- Spend 24 hours immersed at CEFAM
Europe plays a special role in the CEFAM program: Lyon serves as the main campus and the starting point for studies, while Rome offers the opportunity to complete a fourth year leading to a degree at Temple University, and Greece provides the option of a semester-long study abroad program. These programs allow students to study in English in various European academic settings while remaining within the CEFAM curriculum.
Lyon is the main campus of CEFAM and the hub for the Business and International Relations programs. Students complete all or part of their degree program in English there before, depending on their program, continuing their studies or participating in an international exchange.
Rome is home to the European campus of Temple University, CEFAM’s degree-granting partner for the Business track. Students can complete their fourth year in the American university system and earn a BBA from Temple University (with a major in marketing) while remaining in Europe.
Greece is a destination for a semester-long exchange and not an alternative to the final year of study at a partner institution. It allows eligible students to experience another European academic environment for one semester, with courses selected based on the equivalencies outlined in their degree program.
Type of partnership: academic exchange
Duration: one semester
Degree awarded by the partner institution: No degree is awarded; this is a semester-long exchange and not a full degree program at the partner institution.
CEFAM program involved: Business
Partner university: The American College of Greece
City: Athens
The exchange program in Greece allows eligible students to spend a semester abroad as part of their CEFAM program. The courses taken must be approved in advance to ensure they are compatible with the program and the student’s academic progress.
The requirements differ depending on whether it is the the fourth year of the degree program at Temple University Rome or an exchange semester in Greece.
Be eligible for the relevant exchange program
The student must have reached the academic level corresponding to the planned departure and meet CEFAM’s academic requirements.
Have successfully completed the required courses
Academic progress and credits earned at CEFAM are verified before departure.
Meet the partner institution’s academic requirements
For the fourth year at a partner university, CEFAM requires a minimum GPA of 2.5. The specific requirements for Temple Rome and The American College of Greece must be verified for the relevant academic year.
Have the required level of English
The relevant international courses are taught in English. For the 4th year, the general CEFAM requirements currently documented are Duolingo 125, TOEFL iBT 93, IELTS 6.5, or Cambridge C1. The specific requirements for Temple Rome and The American College of Greece must be verified for the relevant academic year.
Getting Your Course Selection Approved
Courses taken abroad must be relevant to the student’s academic program and must be approved before departure. This step is particularly important for a semester-long exchange to ensure that the courses are recognized as part of the CEFAM curriculum.
Follow the application timeline
The dates for nominations, applications, and registration vary depending on the partner institution and the semester of departure.
Check Residency Requirements
For European Union nationals, mobility within the EU generally does not require a student visa, but local requirements may apply depending on the length of stay. Non-European students must verify the procedures applicable to their nationality and their French residence status.
Lyon – CEFAM Tuition Fees
Students pursuing their studies in Lyon are subject to CEFAM tuition fees based on their program, year, and status. Tuition rates can be found on the page Tuition Feespage.
Rome – Tuition for 2027–2028
For the Business track, the amount listed for a fourth year in Italy is €21,000. The final amount may vary depending on current fees and the conditions applicable to the partner institution.
Greece – Semester Exchange
As part of a one-semester university exchange program in Greece, no additional tuition fees are required. Students are still subject to the annual CEFAM tuition fees corresponding to their program of study, academic year, and student status.
Housing
Accommodations must be arranged separately. In Lyon, Rome, and Greece, the cost depends on the type of lodging, its location, and the length of your stay.
Transportation
Plan your travel to your destination as well as local transportation. For a semester or a year abroad, students are responsible for their own travel expenses.
Insurance
Students must verify their health and liability insurance coverage for the entire duration of their stay. Additional requirements may be imposed by the host institution.
Visas and Formalities
The procedures depend mainly on the student’s nationality and the duration of the exchange. For non-European students, it is necessary to verify whether their French residence permit allows for the planned exchange or if additional steps are required.
Daily Life
The budget should also cover food, books and educational resources, phone bills, and personal expenses.
Admissions Director at CEFAM
On Monday, I was in Rome.
Mary Conran, Academic Director of Temple University Rome and a longtime friend of CEFAM, gave me a tour of their campus in the heart of the historic center and introduced me to the new majors our students will be able to pursue as part of the dual-degree program. The trip continues this week in Italy, where I’ll be visiting international high schools. I’ll write more about that in an upcoming post.
Parents and guidance counselors: here’s what this partnership means for the students you support. They can pursue a genuine American university curriculum and earn two recognized degrees without having to cross the Atlantic.
The program: 3 years in Lyon, followed by a 4th year in Rome at Temple University’s Italian campus. The university is based in Philadelphia and ranked No. 9 in the United States for its Bachelor’s programs in International Business (U.S. News & World Report 2027).
Upon graduation, students receive a French degree equivalent to an MSc and an AACSB-accredited American BBA—one of the most rigorous accreditations for a business school. These are two strong degrees that are recognized by employers both in France and internationally.
Build Your International Career
