26th edition of the European Summer Program

From Wednesday 20 May to Friday 19 June 2026, the Université Catholique de Lille will host the first session of the 26th edition of the European Summer Program (ESP) in the Robert Schuman building (Faculty of Law). This intensive academic programme is designed for students from partner universities around the world.

A multidisciplinary and international programme

Launched in 2001, the European Summer Program welcomes several hundred international students each year for four weeks of multidisciplinary courses taught in either English or French. The programme covers a wide range of subjects, including law, humanities and social sciences, art, business, engineering, health, communication and sustainable development. Courses are delivered by lecturers from the Université Catholique de Lille alongside around fifteen visiting professors from international institutions. At the end of the session, participants have the opportunity to obtain ECTS credits.

An engaging learning experience with a global outlook

The ESP is built around a comprehensive pedagogical approach that combines academic learning, practical experience and cultural discovery. Alongside their classes, students take part in field visits connected to their courses and explore the local and regional heritage through excursions, guided visits and social events. Highlights of the two sessions include trips to Lille, Bruges, Brussels, Reims and Normandy, visits to the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille and the First World War battlefields, as well as international evenings celebrating the many cultures represented within the programme.

This year, 228 students of various nationalities will take part in the first session. A second session, running from Tuesday 23 June to Wednesday 22 July, will also welcome several hundred additional students.

The programme opens with a welcome day featuring campus tours, an orientation session, a welcome brunch and a language assessment. It will conclude with a closing ceremony bringing together students, lecturers and academic staff.

Our Faculty of Law is proud to play a full part in this programme, reflecting the University’s strong commitment to international openness and cooperation.