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Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership

Students

France: University of Angers

Offered annually in the spring semester only.

 In lush, scenic Loire Valley, an adventure awaits. Spend a semester studying French, international marketing and specialized hospitality and tourism topics against a backdrop of historic castles, world-renowned wineries and unforgettable views. Welcome to the study abroad program at The University of Angers School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, also known as ITBS-ESTHUA (Etudes Supérieures de Tourisme et Hôtellerie d'Angers).

All courses in the semester-long program at ITBS-ESTHUA, which is designed specifically for international students, are offered in English and include French for beginners, tourism management, French heritage and culture, and other hospitality subjects. The curriculum also includes field trips to chateaus, wineries and castles.

Students participating in the program live in dormitories about 20 minutes from campus. Participating students come from Hilton College and schools around the world, from Finland to China to Hungary.

Because Angers is centrally located in France, it's easy for students to travel to nearby towns by train—and it's only about two hours from Paris! You'll have the chance to visit picturesque villages in France and explore other countries as well during weekends and vacation time. And Angers itself offers many places to explore, including an historic cathedral and castle, as well as cafés, shops and a vibrant nightlife.

Two students per spring semester will be selected for this study-abroad experience, and those chosen will earn 15 hours of elective or area-of-emphasis credit.

Requirements

  • Must be a declared GHL major with at least sophomore status
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.85
  • Must have at least one semester remaining at UH upon return from abroad
  • Must have a valid passport: 6 month validity rule meaning that your passport should be valid for more than six months before you would be allowed to enter France.  If you do not have a passport, apply immediately from the U.S. Department of State. Or inquire with the UH Learning Abroad Office
  • Must be able to produce bank statements equalling at least $4,500 USD, required to receive a student visa

How to Apply

  1. Complete and submit an GHL Study Abroad application. The application includes submitting a résumé, essay and naming a faculty reference.
  2. Applications will be reviewed by the HRM Study Abroad Selection Committee and students will be informed of their status within two weeks of the application deadline. Assessment of application is based on academic qualifications of the applicant, integration of Angers curriculum with applicant's degree plan and strength of essay.
  3. Selected applicants will meet with Jennifer Glickman regarding their application packages to Angers.
  4. Selected applicants will meet with UH Learning Abroad academic advisors

Selected Applicants Agree to:

  • Sign a Student Responsibilities Contract.
  • Apply for an International Educational Fee Scholarship (IEFS)—deadline October 1 for spring semester scholarships.
  • Comply with all requirements, deadlines and procedures of UH Learning Abroad. Please note that Learning Abroad requires an additional application form and a number of documents for outgoing exchange students.
  • Assist Hilton College with study-abroad exchange activities (i.e. promoting at All Students Organization Fair, giving short presentations to students about the experience, greeting/assisting incoming exchange students, assisting outgoing exchange students, etc.) during the semester after returning.

Expected Expenses

  • University of Houston tuition and fees for 15 credit hours
  • UH Learning Abroad Administrative Fee ($75-$125)
  • Airfare—round trip Houston to Paris (approx. $1,100 as of October 2016)
  • Train from Paris to Angers, round trip—approximately $130
  • Housing—approximately $300 per month, plus $300 deposit, paid directly to University of Angers upon arrival
  • Passport—if you do not hold a valid passport, please apply for one at this time
  • Visa fees—paid through Campus France (approx. $70) and the French Consulate in Houston (approx. $80)
  • European Union Health Insurance—mandatory, approximately $250
  • Local transportation costs—varies depending on how much you travel (about $35 a month)
  • Academic materials/textbooks, as required by your syllabus in France
  • Compulsory and optional field trips (cost varies)
  • Meals—subsidized university meal coupons can be purchased at University of Angers (approximately $4 per meal)
  • Personal expenses and incidentals
  • A minimum of $700 is suggested for monthly expenses

Personal preferences affect the total cost of your program. Participants should plan for the trip and budget appropriately. 

 Helpful Links

Information about studying in France and the French student visa application process:

About the City of Angers

Located in the Loire Valley, about 200 miles southwest from Paris (approximately two hours by train), Angers is a charming city of more than 280,000 residents. The 13th century Chateau d'Angers has the oldest and largest collection of medieval tapestries in the world. The famous orange liqueur, Cointreau, has been manufactured in Angers since 1849 and is immortalized in the Cointreau Museum.