Study Business & International Affairs in Paris with IES Abroad
IES Abroad's Business & International Affairs study abroad program in Paris offers students a unique opportunity to continue their management studies in the heart of Europe. In addition to business and internship opportunities in Paris, students will take French language immersion courses, complete with a "French only" rule.
While studying in Paris, students will have the opportunity to earn a Certificate in International Marketing through IES Abroad. This program also includes a homestay with a local Parisian family and field trips to exciting destinations such as Brussels, Normandy and Versailles. If you are majoring in business or international affairs and want to study abroad in Paris, this program is a perfect fit. Why wait? Apply to study abroad in Paris, France with IES Abroad today.
Reviews
100%Overall
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90%Overall
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I know it may sound extremely cliche but my study abroad experience with IES Abroad BIA in Paris changed my life. It created memories for me that I will never forget and friendships which continue to shape my life to this day and I know will continue to do so. Unfortunately I cannot tell you every single detail that proves these claims to be true but I will try to touch on the most important.
I want to start with the program itself. The BIA program was still a very small program when I attended it with only about 60 or so students overall. However, this allowed for very small classes which was very beneficial in that we were all able to interact and participate a lot more than if there were a larger number of students. The professors were a part of the program only on a part time basis. I know that at least two of my professors also taught at Sciences Po in Paris which is a very well known and well respected school in the area.
The trips connected with the program were another experience in themselves. For one of my political science classes, we traveled to Geneva, Switzerland for the day with our professor to visit the United Nations and also to meet with the International Institute for Sustainable Development there. Not only this, but the program itself took us on a trip to some of the castles around Paris and also on a very heartfelt historical journey to discover the wonders of Normandy.
In this, the staff of IES BIA were amazing and so supportive in times of need. They looked after us and were always there when we needed advice on where to go to dinner or just a hug because we were having a rough day.
I want to finish up by addressing my housing situation while in Paris. It was spectacular. I lived with a wonderful family in the 16th arrondissement and they treated my like I was an additional member of their family. They helped me in learning the language and even some of the slang. They encouraged me to attend different events like the political rallies and also encouraged me to explore the city as much as possible.
Overall though, my experience in Paris with IES BIA is one that I will never regret choosing! And I wish that I could spend every semester abroad living an experience like this!
Critical Feedback:
If I had to change one thing, it would be the size of the building the program is situated in. I know this was something that was discussed among our group of students and I know that the Paris BIA program was actually looking for a larger building to be able to move to.
100%Overall
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Studying abroad in Paris with IES was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Paris is an amazing, beautiful city filled with art and culture and the IES BIA program allowed me to take advantage of everything it has to offer.
As a sociology major I was still able to take interesting and relevant classes, such as art history and a course about France and Islam. This program is not only for business or international affairs majors. My favorite thing about the classes was how much we got out into the city and experienced real life examples of what we were studying. Field trips to museums, neighborhoods and restaurants contributed to valuable cultural immersion.
I also had plenty of time outside of class to do my own exploring and get the real parisian experience. The staff at IES are great at offering as much help as you need, but also encouraging each student to be independent.
The home stay was the most valuable experience in terms of my language acquisition and practice, and it was great to have three home cooked French meals a week!
Critical Feedback:
Probably try to get a bigger center where classes are held, sometimes it felt a little bit cramped. But the location in the city was great!
100%Overall
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You might not think it is possible to stay focused and concentrated while studying abroad. Honestly, I did not think so. However, I found the perfect study abroad program: IES BIA Paris.
The program incorporates textbook learning into real life experiences. For example, students did not learn art just from books or powerpoint slides. The class went to the Louvre and actually saw the paintings; which is not done in your typical college class. These experiences are not just for art majors. Business,IPE, foreign policy majors also benefit. Our IPE class went on a trip to the World Trade Organization Headquarters and the European Union Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland. We had a tour of the facilites, a speaker talk to us, and even dinner!
Parisians have a bad reputation for being rude, however, the BIA staff are wonderful, helpful and understanding. They have years of experience with study abroad students. All are bilingual, so don't think language will be a problem. If you need to find the nearest grocery store, a landmark, a museum etc. they will help you and give you precise directions. Personally, IES BIA Paris felt like a home away from home, the only difference is I had the magical city of Paris as my campus.
Alumni Interviews
Meet Nora Lalle, IES - France alum
Nora was born and raised in San Francisco and is currently a senior at Connecticut College studying sociology and art. Nora loves to travel, eat Mexican food, cook, read, and take pictures. She is excited to graduate from college and will be moving back to Paris to pursue a degree in photography and design.
GO: What was the highlight of your time abroad?
