LILLE Winter Program FAQ

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    Application information

    Age and education: You must be at least 18 and have completed secondary education (high school level or equivalent). Mature participants who wish to learn French and discover France and Europe are also welcome. The LILLE Winter participants are usually around 18-20 years old.

    English:     Minimum level B1. No proof is needed at the application stage; you will simply be asked to confirm that you meet this level.

    French: No French level is required. Students of all levels, from beginners to advanced, can join the program and take the “French Language and Culture” morning course.

    Places in the program and optional fieldtrips are limited and granted on a first-come, first-served basis once your application is fully completed, including payment. We recommend registering early to secure your place.

    Students from partner universities are given priority. Check whether your university is a partner on this webpage. The map is not exhaustive, so if you cannot find your university, contact us at lilleprograms@univ-catholille.fr and we will verify it for you.

    Students from non-partner universities, or with no university affiliation, are welcome to apply. However, as places are expected to fill mainly with partner university students, your application may be placed on a waiting list. If a place becomes available, you will be notified and invited to complete your payment.

    We strongly advise you to contact the International Relations or Study Abroad Office at your home university as soon as you decide to participate in the program, in order to confirm whether they have any additional internal application procedures or selection criteria to apply. This is particularly important if you wish to receive credit transfer for the program.

    Failure to complete your home university’s internal application procedures may result in issues with credit transfer, visa issuance, and, in some cases, cancellation of your participation!

    Yes, our program is designed for students interested in the French language whether they have studied French before or not.

    French classes are organized so that students of all levels can learn French at their own pace and comfort level. However, please note that all French classes are taught entirely in French, which can at first be a little intimidating.

    Please note that all French lessons use the immersive learning approach (only French is spoken in the class). This can be intimidating at first, but it is recognized as one of the most effective methods for learning a foreign language.

    All information and support about the program (organization, schedule, meeting place, orientation…) is given in English. If students prefer information to be given in French, this can be organized as well.

    All participants interested in joining the program must register through our online application platform. Registration opens on 1 September 2026, and the online link will be available on this webpage on the same day.

    Once you have submitted your online application form, you will receive an email that gives you some payment instructions. Payment has to be made by Visa or Mastercard card. It is also possible to pay by American Express card or international wire transfer upon request.

    Application and payment deadline: 15 November 2026.

    Only after the payment has been processed, your invitation letter will become available in your application.

    The International Relations Office may decide to extend the deadline. If so, the relevant update will appear on the website and registered participants will be notified. For more information, please check our application guide available on the main webpage and our Terms and Conditions.

    Participants from a partner university receive a discounted price, as outlined on this webpage. If you are not affiliated with a partner university, you can contact your Study Abroad Office, the French embassy or Campus France in your country to ask about financial aid available for short-term programs like this one. Université Catholique de Lille does not offer financial aid for this type of program.

    Although the main university building is known for its 19th-century neo-Gothic architecture, it is accessible to people with special needs.

    During the application process, all participants can indicate any specific needs related to a disability (academic, accommodation, etc.). Official documentation from a doctor or your home university is required and should state exactly which accommodations are recommended for you. Once we receive these documents, we will do our best to meet your needs and ensure a comfortable stay, depending on available resources.

    Please consult our Terms & Conditions (section five) for the refund policy on program fees and optional field trips purchased.

    Preparing your stay

    Most students will not need any visa to take part in the European Summer Program, given that their stay will be shorter than 90 days. The government of France has a useful website regarding frequently asked questions about visas. Please check THIS LINK to see if you need a short-stay student visa.

    For more information, you are strongly advised to check with your university’s study abroad office, your study abroad coordinator, or even the French Embassy and Campus France website in your home country or your home country’s consulate website.

    Soon after you complete the payment for program fees and it is processed by our team, the invitation letter will become available in your application on the platform. If during the registration process you indicated that you need a visa to attend the program, you will automatically receive an email with additional visa-related details and documents to support your application. This email will be sent soon after the invitation letter is issued.

    Please note that your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months when you enter France, and for an additional three months beyond your planned date of departure and your return home.

    You will need to bring your passport with you any time you leave France, which includes our various field trips into Belgium. It might be a good idea to carry your passport with you on other extended trips as well, in case you need to prove your identity. However, for most purposes you could use a photocopy of your passport; you should make copies both of the main page with your photo and of your visa if you have one, and keep these with you when you travel. Always keep your passport safe!

