Toulouse, France

Engineering in the Home of Airbus

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Information for term Engineering in the Home of Airbus

Application deadline, and cost information.

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Jun 18 – Jul 8, 2023 (3 weeks)
$5,750

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Jul 9 – 29, 2023 (3 weeks)
$5,750

Overview

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Reach for the sky in the European capital of air and space industries.  

Explore air and space engineering in the vibrant cradle of future technologies, Toulouse. Feast your earthbound eyes on supersonic airliners, rockets, and space stations. Get insights from engineers on how to address global challenges through engineering, like sustainable transportation or the energy crisis. Work with other Global Navigators to design a mini rocket. Then, put it to the test!  

Through expert instruction and exclusive tours of cutting-edge facilities, enter the cockpits of the industry. Get inspired to become an astronaut, aerospace engineer, or astronomer, and discover where your love of flight can take you. Meet local teens pursuing careers in aerospace.   

In la ville rose—“the pink city,” as Toulouse is known due to the color of its buildings—get a taste of southern France, its food, and culture. Excursions take you to Carcassonne, a medieval fortified city and World Heritage site, to hike through the French countryside, and more.  

The Take-Aways

  • REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE

    Work side by side with Toulouse’s aerospace experts and engineers to investigate how the industry is innovating with design solutions for major global problems. Come home with a Project that addresses a current engineering challenge.

  • CREDENTIALS FOR YOUR FUTURE

    Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, and a Project to showcase your new engineering skills.

  • LIFE SKILLS AND NEW FRIENDSHIPS

    Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and friends of different backgrounds from across the U.S.

  • HOURS OF EXPERT INSTRUCTION

    45
  • WEEKS PURSUING YOUR PASSION

    3
  • LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE

    1

Location & Culture

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Welcome to Toulouse, a stellar hub for engineering and innovation. 

Toulouse is the fourth-largest city in France due to the aerospace industry. Its history with flight began in World War I when it was asked to specialize in aircraft materials. Later, with other early pioneers, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (famous aviator and author of The Little Prince) flew out of Toulouse as an air mail pilot on routes to Africa. Today, Toulouse is home to leaders in aviation, space, and technology, like Airbus, Alcatel Space, and Thales.  

Here, you find prestigious engineering schools and more than 100,000 students. Despite its innovation and youth, the city maintains its architectural gems, showing off a history that began in the 5th century when it was founded by the Romans. A walk down its winding streets today takes you to excellent crêperies and restaurants to try local dishes like cassoulet, down by the Garonne River that graces the city, and through parks and plazas where the vibrant music and art scene thrive.   

CULTURAL AWARENESS 

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Toulouse. 

Daily Life

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Daily Life 

Monday–Friday 

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places. 

  • Breakfast at the dorm 
  • Hands-on classes with expert instructors and aerospace professionals 
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators 
  • Out and about for a Cultural Activity or Workshop 
  • Dinner at the dorms or out in the community 

Weekends 

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites 
  • Quality time with friends 
  • Housing

    Dorms, shared rooms with other Global Navigators

  • 24/7 Support

    1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Activities

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Sample Activities

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Paddle your way down the Garonne River on kayak with your fellow Global Navigators.  
  • Step into the manufacturing plant at Airbus and see the A380 and A350 under construction. Go behind the scenes to the final assembly line for a peek at what’s next in aerospace innovation.  
  • Stay at an eco-lodge in the Haut Languedoc Natural Park. Go hiking across undulating hills and meadows and cross a footbridge 200 feet high to a medieval village. Explore the great culinary traditions of France as you learn to make classic summer pastries with your friends, like the Fraisier
  • Climb aboard the history of aviation at the Aeroscopia. See the Super Guppy—the first airplane manufactured, and sleek Concorde.  At La Cité de l’Espace, walk on the moon and behold Earth from outer space.  
  • Cross the stone bridge into the fortified city of Carcassonne and feel the Middle Ages around you. Tour the chateau and ramparts. Take in the magnificent views!  

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience. 

What Students Are Saying

  • “The friends I made are now lifelong friends. The experience as a whole was eye-opening and fun. I enjoyed the trips we took too. There was a wide array of activities to do as well as giving us a different perspective of France.” 

    Andrew S., Global Navigator Alum
  • “It was amazing going to Carcassonne and getting to explore the castle.” 

    Damariz O., Global Navigator Alum
  • “My most memorable experience in Toulouse has been all the friendships that I've made. Not only did I make lifelong friendships with people from America, but I made friendships with locals.” 

    Catherine D., Global Navigator Alum
  • “It was an enlightening experience and perhaps the best month of my life. I loved having time to explore the city with my friends. I had a lot of fun!” 

    Rocio Y., Global Navigator Alum

Dates & Fees

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Dates & Fees

ELIGIBILITY 

  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.  
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page

APPLICATION FEE 

$25 

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.   

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Summer Session I 2023 3 weeks Deadline Passed Jun 18, 2023 Jul 8, 2023

$5,750

Summer Session II 2023 3 weeks Deadline Passed Jul 9, 2023 Jul 29, 2023

$5,750

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What's Included

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What's Included

Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to Local Phone and WIFI
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Our Staff

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Ready to change your life?