Nora: The academic highlight was definitely the field trips around Paris involved in each class. My art history class visited a different museum every week and my other classes took trips to various places around the city. My favorite thing about the IES classes is how much you get out of the classroom and immersed in the local culture. They really encourage students to explore and not get stuck just doing tourist things. The IES field trips available to all of the students are definitely a must. We traveled to Versailles, Normandy, a few other castles and the Champagne region. These trips are free and a meal is often provided, which is great. Being able to see other parts of France added to my experience.
Overall, my experience was life changing. I arrived in Paris with an open mind and I was able to make the most of my time there. Paris is an amazing place but if you arrive with the wrong attitude it won't matter. It was incredibly rewarding to live in another culture, speak another language and make so many new friends. I left with a much better understanding and ability to speak French and even made friends with some locals. I think my experience was so successful because I knew I had limited time there so I never wasted any time. If I wanted to do something and my friends didn't, I did it by myself! Of course I took time to rest too but living in the moment helped me have the time of my life.
GO: Describe your typical morning?
Nora: My typical morning included breakfast provided by my host family, usually fresh baguette with jam, butter or honey and tea or coffee. Then I would ride the metro to the IES center and have class until about 12 with a break. Class time was spent differently depending on the subject, but most classes are small so there is a lot of discussion. Not all classes are simply lectures. In my France and Islam class we had presentations and debates, which was an interesting way to examine the material. After class I usually got lunch at one of the cafes or boulangeries near school, they have inexpensive sandwiches and pastries and usually lunch deals for students. The 14th arrondissement where the IES center is located is a great neighborhood, with markets and restaurants and a lot to do.
GO: What about your afternoons?
Nora: In the afternoon I would typically walk around a neighborhood, sometimes in the direction of home. The IES center is very near to the tour de montparnasse and close to the 5th and 6th arrondissements, which include areas like the latin quarter and st germain-des-pres. I would shop or just explore with a few friends and if it was cold or rainy I would go to a museum. Afternoon cafe stops became a routine, either alone to write postcards or read, or with friends. When the weather was nice most of my afternoons were spent in one of the many parks around Paris. The jardin du Luxembourg and the Champ des Mars are two of my favorite spots.
GO: And evenings?
Nora: My typical evening I would do my school work and then three nights a week I would have dinner with my host family. Dinner with them was always a multi course meal with a salad, main dish and dessert. I tried a lot of new foods but they never expected me to eat something I didn't like. It was great to practice my french at the dinner table, talking about my day, friends, and school. When I didn't eat with them, I would prepare a simple dinner for myself, usually pasta or prepared food I picked up a the store. After dinner I would finish my homework and then depending on the day maybe go out with my friends to a bar or cafe at night. There are always people out at night in Paris, making it safe and fun. The beauty of Paris at night is completely different than during the day and I would often take walks with friends and see things like Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower all lit up.
Further Info
About IES Abroad
Their Roots: IES Abroad was co-founded by Paul Koutny, an Austrian student who had moved to the US on a Fulbright scholarship in 1950. While there, he envisioned a future built on a peace that grew from the lessons learned while studying abroad. He rallied 21 other friends and the crew hopped on the SS Volendam headed for a year of studies in Vienna. Feeling inspired by their own experience in Austria, IES Abroad alums Clarence and Alberta Giese immediately began helping send future groups of students abroad. Before they knew it, 60 years had passed, and IES Abroad remains a longstanding and exemplary study abroad option for students today.
Their Quest: "IES Abroad strives to provide premier study abroad programs for U.S. students that deliver the highest quality education while simultaneously promoting development of intercultural competence."
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As a first-timer for everything "Paris" and Europe in general, my initial thought process to "study" in Paris was rather commonplace: to live in the romance of "Paris" and with anything "Parisian" for a full semester. Believe it or not, I did get that glimpse of Paris in a nutshell but so much more.
As cliche as this may sound, this entire abroad experience really was "what you made of it." And Paris BIA, I would say, was the perfect program to create that required balance to fully enjoy your experience. This program supports and caters to your own academic and social regimen; various activities include local-French homestay housing, internships, language partner programs, and optional field trips. The Paris BIA program also offers engaging and niche-oriented courses, allowing you seek out your academic interest. For example, due to Mr. Robert Olorenshaw's Luxury Brand Management course, I had found my passion in luxury brand marketing, and was able to secure a summer internship at a high-end luxury brand in Paris.
I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful French family during my program as well, and they now have become incredibly partial to my life as I have frequently made visits back in Paris and in New York City to meet up since the program ended a year ago. While taking courses within the BIA program, I also benefited from taking business courses at the French Business School, Negocia, and made life-long relationships with both local and international students.
I believe Paris BIA is not one of those ordinary programs that act as a backbone of your frequent travels every weekend. Yes, you do have the leisure to experience and step outside of Paris, but know that this program is definitely worth your time and attention for that once-in-a-lifetime experience.