    January is typically the coldest month in Lille. The city has a maritime climate, so the weather is changeable: you can expect both sunny and rainy days, and occasionally snow, although heavy snowfall is uncommon. Daytime temperatures generally hover around 6°C (43°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 2°C (36°F). Days are also short, with the sun setting around 5 pm.

    We recommend dressing in layers. Bring warm clothing such as sweaters, a winter coat, a scarf, a hat and gloves, along with a rain jacket or travel umbrella for wet days. Buildings are well heated, so layers also let you stay comfortable indoors.

    A good pair of comfortable, waterproof, closed-toe walking shoes is essential. You will visit many tourist sites during field trips and on weekends, often walking on cobblestones, which can be slippery when wet. If you forget anything, you can buy it in Lille (malls, well-known brand shops, budget shops).

    Pack lightly! You can buy almost anything in Lille, which has shopping malls, a large shopping area and budget shops. If something doesn’t fit in your suitcase, you can get it here. Check your airline’s website for its luggage regulations.

    Hotel rooms are shared and space can be limited, so we highly recommend bringing no more than two pieces of luggage per person: one large suitcase and one carry-on bag.

    • Carry-on bag: Pack your most important items in your carry-on, as checked luggage can be delayed or lost and may take days to arrive. Include:
      • Documents, medication, and contact lenses or glasses
      • A change of clothes for a few days (underwear, a T-shirt, extra layers) and a toothbrush
      • Photocopies of both sides of your credit and bank cards and of your passport
      • The International Office’s emergency phone number, address and instructions, within easy reach on arrival
      • A book, your travel journal, music and snacks for the flight
      • Liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml (3.4 oz)

    • Luggage list: Once you have packed, write a list of what you packed and a description of your suitcase, and keep it in your carry-on in case your luggage goes astray.

    • Shoes: Bring a good pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes. Visiting monuments, museums and cities involves a lot of walking, especially on cobblestones.

    • Clothing: There is no dress code for the group meals, so casual clothes are enough. Bring rain gear or an umbrella. See the weather section above for more advice. There is no laundry service in the hotels, but there are plenty of laundromats around the hotels and the campus, with washing machines and dryers available for a fee. A list will be given on arrival.

    • Glasses and lenses: Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them.

    • Electrical plug: France uses Type E sockets (230 V, 50 Hz), which also accept Type C plugs, the standard two-pin European plug. If your devices use a different plug, such as a North American or UK one, you will need a plug adapter (the same applies to any other countries you visit outside the program).

    • Prescription medication: Bring enough for your entire stay in Europe, in its original labelled container. Know the generic name of your medication and bring a written prescription from your doctor. You will not be able to have it dispensed in Europe, but you can use it to explain to a doctor what you need.

    • Bedding, towels and hairdryer: Pillows, bed linen, blankets and towels are provided in the hotels. A hairdryer can be borrowed from the reception desk; otherwise, consider bringing a small travel hairdryer.

    • Books: Books are heavy, so leave them at home. All course materials are given in class, and you will have access to the university library. English-language books are sold at Le Furet du Nord and Books et alia, and the ESP office has tourist guides.

    The table below aims to help you budget your costs for participating in the LILLE Winter Program.

    Expenses

    Tuition Fees*:

    Includes Class teaching and assessment, a Student Card, access to the University Wi-Fi network, all course materials, an official Academic Transcript in ECTS format.

    Hospitality Fee*:

    Includes:

    – Accommodation in a hotel near campus (double occupancy, 2 twin beds per hotel room, ensuite bathroom), with hotel breakfast provided from Monday to Friday.

    – Meal card with €30 credit for use at the university cafeteria from Monday to Friday.

    – An unlimited monthly public transportation card for use in the Lille Metropolitan area.

    – Fieldtrips and entrance to museums according to the program’s schedule and academic visits.

    – Cultural and social program, as well as a full program of orientation.

    – Arrival assistance, campus and city tour, and 24/7 emergency phone to contact the International Office’s team member in case of an emergency.

    Living Costs:

    Dinners and food during week-ends, school supplies, personal expenses (150 euros for meals and food on weekends can be budgeted). Personal expenses will then obviously vary from one student to another.

    Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage:

    International Health Insurance is mandatory for students taking part in the LILLE Winter Program. Please make sure to obtain it whether through your home university, or on your own prior to arrival.

    Passport (and Visa if required)

    Travel to and from the country of origin

    Transportation from the airport to the University

    *  included in the cost of the program

    It is up to you, but we do not advise carrying large amounts of cash at any time: €50 at one time is plenty. ATMs (called distributeurs in France) and banks are plentiful, and major credit cards are widely accepted, although cards without a chip may not work for some automated transactions. Some students withdraw their first euros from an ATM only after arriving at the airport.

