Minnesota Carlson Exchange in France: KEDGE Business School
Undergraduate Global ImmersionProgram Dates:
The academic calendar at KEDGE will differ from the University of Minnesota and all exchange students are expected to be at their host campus on the first day of orientation and through the last day of final exams.
Fall Semester 2026:
- Early September - Mid-December 2026
Spring Semester 2027:
- Early January to Mid-May 2027
* For exact calendar, please refer to the Programme Annex document on the KEDGE website. The term dates for the Marseille and the Bordeaux campus and programs differ.
The priority deadline for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 is February 2nd, 2026 at noon.
Program Details
- Successful exchange students demonstrate a high degree of independence, adaptability, and flexibility because support and services will be different from a US university
- You are enrolled as an exchange student at a host university and take business courses in English
- You take courses with students from the host university as well as other exchange students from around the world
- You attend the host university according to their term dates which differ from the University of Minnesota
- A small group of Carlson students are selected to study at each partner university per semester and are fully immersed in another country, culture, and education system
- You will work closely with both Minnesota Carlson advisers and advisers from the host university for support pre-departure and during your semester abroad
What is a Business Exchange Program?
If you are accepted into the exchange program at KEDGE, you will have the opportunity to study at KEDGE campuses in either Marseille or Bordeaux. Bordeaux is a lovely city near the Bay of Biscay along the shores of the Garonne river. While many know the name for the wine, Carlson students know that it is also an enchanting French city ripe with 18th century architecture, a cosmopolitan city life, and the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to succeed in the global business environment. Bordeaux is one hour from Dune du Pyla, a beach situated at the entrance of the Bay of Arcachon which boasts the largest sand formation in Europe. On the Marseille campus, there are two separate campuses: Luminy and La Joliette. Luminy is in the Calanques National Park, surrounded by modern architecture in a natural environment. It is 20 minutes from the city centre by bus and only a few kilometres from Cassis, a Mediterranean fishing port with beaches, cliffs, and a harbor. The Joliette campus is located in the city centre in the la Joliette business district.
KEDGE Business School, founded in 1874, provides top quality instruction in the fields of business and management in a rich global context with 20% of all students coming from abroad. KEDGE has been ranked as one of the top business and management programs in France and endeavors to meet students’ needs by developing their skills and competencies to meet the challenges of business today and tomorrow. KEDGE's vocation has always been to transmit the technical capacities, human values, and skills of principled leadership to ensure future success. Global responsibility means more than simply creating shareholder value, and studying at KEDGE Business School in Bordeaux teaches firsthand the vital importance of cross-cultural fluency in international business.
Exchange students study at KEDGE Campus 1 & 2 located in Talence, a close suburb of Bordeaux. It will take students 20-35 minutes to go from downtown Bordeaux to the school via public transportation.
- The Carlson Global Institute strongly encourages students to live in the on-campus housing options as those are affiliated with and vetted by the partner institutions.
- Students who decide to not live in the on-campus housing and chose to live off-campus are strongly encouraged to secure housing before arriving in France through the housing resources shared by KEDGE.
- Students should check the host university website and fact sheet for specific accommodations information including on-campus and off-campus options, application process and deadline, and cost information.
- Off-campus housing available to exchange students
- Housing application link it sent to all accepted incoming exchange students
- Exchange students are able to select from several housing options in Bordeaux and it is strongly recommended to book accommodations before arrival
- The student association "Melting Potes" often assist exchange students with obtaining accommodations
- Off-campus housing available to exchange students
- The International office provides housing links in finding off-campus accommodation. It is strongly recommended to book accommodations before arrival
Bordeaux Campus:
Marseille Campus:
- Exchange students studying at KEDGE Bordeaux as second year students at sophomore credit status will be enrolled in the KEDGE Bachelor Program (the term dates, course offerings and course structure are unique)
- Exchange students studying at KEDGE Bordeaux as third and fourth year students at junior credit status or above will be enrolled in the KEDGE Master in Management Programme (the term dates, course offerings and course structure are unique)
- Students on exchange programs take a full semester course load at their host university (12 UMN credits/semester, unless the host university credit requirement is higher).
- Courses from exchange partners transfer back as transfer credit on the official UMN transcript. Transfer credit does not affect overall GPA.
- Business courses taught in English and French are available to exchange students.
- KEDGE also offers French Language courses both semesters for exchange students.
- Students participating in CGI semester exchange programs are strongly encouraged to enroll in the 1-credit Global Identity course for business students. This course helps you to develop your intercultural skills and articulate the value of your experience to future employers. It offers an additional layer of support through one-on-one interactions with your instructor that complements the independent structure of the exchange program.
