Anyone dreaming of a semester abroad in France thinks of elegance, history, and a unique approach to education—and that’s exactly what you’ll find at the ESSCA School of Management. As one of France’s most prestigious Grandes Écoles, ESSCA combines academic excellence, hands-on learning, and a network that extends all the way to the executive suites of major companies. With triple international accreditation and campuses in charming Angers, in the heart of the Loire Valley, and in vibrant Paris, ESSCA offers a real choice: student life in one of France’s most beautiful cultural regions or big-city life in one of the world’s most exciting metropolises. At both locations, you can expect the same academic quality, an international environment, and experiences that go far beyond your studies. Your next chapter could very well begin à la française.
The ESSCA School of Management, officially known as the École Supérieure des Sciences Commerciales d'Angers, is one of the oldest and most prestigious business schools in France. Since its founding in 1909, it has been part of the Grandes Écoles group, the French equivalent of the world’s most renowned elite universities. What does that mean? A high academic standard, a selective admissions process, close ties to the business world, and an alumni network that opens doors in France and far beyond. Many of the leading figures in European companies, banks, and consulting firms studied at a Grande École. With three international accreditations—AACSB, EQUIS, and EPAS—ESSCA ranks among a very small group of universities worldwide that make no compromises when it comes to quality assurance. This triple accreditation status is not an end in itself: it reflects an educational philosophy that consistently combines a strong academic foundation with a genuine focus on practical application and an international orientation.
In terms of content, ESSCA offers a diverse range of topics while maintaining a clear focus. Core areas such as strategic management, finance and banking, social economics, automotive management, entrepreneurship, and European integration form the backbone of the curriculum. The automotive specialization, in particular, is a true unique selling point: Hardly any other business school in Europe offers this focus at such a depth, which is a real advantage for anyone looking to gain a foothold in one of the most industrially significant sectors. Practical relevance is not just a buzzword at ESSCA, but a teaching principle put into practice. Case studies, practical projects, corporate partnerships, and mandatory internships are an integral part of the curriculum. Faculty members with extensive professional experience bring up-to-date expertise directly into the classroom. This ensures that what you learn isn’t just theory, but becomes a practical toolkit. Added to this is a consistently international focus. ESSCA maintains an extensive network of partner universities on every continent and attracts students from all over the world. As an MBS student, you can choose to spend your semester abroad either at the main campus in Angers or at the Paris campus—two cities, two atmospheres, but the same high standards and expectations everywhere.
Class sizes at ESSCA are deliberately kept small. Students here enjoy close contact with faculty, engage in discussions as equals, and work in a learning environment that truly challenges and supports them. At ESSCA, the focus isn’t on simply working through course material, but on truly understanding economic relationships and acting within them. This is exactly what makes ESSCA graduates highly sought-after young professionals in the job market.
The ESSCA School of Management is not a single-campus university; it is a university with character, spread across multiple locations. For MBS students, two locations are particularly relevant: Angers and Paris. Both share the same academic standards but differ significantly in character, atmosphere, and urban vibe.
ESSCA’s main campus is located in Angers, the capital of the Anjou region. The campus grounds are modern and thoughtfully designed: contemporary seminar and lecture rooms, a well-equipped library, group study rooms for collaborative learning, sports and recreational facilities, as well as cafeterias and common areas create a pleasant learning environment. The atmosphere is open, international, and at the same time intimate. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to settle in well in a new environment while also focusing on their studies.
For anyone who prefers big-city life: ESSCA’s Paris campus brings your studies into direct contact with one of the world’s most fascinating metropolises. Here, an international business environment, cultural diversity, and academic excellence come together every day. If you want to experience the energy of Paris, forge direct connections to the city’s business world, and explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities along the way, this is the place for you.
Whether in Angers or Paris, a semester in France means immersing yourself in a culture that uniquely blends a zest for life, aesthetics, and intellectual rigor.
The capital of the Anjou region lies on the Maine River, right next to the Loire—one of Europe’s most beautiful river landscapes and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. About 160,000 people live in Angers, including nearly 40,000 students, a ratio that shapes the city’s entire character and atmosphere. Angers is student-oriented, lively, and surprisingly affordable. Cafés, bars, restaurants, and small shops are scattered throughout the city center; the lively Quartier de la Doutre on the other side of the river is especially inviting to explore. The city’s cultural offerings are diverse: concerts, theater, art galleries, markets, and festivals are all part of the regular city program. Those who love architecture and history will be rewarded with an imposing medieval château, picturesque alleyways, and elaborately landscaped gardens. Its geographic location is also convenient: Paris is about an hour and a half away by TGV. Within the city itself, Angers is one of the most bike-friendly cities in France and regularly ranks at the top of national bike-friendly city rankings. As for housing: Angers is very affordable compared to Paris or other major French cities. Rooms in shared apartments can often be found for as little as 350 to 450 euros per month, and small studios start at around 450 to 600 euros. ESSCA assists international exchange students in finding housing, and EU citizens are generally eligible for government housing assistance (CAF).
