UniLaSalle Spring and Summer Schools
The department of geology at UniLaSalle, a leading Grande École in Geosciences and Agriculture, offers the unique opportunity to conduct geology field work in France.
New for 2026: Food as Medicine course
International and French students complete work throughout France alongside faculty members, graduate students (peer teaching), and invited specialists. Selected participants will experience hands-on geological exploration in small groups, extending learning from the classroom to the field in sedimental mapping, sequence stratigraphy and/or transect of the French Alps.
The Food as Medicine program combines culinary workshops, enlightening lectures, and inspiring field visits that will showcase the remarkable power of food to change lives.
NOTE:
- The Geological Field School has an early nomination deadline within the first few days of January.
- Students need to apply in early January be considered for the Food as Medicine program.
Keep a close eye on your UCalgary email for updates in the week following the deadline.
Key information
Program details
The information below was last updated in 2026
La Salle offers two summer program options:
Geological Field School: Students will earn the following transfer credit for 2 UCalgary half-courses (6 units total) over the 3 week program:
- GLGY 435 - Field Methods II - 3 units - pre-req GLGY 337
- OPTN 9XX - Sr. Level Elective Credit - 3 units - pre-req must be 3rd year standing or higher
Food as Medicine: Students will earn transfer credit for 2 UCalgary half courses (6 units total) Please speak to your academic advisor for specifics on how it will transfer
The Geology program runs for 3 weeks in May. In 2027 the dates will be May 12-28. For details check the program pages here.
Week 1: Beauvais Campus - Geological mapping, and petrography
Week 2: In the Alps nearby Briançon -Structural and chronological synopsis of a cross-section. And spend time in Lyon and Dignes.
Week 3: Digne-les-Bains - Sequence Stratigraphy (Tertiary sedimentary series of Digne-les-Bains)
The Food as Medicine program runs for 4 weeks from June 9 - July 10, 2027. It remains on the UniLaSalle Campus in Beauvais, with some local field visits to food production sites. Program details are here.
There are also semester programs available at UniLaSalle.
- Fall Semester runs from early September to late December.
- Spring Semester runs from early January to late June.
For a detailed academic calendar, go to UniLaSalle's exchange website and scroll down to view the "Program catalog" PDF.
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Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider.
The tuition waived program fee for the Geology Field School is 1500 € and includes airport pick up from CDG, room & board & transportation between field sites. Not included is lunch, dinner and personal transportation during the free days in Paris and Grenoble.
The tuition waived program fee for the Food as Medicine program is 2550 € and includes program fees, double room & breakfasts, some meals and airport pick up from CDG.
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange? Since you remain a degree-seeking student at UCalgary while studying abroad, you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are otherwise eligible to receive from the university, as well as student loans.
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund and the Global Learning Award. Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
Room and board on the Geology program are pre-arranged.
On the Food program, students will be housed in double rooms with breakfast part of the package.
Geology program: This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in the Faculty of Science, who have completed at least 2 full years (20 courses) at the post-secondary level, and will have completed GLGY 337 prior to starting the exchange, with an overall minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (B-).
Food as Medicine Program: This exchange is open to regular, full-time students, who have completed at least 2 full years (20 courses) at the post-secondary level, with an overall minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (B-) who have taken microbiology and biochemistry. Health Science, Biological Science and Kines students who have taken nutrition courses encouraged to apply.
While this program is taught entirely in English, a basic knowledge of French is recommended (but not required).
Have questions?
The exchange advisor for this program is: Lynn Dittmer
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains instructions to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We strongly recommend applying to your top three programs, as placement may be competitive. Your applications will be assessed in the order that you rank (first, second, third choice).
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary, so check each program web page and make sure you're aware of any differences! Pay attention to the eligibility requirements and whether supporting documents are needed.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that are not found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, accessibility issues, or demands on the physical and mental self, which may challenge you when away from your usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative to evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual condition against the rigours of your desired global program. If you are unsure whether this program is a good fit for you, or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment and participation, please contact us. Our global experience advisors are happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arranging any supports necessary for your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your global experience advisor to ensure that the program you are seeking can support your needs. Additional considerations can be found on our Identities Abroad resources.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.