Second ESP session: an international summer

Following four weeks filled with discovery and meaningful exchanges, the first session of the 26th edition of the European Summer Program (ESP) came to a close on 18 June. No sooner had this first summer chapter ended than preparations were underway for the second session, which runs from 24 June to 21 July 2026 and is once again hosted by the Faculty of Law of the Université Catholique de Lille in the Robert Schuman Building.

Students from around the world

This second session stands out for its scale: 269 students (compared with 227 during the first session) from partner universities and representing 27 different nationalities have arrived in Lille to take part in this immersive experience. This increase reflects the programme’s growing appeal among students from across the globe. In fact, 137 students have chosen to participate in both sessions.

Participants can choose from more than 20 courses taught in English and French, covering a wide range of disciplines including law, international relations, communication, sustainable development, engineering or the humanities. These courses are delivered by academics from the Université Catholique de Lille alongside around fifteen visiting professors from universities worldwide. At the end of the session, students have the opportunity to earn ECTS credits.

A wide range of activities for a fully immersive experience

Beyond its academic dimension, the ESP is renowned for fostering lasting intercultural connections. Each session is designed as a space for dialogue, exchange and mutual discovery. Students take part in educational visits to courts, European institutions, companies and museums, as well as social events such as international evenings and opportunities to discover regional gastronomy. Highlights of this second session include visits to the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille and the Fromelles Battle Museum, a day trip to Bruges and Brussels, and excursions to Normandy and Reims.

This rich variety of experiences enhances not only students’ academic knowledge but also their personal and intercultural development, providing countless opportunities to build a close-knit international community united by curiosity and a shared desire to learn from one another.

The official launch of Session 2 took place on 24 June with an orientation brunch, campus tours and team-building activities. Over the next four weeks, students will follow a programme combining academic study, cultural exploration and intercultural encounters, before gathering for the closing ceremony on 21 July.

This second session is once again set to be one of the highlights of the summer at the Université Catholique de Lille.