Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Study Abroad Programs
Double Diploma Program
The Double-Diploma Program at Embry-Riddle combines an international technical education (in engineering or computer science fields) with an immersive European cultural experience. Graduates will earn two degrees: one from Embry-Riddle, and one from Fondation EPF (formerly École Polytechnic Feminine). Fondation EPF is a co-educational, private, accredited scientific- and engineering-focused school in Sceaux, France. Program graduates will offer potential employers technical credentials and communication skills far beyond traditional engineering or computer science graduates.
Why go for a double diploma?
Global trade expansion by corporate America -- including all of the Fortune 500 companies -- has required these companies to provide cultural and language training for many of their employees. This is especially true for those aerospace/aviation industries doing business in Western Europe.
Our Double-Diploma Program graduate will be fluent in French and English and have a level of technical competence evidenced by both Embry-Riddle and bona fide European credentials. Corporations will be eager to hire a technically trained person who is internationally savvy -- one already familiar with European cultures and languages.
Fast Facts/Requirements/Preparation
Preparing for the program -- speaking French is essential
To prepare for the Double-Diploma Program, students need to start early (preferably in high school) with intensive studies in French.
Fondation EPF has a great summer language program in France. Students spend July and August studying French and get a feel for the European lifestyle while earning extra credits toward their degrees.
It is suggested that prospective program students participate in this program between the freshman and sophomore years. It might help you decide whether or not to apply for the Double-Diploma program, and the Summer in Paris experience can fulfill part of the language requirement.
To be eligible for the Double Diploma program, you must:
-- be a sophomore and apply for admission to the program by February 24th for participation during the following academic school year (your junior year).
-- have a CGPA of 3.0 or better at the time of application
-- have completed HU153 - French I I, or be able to demonstrate proficiency in French
-- write a one-page essay in French (to send with your applicaton) describing how the program will help you acheive your goals
-- have completed all courses in the catalog for the freshman and sophomore years before traveling to France where you'll spend your junior year
The Double-Diploma Process
After completion and approval of the application process, Double-Diploma students must acquire passports and appropriate student visas for admittance to France. This should be done three months prior to departure. Students are solely responsible for this process, and there is a nominal fee.
Students must travel at their own expense to Paris. After a few days of settling in, students will participate in an orientation program and begin language classes to help prepare them for the future lectures that will be taught in French.
Double-Diploma students will spend their junior year at EPF, taking courses from their third and fourth years which will apply to the ERAU degree. Courses taken at EPF will be matched with the ERAU registration for application to the bachelor of science degree, and EPF diploma. After completing the senior year at ERAU, a student must then return to EPF for a fifth year of specialization. For the Embry-Riddle B.S. degree, all credits falling under the student's major must be completed at either EPF or ERAU. One and a half years of study must be taken at EPF, and a six-month project "Fin d' Etudes" must be completed for the EPF diploma.
Foundation EPF, Ecole d'Ingenieurs
The Ecole Polytechnic Feminine, now known as Foundation EPF, was opened in 1925 as a women's engineering school. Now co-educational, it remains a private institution that is recognized and subsidized by the French government and is accredited by the Commission for Engineering Diplomas. The institution is located in Sceaux, France, about twenty miles south of downtown Paris. This location offers the advantages of a small town, yet is still near the attractions of metropolitan Paris.
Foundation EPF offers basic scientific and engineering science courses in the preparatory stage and a common core of computer programming in "C", UNIX, CAD, artificial intelligence, expert systems, electronics, composite materials, and digital simulations. Specialized courses are offered at the advanced level and include structural engineering, energy, aeronautics, and space.
How to Apply
Applicants must provide the following:
- Complete an application form by February 24th for participation during the following academic school year.
Applications are available online or in the study abroad office
- Applicants must have completed HU153 - French I I, or be able to demonstrate proficiency in French.
- A brief one-page essay must be written in French describing the goals to be achieved through participation.
- Applicants must complete all courses in the catalog for the freshman and sophomore years before leaving for France.
- A transcript of grades, with a CGPA of 3.0 or better at the time of application, must be attached.
- One faculty recommendation must be included.
Costs
As part of the exchange program, Embry-Riddle students pay their regular cost of tuition at the University. This cost offsets those of the incoming exchange participants.
Housing, meals, health insurance, visa fees, and airfare costs are the responsibility of each student. The host institution will assist students in locating housing.
Double Diploma Program students staying abroad are eligible to receive grants in addition to the regular financial aid sources. (This also includes students who participate in an overseas language program.)
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