Studying Abroad

Partner universities

Our partnerships mean that we can offer our students the opportunity to experience different educational approaches in different cultural contexts. 

 This openness is particularly important given the students’ field of study. Opening up creative pathways and conceptual approaches by spending part of your course at a foreign university provides students with a distinct competitive advantage. 

 The time spent studying abroad also allows students to master a foreign language, a vital skill for those wishing to work overseas in the future.  

Finally, it is an experience that will allow you to stand out from the crowd when applying for your first job. These international exchanges take place during the third year of study on the Interior Architecture program. 

 International experience can also be gained through internships with project management firms. 

ESAIL is also signed up to the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) which means our students are eligible for a grant (subject to certain conditions) when working or studying abroad. 

Mexico: An unforgettable experience. We arrived in Mérida in January, where the temperature was 20°C, and we received a very warm welcome. Mexicans make a lot of effort to make themselves understood because, to be honest, Spanish can be difficult to understand and speak at first. However, being surrounded by Spanish-speaking people every day means you progress very quickly, and the language is no longer a barrier. Pauline and I lived with a Mexican family, which allowed us to progress even faster and learn about local customs and typical dishes. In terms of transportation, buses are available, but there are no schedules or real stops; you can simply flag down a bus anywhere on the street. Additionally, taxis are inexpensive, as is the rest of life in Mérida, especially when compared to life in Lyon. Regarding integration, there is usually a whole group of foreign students (which we joined), which makes it easy to integrate, go out, and, most importantly, enjoy wonderful excursions. Mexico is a culturally rich country, and it’s a chance to take many unmissable trips, such as to Holbox and Chiapas. There are also many ruins and cenotes to visit around Mérida. The interior design program at Marista University is interesting, with some new subjects; the atmosphere is pleasant, and there is a very good relationship between students and professors. In conclusion, the city of Mérida is VERY safe; it is one of the safest cities in Mexico. The 20°C temperature when I arrived quickly turned into 40°C in May, but fortunately, most houses in this city are equipped with air conditioning. This semester allowed me to open up to other cultures, learn about different traditions, and discover new architecture steeped in history. Above all, it was a rich human adventure full of experiences that I would repeat without hesitation.
Mathilde