- For information about specific courses available to exchange students please meet with an adviser.
- Exchange students studying at KEDGE Marseille as second year students at sophomore credit status and third year students at junior credit status will be enrolled in the KEDGE Bachelor Program or the International BBA (the term dates, course offerings and course structure are unique)
- Exchange students studying at KEDGE Marseille as fourth year students at senior credit status will be enrolled in the KEDGE Master in Management Programme (the term dates, course offerings and course structure are unique)
- Students on exchange programs take a full semester course load at their host university (12 UMN credits/semester, unless the host university credit requirement is higher).
- Courses from exchange partners transfer back as transfer credit on the official UMN transcript. Transfer credit does not affect overall GPA.
- Business courses taught in English and French are available to exchange students.
- KEDGE also offers French Language courses both semesters for exchange students.
- Students participating in CGI semester exchange programs are strongly encouraged to enroll in the 1-credit Global Identity course for business students. This course helps you to develop your intercultural skills and articulate the value of your experience to future employers. It offers an additional layer of support through one-on-one interactions with your instructor that complements the independent structure of the exchange program.
- For information about specific courses available to exchange students please meet with an adviser.
Bordeaux Campus
Marseille Campus
- No host country language skills required
- Preferred minimum GPA of 3.0
- Students are held to business course prerequisites of the host institution
- CGI strongly recommends that students completed both semesters of I-CORE prior to participating on a business exchange, although it is not required. For students who want to participate on a business semester exchange prior to completing both I-CORE semesters:
- Students pursuing a Marketing, MIS, or ACCT major need to have completed MAROON I-CORE prior to participating on a business semester exchange
- Students pursuing a Finance, Entre, SCO, or HRIR major need to have completed GOLD I-CORE prior to participating on a business semester exchange
- Although not required, we encourage students to complete some more major courses prior to participating on a business exchange. Students should plan closely with their academic advisers prior to participating on a business semester exchange.
- The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
- All Carlson students are responsible for obtaining a passport before they participate on a study abroad program
- All students participating on an exchange program will be responsible for obtaining a visa or residence permit if required by their host country. The Carlson Global Institute does not process visa applications for students participating on exchange programs
- The Carlson Global Institute and the host university will provide resources for visa and residence permit applications if necessary, but students will need to work with the consulate and/or visa processing company directly as well
- Visa and passport requirements are always subject to change by the host country and students are expected to check with the consulate for up-to-date information
To apply for an exchange program you must first apply through the Carlson Global Institute on the Apply page. Students must use their UMN email address when creating their application account. You will be charged a $50 application fee. The priority deadline for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 is February 2nd, 2026 at noon. Applications for programs that do not fill by the priority deadline will be accepted on a rolling basis until full. Applications will be reviewed and students will be informed of their status within 6 weeks of the priority deadline. Once accepted into an exchange program, you will also complete an application to the host university.
Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad. University of Minnesota students are eligible for education abroad scholarships. Please visit "Financial Aid" and "Scholarships" for more information.
Cost
Expenses are based on a 5 month semester. These estimates will vary based on student preference and exchange rates. All details subject to change based on economic and international factors. Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad programs. Students should also maintain their U.S.-based health insurance plan while abroad. Visa and passport costs are subject to change. Please verify current documentation costs with the host country consulate. Minnesota Carlson Tuition costs based on rates for MN residents registered for 12+ credits.
The Program Fee includes program administration costs, maintaining student status at the UMN for the exchange semester, international travel, health and security insurance, and enrollment in the 1-credit Global Identity Course.
| Estimated Expenses 2025-2026 | Global Immersion Exchange (CGI Semester) | UMTC On-Campus Costs (Carlson Semester) |
| Minnesota Carlson MN Resident Tuition (charged to UMN student account) | $8,066 | $8,066 |
| Minnesota Carlson Tuition Surcharge (charged to UMN student account) | $1450 | $1,450 |
| Program Fee (charged to UMN student account) | $2,500 | N/A |
| On-Campus Fees | N/A | $1,497 |
| One credit online UMN Global Identity Course (optional) | $200 | N/A |
| Airfare (to and from program site) | $1,100 | N/A |
| Passport Fee | $160 | N/A |
| Visa Fee (based on US passport) | $520 | N/A |
| Books and Materials | $200 | $500 |
| Housing & Food | $4,500 | $7,336 |
| Essential Daily Living Expenses | $1,500 | $1,100 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 | N/A |
| Total Program Cost | $20,696 | $19,949 |
| Program Incremental Cost (additional cost for studying abroad vs. staying on-campus for a semester) | $747($20,696 - $19,949) | - |