Paris is one of the tightest housing markets in Europe: Rooms in shared apartments start at around 700 to 900 euros, and small studios can easily cost over 1,000 euros a month. Student dorms and résidences étudiantes are more affordable, but in high demand. Applying early is absolutely essential.
Munich Business School (MBS) offers you the chance to combine your studies in Munich with a semester at ESSCA School of Management in France—all within a single program! You can complete your semester abroad at ESSCA as part of either a bachelor’s degree in International Business or a master’s degree in International Business, Finance, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, International Marketing and Brand Management, or International Business | Sports Management and Media at MBS. Learn more about our degree programs now!
Note: Despite careful maintenance of our content, individual details regarding the semester abroad may occasionally change. For binding and up-to-date information, we recommend checking our partner university database.
Have you found a degree program that interests you? If so, you can easily apply through the MBS application portal. Provided you meet the necessary academic and language requirements, you will then be invited to a selection interview. We recommend applying early to give yourself the best chance of being accepted to both Munich Business School and ESSCA School of Management!
Once your application to Munich Business School has been accepted and you have successfully enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program, your time as a student in Munich begins. During your first semesters at Munich Business School, you’ll learn important business fundamentals, choose your areas of concentration and electives based on your program and interests, and work with your fellow students on exciting projects.
The first semesters at Munich Business School are also the ideal time to plan your semester abroad at ESSCA School of Management. When you’ll study abroad at ESSCA depends on your degree program and when you started your studies. If you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Munich Business School and began your studies in the fall, your semester abroad will take place during your fourth semester. However, if you started your bachelor’s program in February, you’ll go abroad in the sixth semester. For master’s students, the semester abroad is scheduled for the third semester. The MBS International Center is here to help you plan your semester abroad at ESSCA and answer all your questions about course selection, housing, and student life.
Now that you’ve successfully completed your first semesters at Munich Business School and finalized your plans for your semester abroad at ESSCA, it’s finally time to get started. Yay, your semester abroad in France is about to begin! Immerse yourself in the new (university) culture, make new friends, soak up everything around you, try new things, and create memories that will last a lifetime! One thing is certain: the experience of studying abroad in France will stay with you forever—and you’ll return a changed person. After your semester abroad, you’ll either return to Munich Business School for one to three more semesters (Bachelor’s program) or complete your degree with your thesis (Master’s program).
To qualify for a business degree program at Munich Business School—and thus also at ESSCA School of Management—you must meet certain academic and language requirements. MBS offers several application rounds. We recommend applying early, as the number of available spots is limited.
For many students, spending a semester abroad at the ESSCA School of Management in France is a dream come true—and for good reason! At the same time, studying abroad for a semester raises many practical questions: What does the term “Grande École” mean? What language is taught there? And can I help decide whether to study in Angers or Paris? Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about your semester at ESSCA.
Grandes Écoles are selective elite institutions of higher education in France that historically developed alongside public universities. They are known for their high quality, rigorous admissions processes, and close ties to the business world. Many leading figures in business, politics, and academia in France and far beyond are graduates of a Grande École. ESSCA belongs to this exclusive group and, as a private business school with triple international accreditation, is particularly attractive to international students. In short: A semester at ESSCA is not only academically valuable but also adds real value to your resume.
For exchange students in the MBS program, courses are offered in English. Knowledge of French is therefore not strictly required for the actual coursework. Of course, a basic knowledge of French opens up entirely new possibilities in everyday life and makes it much easier to settle in. Those who take the opportunity to learn French or improve their existing skills during the semester will return home with a valuable additional skill. ESSCA also offers language courses specifically for international students.
In general, both locations—Angers and Paris—are open to MBS students for a semester abroad at ESSCA. Which location is available in your specific case depends on your degree program, the courses offered at that time, and the availability of spots. The MBS International Center will provide you with personalized advice and help you find the option that’s right for you. Both cities offer wonderful experiences: Angers is more student-oriented, relaxed, and culturally rich; Paris is urban, intense, and cosmopolitan. There’s no right or wrong choice—just different adventures.
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