Programs

France, Montpellier

This exchange is offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Science (CALS) in partnership with IAP, and co-sponsored by the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.

This exchange program with L'Institut Agro Montpellier (formerly Montpellier SupAgro) is designed to provide advanced undergraduate and graduate students opportunities to study and research in France in the agricultural, biological, agri-food and environmental sciences during the spring semester. L'Institut Agro Montpellier has approximately 1,700 students and has distinguished faculty with active research programs and multiple institutional affiliations in Montpellier.

Semester Exchange Program

Exchange students take courses alongside French and international students. Nearly 15 courses are offered in English during the Spring semester. It is therefore possible for students with a beginner or intermediate level of French to take a full semester of courses taught in English. Courses conducted in French are available to students with an advanced level of French language. Students interested in learning French will have access to French language courses free of charge.

Internship (Summer)

Students also have the option of seeking out research opportunities at L'Institut Agro and a variety of science research facilities located in Montpellier, which are part of the Agropolis community, by doing an internship. The internship takes place for 8 weeks, from early May to late June; students can participate in these programs as a standalone summer option, or following the spring semester exchange program.

The program emphasizes cross-cultural environmental and conservation studies, providing students opportunities to explore and gain experience in various careers. By working in alternative cultural and political contexts, students will gain cross-cultural competence and learn to apply interdisciplinary tools to solve real-world problems. This experience should improve students’ abilities to form collaborations and work effectively in an international environment.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

Strengthen language skills
Navigate a French education system
Experience new learning and teaching styles
Deepen cross-cultural understanding through living with host families and participating in internships
Achieve personal development and the ability to adapt to a new culture
Take advantage of Montpellier’s academic strengths in:
- Agroecology
- Sustainable Food Systems
- Digital Agriculture
- Innovative Agro-Environmental Education

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

Preference given to juniors and seniors.
3.0 cumulative GPA
No language requirement for courses taken in English. Semester courses conducted in French are available to students with an advanced level of French language (B2 or higher).

The Junior Reserarch Lab is conducted entirely in English.
Junior, Senior, Graduate Student
Language Prerequisite(s):
Variable (see notes) French
Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
Good academic and disciplinary standing
At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Exchange & Direct Enroll

Subjects

Agroecology; Agricultural and Plant sciences; Conservation Biology, Environmental Sciences; Environmental Data Management; Forest Ecology; Soil Science; Sustainable Development

Classroom Language

French, English

Housing

Apartments, Residence Hall

Program Duration

Spring: Late January – Early May. Pre-semester intensive French language course is available in early January.

Summer [Internship]: Early May - Late June

Application Deadline(s)

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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L'Institut Agro Montpellier is a small, elite, agricultural university that offers a semi-structured Masters program for professional students. It has distinguished faculty who have active research programs and multiple institutional affiliations in Montpellier. The departments are comparable to UW's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and exchange students can choose to take several modular (one-at-a-time) courses at L'Institut Agro as well as an optional, intensive French language course prior to the start of the term.

Internship Option

Students also have the option to conduct independent research following their spring semester courses or as a separate summer program. The exchange draws on a broad set of educational and research institutions in Montpellier, ranging from large universities to specialized government research institutes. The affiliated faculty members will work together with participants and their advisor to match them with a host advisor in Montpellier. Participants' research projects should complement, enrich, or extend students' UW undergraduate or graduate research. For students in some MS programs, their Montpellier research may be their Masters project.

Applicants should seek to identify one or more suitable labs from the 22 available Montpellier Joint Research Units, which fall under the following deparments/topics:
- Biology and Ecology
- Soil, Water, Crops and Livestock Systems
- Sciences for Agro-Bio-Processes
- Economics, Social and Management Sciences

Students who are interested in receiving CALS internship credits (usually a CALS Department 399 course) or Directed Study credits (usually a CALS Departmet 699 course) will work with a UW-Madison faculty member to validate their internship or directed study.

