ShareBMGT Exchange: SKEMA Business School (SKEMA) (France)
All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.
Host Institution
SKEMA prides itself as being a hub of technological innovation, reflected in its student body and industry linkages. With over six thousand students across multiple campuses in France and the world, SKEMA is committed to internationalizing business education. Exchange students benefit from high quality instruction in a global setting.
Host City
Sophia Antipolis is a technology park only 30 minutes away from Nice and is a base for over 1,000 corporate companies including Air France, IBM, Hewlett Packard, and Intel. SKEMA’s bus routes go directly into Nice, making the neighboring city easily accessible. Nice is the fifth most populous city in France and is located right on the coast of the Mediterranean. It is the perfect place to go swimming or explore the ruins of Ancient Roman city of Cemenelum. Nice is also famous for its cuisine, the most prolific dish being Ratatouille. Nice has four main squares and all are must see attractions, each with its own distinct style and individual landmarks.
To read about students' experiences on the SKEMA exchange program, visit the Smith Goes Global blog.
Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:
- 3.0 GPA
- Completion of 2 semesters at UMD
- You must be a BMGT major
Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.
Student Visa Information:
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/student
- Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
- Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program.
- After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
- If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions.
- Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.
Academic Planning
Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:
- Pre-Departure Course Selection & Approval
- Finalizing Course Enrollment Abroad
- Transcripts and Credits on your UMD Record
Coursework
Students can enroll in programs for Bachelors in Management and Business Administration, and Marketing and Business Development. There are five majors within each program. Students can also take French classes while enrolled at SKEMA. Courses approved for transfer include those in: Finance, International Business, Management, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Economics, and electives.
There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD). If you are interested in taking a course not listed in the SACD, please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.
Credit
All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit towards your UMD degree. Most courses at SKEMA will be converted as follows:
| SKEMA Credit | UMD Credit |
|---|---|
| 1 SKEMA credit | 2 UMD credits |
The chart above was last approved by the UMD Transfer Credit Committee on August 7, 2014.
Grading
Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.
| SKEMA Grading | UMD Grading |
| 10 or E | C- |
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Students participating in a BMGT or ENGR exchange program are not charged differential tuition. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.
You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.
Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
- Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)
Additional Financial Resources
Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!
Student Clubs and Organizations
There are over 65 different student clubs and organizations allowing you to take part in the student life at SKEMA. In addition, there are 17 different sports clubs that students may participate in order to help you stay active.
International Welcome/Orientation
SKEMA offers a Welcome Days program upon arrival. During the program, you will be given important documents and you will participate in team building activities to get to know both other international students and French students!
Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities*
Resource Guide for LGBTQ+ Identities*
*These resource guides provide general information about services at UMD’s partner institution. For more information, consult your EA advisor.
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Admission Notification | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 2023 | 10/01/2022 | 10/11/2022 | 01/03/2023 | 04/28/2023 |
| Fall | 2023 | 03/01/2023 | 03/13/2023 |