: 416-925-3076 www.consulfrance-toronto.org
Upon arrival in France, a residence (Carte de Séjour) permit needs to be obtained.
Further Research
For more information about this partnership school, see the exchange literature available in the Schulich Exchange Reference Library located in room W263 SSB or visit their Web site at: www.essec.fr