Affiliate Institution(s)

L'Institut Agro Montpellier main website in English

Program Web Pages

Montpellier SupAgro Research Units Montpellier SupAgro Academic Exchange & Internship brochure Montpellier SupAgro - Internship Opportunities

Foreign Courses

Courses Available to Exchange Students

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

Location

Not sure where Montpellier is? See it on a map here.

Located just ten miles from the Mediterranean coast, Montpellier boasts many cultural activities, manicured parks, and quaint narrow streets. As an administrative capital of the Occitania region, Montpellier offers a world rich in Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance history. The people of Montpellier, whether at cafes in the central square or in their own living rooms, mirror the warm and friendly climate. The city with a population of 400,000+ also offers a rich array of international theater, ballet, concernts and museums.

Cost of living varies widely by location. Be sure to consult a variety of resources when researching cost of living.

Housing

Students can live in university housing located on the La Galliarde campus where students can choose from a single room or studio apartment. More information about housing can be found here.

Program Considerations

In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.

For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.

How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.

We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.

Excursions and Activities

Though excursions are not coordinated directly by the program, L'Institut Agro students organize many trips into the surrounding countryside and cities. Montpellier also affords many transportation options including the SNCF train station with TGV service directly to Paris and Charles DeGaulle airport plus an airport with good connections throughout France and Europe.

Exchange students have the opportunity to participate to a wide range of sports and extra-curricular activities offered by L'Institut Agro and/or organized by the Student Association.

Orientation

We expect you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an approved program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.

Visa

A student visa is required for the spring semester program. The visa process for can be lengthy; students should begin the process immediately upon notification of visa procedure. U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. Non-U.S. Passport holders may have different visa requirements. Contact the Study Abroad Advisor for this program if you have any questions.

You may incur additional fees to expedite a visa application or to re-apply if your original visa application is rejected for any reason. You may also incur additional fees if your visa is delayed and you need to change your flight departure date.

Getting to Your Program

Students are required to purchase their own airfare for travel to/from their study abroad program.

Insurance

All participants in study abroad programs are enrolled in health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.

If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record. If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.

All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.

Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business. All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.

Financial Aid

UW–Madison students can typically use their financial aid on UW–Madison study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programs. You need to complete a FAFSA if you want to be eligible to receive federal and state financial aid.

Beginning in 2026-27, the Office of Student Financial Aid will require all incoming undergraduate students to submit a CSS profile.

Review our financial aid and funding your experiences pages for more information.

Scholarships

Check out our scholarships page to find:

A scholarship chart listing internal and external opportunities, with descriptions, deadlines, and amounts.
Timelines of when UW-Madison study abroad scholarship applications open and close.
Tips for writing scholarship essays.

Find scholarships

Returned Student Network

View the Returned Student Network to contact a returned student

Student Reflections

Check out blogs and reflections of current or recently returned program students and alumni! Read student experiences on this program

Student Quotes

Video Description and Transcript: In his takeover, Carston talks about his research, classes and Montpellier! Read the full transcript of the takeover here.

Photos

Program photo album

How to Apply

First, make sure you have reviewed the information for Prospective Students on the IAP website.

There is also specific Academic Planning information that you should review.

Next login to the IAP Online Application.

Wondering when applications will open for this program?

View our application schedule.

After the Deadline

IAP completes a review of all applications to determine if students meet minimum eligibility requirements.

Session

Application Status

Disclosure

Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.

International Students: Talk with International Student Services about your visa status and study abroad.

Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.

This program is offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. We have a team that works with each program. Each member of this program team is able to help students with different kinds of questions. Visit the advising webpage to learn how to schedule an appointment.

Enrollment Manager

For questions on application advising, program eligibility, course equivalency request process, grade processing.

Brett Schieve (brett.schieve@wisc.edu)

Study Abroad Advisor

For questions on program experience, academics, housing, visa, health safety, student identity, funding and scholarships, returned student resources.

Brett Schieve (brett.schieve@wisc.edu)

Financial Specialist

For questions on billing, funding and scholarships, financial policies.

Alison Bailey (alison.bailey@wisc.edu)

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