    Do not bring bills larger than €50: they are very difficult to change, and many stores do not accept €100 bills or larger. Traveler’s checks are not recommended either, since cashing them generally requires a visit to a bank during opening hours, and fewer stores accept them.

    We recommend bringing a valid credit card (preferably one with a chip) and an ATM debit card, ideally with a Visa or Mastercard logo, for both day-to-day purchases and cash withdrawals. If possible, bring a spare card as well.

    You may also consider an international card, such as those offered by Revolut or Wise, which are widely accepted in France and neighboring European countries

    Credits and courses

    When applying, students select one morning elective and three afternoon electives, in order of preference. Places in afternoon electives are limited to ensure comfortable learning conditions. Shortly after the payment deadline, we review all participants’ course choices and finalize their enrollment. If there are no places left in your first-choice afternoon elective, you will be enrolled in your second or third choice.

    • If you prefer to take just one elective instead of two, this is also possible. Please follow the instructions on the platform during the application to indicate your choice correctly.

    • If you have received academic approval from your home university to take specific courses, please let us know before the payment deadline so that we can take it into account.

    The official course enrollment confirmation email will be sent no later than one week after the relevant payment deadline (mid-November).

    ECTS Credits

    Participation in the ESP allows students to earn transferable ECTS credits. By the end of their stay, students validate from 4 to 8 ECTS credits. Syllabi and credit information are available on this website.

    Grading

    Grades are awarded according to the French grading system (out of 20), with letter grade equivalents also provided. Please refer to our LILLE Programs grading scale for more details.

    Transcripts

    Upon successful completion of the program, official transcripts are sent directly to partner universities, unless otherwise agreed with them. Students not coming through a partnership will receive their transcripts individually.

    Transcripts are typically sent three weeks after the end of the program (around mid-February). If a student requires their grades earlier for graduation purposes, we recommend informing us in advance so we can assess whether an exception is possible.

    Credit Transfer

    The transfer of ECTS credits to a student’s home university varies by country and institution — the number of credits awarded, documentation required, and procedures differ. We therefore recommend that students check with their academic advisor or Study Abroad Office for guidance on the credit transfer process. The International Office is happy to provide any documentation or information the home university may require.

    Please refer to the LILLE Winter Draft Schedule for more detailed information. Note that the calendar is subject to change prior to the start of the program.

    On the main program webpage, you can find detailed syllabi for every course, which outline learning objectives, how the evaluation is organized, etc. More details will be communicated by your professor at the start of the course.

    The duration of one course session is usually three hours, with short breaks included. Students may expect to attend up to six hours of class per day if both morning and afternoon electives are scheduled. Some courses may also include academic off-site visits to museums, companies, and other guided tours. The detailed day-by-day planning for each course will be communicated on the Orientation Day. Changes may apply, so all participants are strongly advised to verify their email inbox regularly during the program.

    Please refer to the ESP Draft Schedule for more detailed information. Note that the calendar is subject to change prior to the start of the program.

    The program is designed to combine academic and cultural learning, so in addition to classes various cultural activities (group meals, field trips, and other activities) will often be organized during the week.

    IMPORTANT: This information is provided as an example to help students get an idea of the overall schedule, and is not guaranteed. A more complete schedule will be provided 2 weeks before the start of the program, and the final schedule with room numbers will be given to students during orientation. Students are strongly advised to wait until they get the final schedule before making weekend travel arrangements.

    All events outlined in the calendar, with the exception of optional field trips (if not paid for), are mandatory. The International Relations Office will keep an attendance record on a daily basis. If a student cannot attend a certain event due to a serious reason, they are required to inform the International Relations Office via email in advance.

    The International Office offers a dedicated Buddy System for LILLE Winter program participants to connect with other students. During registration, participants will have the option to indicate their interest in joining the Buddy Program. Before the program begins, each participant will be paired with either a French or international student currently studying at UCLille. This pairing provides an opportunity to organize outings together, explore French culture, and share personal experiences. Buddies will also be invited to the networking events included in the LILLE Winter Program’s Draft Calendar.

    Please note that the availability of the Buddy System may be a subject to change depending on the number of LILLE Winter and UCLille students who sign up.

    Yes, attendance is compulsory. As outlined in the course syllabi, attendance and participation are important components of the overall grade.

