This program will not be offered in Summer 2024. Application deadlines for Summer 2025 will be posted at a later date.
Students who are interested in this program for Summer 2024 are encouraged to check out the ESA Angers Exchange - International Food, Culture & Agriculture Summer Program instead.
France, Lyon
This Exchange is offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Science (CALS) in partnership with IAP.
Study for the summer alongside other international students on the ISARA Lyon International Summer School Program in Lyon, France! Students enrolled in this program will spend five weeks in the classroom taking courses in English about Agricultural Systems in France, Sustainable Management of Agroecosystems, and French Language & Civilization. In addition to the classroom experience, students will also visit companies and cultural sites, including Valle du Rhone vineyards, cheesemakers in the Alps and French food tastings.
France’s strong agrarian tradition together with its appreciation of fine food makes it an ideal destination to learn how French and European agriculture is managed, dealing with the many challenges facing the preservation of natural resources and sustainable food systems. ISARA Lyon specifically has been recognized for its excellence in agroecology and sustainable food systems.
Ranked as the 14th best student city in the world, Lyon totals 163,000 students, among which 16,000 international students. Lyon is part of UNESCO's world heritage and possesses rich cultural and gastronomic tradition. Lyon is approximately a 2 hour train ride from Paris.
ISARA Lyon, along with ISA Lille, is part of the France Agro 3 network, a consortium of French higher education institutions that specialize in Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences.
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:
- Navigate the French education system and adapt to new learning and teaching styles
- Strengthen French language skills
- Achieve personal development and the ability to adapt to a new culture
- Gain an understanding of Isara Lyon’s sustainability practices by learning how to:
- Apply agroecological practices by organic farming in mountainous regions
- Manage biodiversity by exploring fish pond systems in agricultural landscapes (Dombes)
- Diversify food systems by exploring the economy of sustainable food systems (Alps)
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 for students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
- 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Junior, Senior, Graduate Student
- 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, Food Science, Environmental Sciences, Agronomy, and Agriculture
Classroom Language
English
Housing
Residence Hall
Program Duration
Summer: Early June – Mid-July
Summer + Internship: Early June - Mid-August
Fall and Spring: ISARA Lyon also offers semester-long programs in English. Visit the program page for more information.
Application Deadline(s)
Future durations will be posted at a later date.
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On this program you will study Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture. The coursework will consist of lectures, case studies, fieldwork, and excursions (Mediterranean drylands, fish pond landscapes, Mixed crop livestock systems in southeastern France).
The ISARA Lyon summer program is a five-week program with the purpose of introducing students to the rich heritage of French culture, while at the same time providing concentrated study in applying agroecological practices, managing biodiversity and diversifying food systems. This program will provide students with the keys to understanding how biodiversity in agricultural landscapes can be supported in environments made up of both natural landscapes and human activities.
A French language and civilization course will be conducted partly in French at the students' proficiency level, but all other classes are conducted entirely in English.
Farm Internship Option
Students also have the option to complete a hands-on farm internship in the region surrounding Lyon for one month following the summer program. The types of internships vary from livestock, grain, vegetable, or dairy farms to working on a vineyard. Students who are interested in receiving CALS internship credits (usually a CALS Department 399 course) will work with a UW-Madison faculty member to validate their internship.
Affiliate Institution(s)
Agroecology Summer School Program
Program Web Pages
Farm Internship Information Summer 2022 Syllabus
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