JUNIA ISA Lille Exchange

Location

Not sure where Lille is? Find it on the map here!

Lille is a vibrant city located in France's Nord-Pas de Calais region. Its proximity to the Belgian border results in a vibrant mix of French and Flemish heritage. Once an industrial hub, Lille is now known for its art, markets, and student-centered atmosphere. 

JUNIA ISA is situated in an ideal location, within close walking distance to the historic city center and many of Lille’s main attractions.

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

Housing

Students can apply for housing through JUNIA ISA's affiliated residence halls, managed by the Association d’Entraide Universitaire (AEU). Residence services include breakfast on weekdays, WIFI, regular room cleaning, organized activities, and communal kitchens and common spaces.

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

Lille boasts a rich cultural and social life, with many museums, bookshops, cinemas, theaters and cafés are located within the city. 

JUNIA ISA students have the option to join many different organizations and extra-curricular activities depending on their interests, including art, cooking, music, drama, sports, and international cultural exchanges. All of the clubs will be presented during the orientation week. 

On-Site Support

Orientation

You will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. JUNIA ISA will also provide a welcome orientation upon arrival. 

Visa

A student visa is required. The visa process for can be lengthy; students should begin the process immediately upon acceptance to the program. Students must have a US passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. Non-U.S. passport holders may have different visa requirements. Reach out to your Study Abroad Advisor 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. 

Getting to Your Program

Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to Lille but are given guidelines for arrival dates and times. The JUNIA ISA International Office can organize a pick-up service in Lille if students arrive on a weekday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Insurance

All participants in study abroad programs at UW-Madison 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.

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

Hear what international students have to say about their experiences at JUNIA ISA Lille here.

Photos

Program photo album

Blogs

Read about current & past students’ adventures. Mackenzie Shanahan

Video

Watch videos about the program. JUNIA ISA - Welcome Session video

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.

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.

Kim Kroeger (Make an appointment with Kim Kroeger, or email kim.kroeger@wisc.edu)

Study Abroad Advisor

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

Kim Kroeger (Make an appointment with Kim Kroeger, or email kim.kroeger@wisc.edu)

Financial Specialist

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

Mike Watters (mjwatters@wisc.edu)