    Some absences can be excused under specific conditions, such as illness; in that case, a medical note is required. The rules are laid out in the Program Regulations, which all participants must accept during the registration process.

    Yes, France is known for its wine, and this region, like Belgium, is known for its beer. However, local beer can be far stronger than what you may be used to, so please drink with caution. We want everyone to enjoy the program and discover the local culture, but you are here primarily to learn, and all participants are expected to behave responsibly and prioritize their academic commitments.

    Absences due to intoxication or excessive consumption of alcohol will not be excused as illness. All participants are expected to maintain responsible conduct and prioritize their academic commitments.

    The consumption of alcohol (and illegal drugs) is strictly prohibited within all program residences. The abuse of alcohol will not be tolerated at any time during the program.

    Detailed rules concerning these matters are outlined in the Program’s Standards of Conduct document, which all participants agree to uphold during the registration process.

    If you participated in the LILLE Winter Program in the past and need a copy of your transcript, please contact us at lilleprograms@univ-catholille.fr and include your full name and the year you participated.

    If you need the transcript to apply to a degree or another type of program, please check with the admissions office whether they accept a digital version. If so, we recommend sending it digitally.

    If you need your transcript to be mailed, this service is also available, either by regular mail or by express shipping via Chronopost with tracking. Express shipping is subject to an additional fee, payable in advance.

    Accommodation & Daily life

    You will be allocated to a hotel in Lille, close to the campus and the city center. More details about the hotel, including its rules, regulations, amenities and services, will be given during the detailed hotel information session on arrival.

    • All rooms have double occupancy and an en-suite bathroom, Wi-Fi connection.

    • Participants will be provided with pillows, blankets, sets of bedsheets and towels. A cleaning service is included and the bedding is changed regularly. However, students are responsible for keeping their rooms clean on a daily basis.

    • Hotels do not offer a laundry service, but there are several laundromats with waching machines and dryers nearby for a fee.

    • Breakfast is included at the hotel from Monday to Friday. A microwave is available in the common area for students to reheat their meals. The student restaurant on campus is also open from Monday to Friday and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

    Shortly after the payment deadline, we will contact all confirmed participants to ask for their roommate preference. Rooms are shared by two students of the same gender. Rooms are allocated based on these preferences and/or on afternoon course choice and home university. Students from the same home university are usually placed together in the same hotel.

    Upon arrival, we will provide all participants with the essential information about the hotel’s facilities, regulations and contacts, as well as information about the neighborhood.

    The general rules are as follows:

    1. No curfew: Students are free to explore the city in the evenings and return to the hotel at any time. However, the entrance procedure at night may vary by hotel, and more information will be provided upon arrival.

    2. Although a basic cleaning service and regular bedding and towels changes are included, students are responsible for keeping their rooms clean on a daily basis.

    3. Smoking and alcohol consumption are not permitted in the hotel or in the rooms.

    4. Please observe quiet hours and respect your neighbors and the hotel property.

    In Europe, to make international calls: 00 + country code + your number.

    To check about international calling codes, you may refer to this website: www.countrycallingcodes.com

    We recommend purchasing a French SIM Card or an eSIM with an international plan upon arrival. Navigating a new city can be difficult at first, so we consider an Internet connection essential to ensure you receive all program-related information on time and have access to calls and the internet while in France and outside of campus. For between 10 and 20 euros, you can purchase a no-contract, one-month SIM card from the company Free, a popular telephone company in France. Click HERE to find out more information and to see locations in Lille where you can buy a SIM.

    Some courses may require the use of a computer to do some research on the internet or prepare reports or oral presentations. We strongly recommend that you bring your laptop.

    A printer is available in the International Relations Office. If you need to print anything, please consult the ESP team for advice. Be aware that in France, computers have “AZERTY” keyboards (not “QWERTY”) and they are mostly PC and not Mac computers.

    The main university building has wireless connections and you will be given access.

    Wireless internet is available in the main university building, and you will be given access. All residences also have wireless internet access.

    France uses Type E sockets (230 V, 50 Hz), which also accept Type C plugs, the standard two-pin European plug. If your devices use a different plug, such as a North American or UK one, you will need a travel adapter. Most laptop and phone chargers work at 230 V (look for “100-240 V” on the charger label), but please check yours before plugging it in.

    Arrival & Departure information

    The first day of the program is dedicated entirely to arrivals, please check the LILLE Winter Calendar on the main page. Once the application is verified and program fees are paid, students receive a detailed email outlining the organization of arrival day, how to get to the Lille Europe Train station, and where to meet the International Office’s team.

