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CEFAM

View of the Lyon skyline from the river. A bridge is in the foreground with cathedrals and residential buildings escalading the hill.
An old fountain in a city square of Lyon. The fountain has ornate detailing and is surrounded by shops and apartments.
Tram car moving through Lyon. It is moving uphill.

France, Lyon

CEFAM (Centre d’Etudes Franco-Americain de Management) is an AACSB-accredited Franco-American higher education institution. The course offer, taught by international faculty, is expansive and includes art history, American literature, political science, American history, economics, finance, accounting, management, and marketing. Its academic calendar aligns with UW-Madison’s. CEFAM follows the American liberal arts tradition, offering courses both in business and general education. All courses are in English, though you can take French Language, Literature, and Civilization courses in French.

In addition to a strong business and culture course offer, CEFAM offers outside activities, cultural visits, and professional development. As a CEFAM participant, you will receive professional development training delivered in workshops, seminars, and one-on-one sessions with the Head of Corporate Relations.

Lyon is France’s 2nd largest metro area and a top city for students. It’s a city full of history and culture, entertainment and commerce, concerts and events, not to mention what it is really known for: amazing food. Indeed, it is the capital of French gastronomy (foodie heaven!), and it boasts a 2000-year-old historic center (a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site). Though old, the city is well-equipped for modernity: it boasts its own airport, three TGV fast trains, and a central location for travel across the continent. 

You will work closely with both WSB and CEFAM. Check out CEFAM's easy-to-digest student-facing information on the CEFAM website

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 is given to admitted Business, Certificate in Business, and Certificate in Entrepreneurship students.
  • If you do not meet the eligibility requirements at the time you apply, justify why you are qualified for this program in your application.  We will consider whether you have a realistic chance to meet the requirements in time for you to participate in the program.
  • 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • At the time of application, students must have completed two semesters at a US college or university.
  • 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

WSB icon

Program Structure

Exchange & Direct Enroll

Subjects

Classroom Language

Housing

Apartments, Residence Hall

Program Duration

Fall: early September - mid-December

Spring: mid-January - late April

Summer: mid-May - mid-June

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 1/30/2026 Cost Details
4:30pm CT
Fall 2026-27 2/27/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 2/27/2026 Cost Details
Extended Deadline: 8/14/2026

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

CEFAM has several course areas, the most established of which is the Business curriculum; there are also French language and culture courses on offer. Enrolled students may combine French Civilization courses with General Education courses or Business courses in English.

Of particular interest is the Hospitality and Tourism Management specialized track, for which the enrollment options are Fall + Spring or Spring + Summer. For this specialized track, the first semester is spent in the classroom, and the optional second semester is spent in a full-time internship.

  • Enrollment Requirements: 12-16 credits in fall and spring semesters. 6 credits in summer term.
  • French language course is recommended but not required.
  • You will receive grades and credits that factor into your GPA at UW-Madison.
Summer 2025 course offer: 
  • ENG 170 Public Speaking
  • POLS 210 Issues in international Politics
  • ACCT 130  Introduction to Managerial Accounting 

Affiliate Institution(s)

CEFAM International School of Management

Program Web Pages

CEFAM Study Abroad Program

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