From May 22 to July 24, the university is hosting the 25th edition of the LILLE European Summer Program (ESP) at the Robert Schuman building of the Law Faculty. LILLE ESP is a four-week academic experience designed for international students and instructors to combine academic learning with cultural immersion in France.
This year marks a special milestone, as the program celebrates its 25th anniversary and welcomes a record number of participants. A total of 322 students are taking part – 165 in ESP1 and 257 in ESP2 – the largest cohort ever hosted since the program began. Students come from 29 different nationalities and 59 universities.
This year’s academic offering includes 16 courses per session, across six main areas: Liberal Arts, Business & Communication, Health, European Studies, Sustainability & the Sciences, and French Language. Courses are organized in collaboration with the faculties and schools of the Université Catholique de Lille, alongside guest professors from international partner universities. In addition, a tailored engineering track is offered in collaboration with JUNIA and Learn International, specifically for a group of students from the University of Florida.
Cultural immersion is an integral part of the ESP experience. The program also includes a range of cultural outings that allow students to discover French and European heritage via guided field trips to Brussels, Bruges, Normandy, Reims, and WWI battlefield sites, as well as local visits in and around Lille. Students also have the chance to experience traditional regional cuisine during group dinners and take part in activities such as the French Language Café and SDG workshops organized by Horizon International, designed to enrich their cultural and academic experience.
One of the most anticipated moments of the program is the International Night, where students share traditions from their home countries through food, music, dance, and creative performances – making it a true celebration of cultural exchange.