    PLEASE DO NOT COME DIRECTLY TO THE UNIVERSITY!

    Members of the International Office will meet you at Lille Europe station from 10am to 5.30pm. The designated Meeting Point is on the main station concourse (one level above platform level) near the Paul, in the middle of the station. There is an online map of the station, which you might find useful.

    Please note that there are 2 stations in Lille: Lille Europe and Lille Flandres. They are quite close to each other, so if you should arrive at Lille Flandres, please make your way to Lille Europe (just a 6-minute walk).

    We will send you an email shortly before your arrival detailing all of this information, which you may want to print and bring with you.

    To get to Lille, you can either choose to come through Paris-Roissy Charles de Gaulle, Brussels, or London. From these airports, it is very easy to come to Lille as we are very well-served by trains, and these 3 airports have train stations on the spot: (Other points of entry such as Amsterdam are also possible, but perhaps less convenient – check with us if you are not certain of your options.)

    At Paris-Charles de Gaulle,

    To get to Lille-Europe station, you will have to take a TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse = high speed train) operated by SNCF (the name of the national railway company). The train station is inside the airport. Just follow the signs for “gare TGV” or “gare SNCF”. Depending on which terminal you will get to, you may have to take the free shuttle to get to the station; the signs for “gare TGV” will guide you to the shuttle and then to the station.

    The service from Paris-Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport to Lille is every hour during the day and the journey takes about an hour.

    Buying a ticket in advance is usually cheaper, it is best to allow for 2-3 hours after your arrival time in order to allow for delays in passing passport control, baggage claim, or customs.  Tickets will range from 25€ to 65€ depending on time and class of service.

    Useful websites:

    – the website of Paris-Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport is very well done. For instance, you can find maps of the terminals if you want to know where you land and where the station is. So please don’t hesitate to consult it.   

    – the national railway company (SNCF) has a website on which you can consult train hours and prices.

    – You also can use the OUIGO trains.

    At Brussels

    Take a regional train (City-Airport-Express) to get to Brussels-Midi station (or you can take a taxi). From there a Eurostar train or a TGV will take you directly to Lille-Europe station in 38 minutes.

    All details can be found on this page: HTTP://WWW.BRUSSELSAIRPORT.BE/EN/

    At London

    Take the Eurostar to get to Lille Europe Station. Advanced booking on the Eurostar is strongly advised. 

    More information will be available in May

    Arrivals are planned on the day before the first day of the program: check the LILLE Winter Draft Calendar. PLEASE DO NOT COME DIRECT TO THE UNIVERSITY! Members of the International Office will meet you at Lille Europe station from 11am to 5.30pm as explained in the section “When should I arrive in Lille?”.

    However, in case of unforeseen problems, it might be useful to know about transportation options within Lille.

    • By metro: From Lille Flandres or Lille Europe station, take metro line 2, direction Saint-Philibert. Stop at Cormontaigne and walk for ten minutes east along Boulevard Vauban.

    • From Lille Flandres or Lille Europe: take the L5 bus in the direction of Haubourdin le Parc to the bus stop Université Catholique.

    • By taxi: Taxis are available at Lille Flandres Station; the ride to the campus takes around 15min and the cost is between 12€ and 15€. You can also order an Uber.

    You can find a MAP OF THE UNIVERSITY LOCATION HERE.

    If you plan to arrive earlier than the official arrival day, just before the first day of classes, you will need to book your accommodation privately. However, you should still plan to meet the ESP team at the Lille Europe train station.

    Youth Hostels:

    Auberge de Jeunesse
    12 Rue Malpart
    59000 Lille
    France
    Tel. +33 3 20570894
    Fax. +33 3 20639893
    Email : LILLE@FUAJ.ORG
    HTTPS://WWW.HIFRANCE.ORG/AUBERGES-DE-JEUNESSE/LILLE-STEPHANE-HESSEL/

    The People Hostel (formerly Gastama) 
    109, rue de Saint André, 59000 Lille
    59000 Lille
    Email : CONTACT@GASTAMA.COM
    Tel : 00 33 (0)3 20 06 06 80
    HTTPS://WWW.THEPEOPLEHOSTEL.COM/FR/LILLE

    In order to allow yourself time to pack, get ready, and get to the airport in a reasonable time, we strongly recommend that your return flight is scheduled no sooner than the afternoon of the day following the end of the program. Accommodation will be available for one night after the official end of the program: check LILLE Winter Draft Calendar for the departure day.