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Nice - Business, Sustainability & Immigration
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the highest quality academic and cultural experience abroad possible.
We offer unique courses that explore International Business, Liberal Arts, French language, and more through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our professors from the Grandes Écoles (French elite schools) and course options at SKEMA Business School enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class. Please note that if you're interested in taking courses at SKEMA, you must take a minimum of 3 SKEMA courses.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components.
You take 15-19 credits per semester. Language courses are taught in French, and all other courses are taught in English.
- IES Abroad French language course (required, 3 credits)
- IES Abroad area studies courses (optional, 3 or 4 credits each)
- SKEMA Business School courses (optional, most are 3 credits, students who choose this option must take 3 SKEMA courses minimum)
- Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
Courses
These courses are taught at the IES Abroad Center by local faculty.
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS 320 - Strategic Management | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE/ES 310 - Global Risks, Regional Vulnerabilities and Sustainable Development Pathways in the Mediterranean Region | Spring | English | 3 |
| GE/ES 320 - Dangerous Liaisons: Cities and Water in the Mediterranean | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FI 355 - International Finance | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR 101 - French Language in Context: Novice Abroad I | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| FR 102 - French Language in Context: Novice Abroad II | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| FR 301 - French Language in Context:Emerging Independent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| FR 441 - French Writing Skills Workshop: Emerging Competent Abroad | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE/ES 310 - Global Risks, Regional Vulnerabilities and Sustainable Development Pathways in the Mediterranean Region | Spring | English | 3 |
| GE/ES 320 - Dangerous Liaisons: Cities and Water in the Mediterranean | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS 210 - A Transnational History of the Mediterranean and Its European Connections, 18th-21st Centuries | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB 350 - International Marketing | English | 3 | |
| MG/IB 329 - Business Ethics | Spring | English | 3 |
| MG/IB 371 - International and Intercultural Management | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN 395 - Internship Seminar | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MG/IB 329 - Business Ethics | Spring | English | 3 |
| MG/IB 371 - International and Intercultural Management | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| RL/PO 375 - Religion and Multiculturalism | Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/PO 380 - Immigration in the Mediterranean Basin | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| RE 496 - Field Research Seminar | Spring | English | 4 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| RL/PO 375 - Religion and Multiculturalism | Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/PO 380 - Immigration in the Mediterranean Basin | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
Partner Institution(s)
SKEMA Business School
SKEMA is a world renowned business school located in nearby Sophia Antipolis. The commute time from the Nice City Center to SKEMA is about an hour via bus depending on traffic. SKEMA is for students interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, business, sustainability, and internationalization. Classes range from 1-4 credits, with most courses being 3 credits each.
*Please note that if you are interested in taking any courses at SKEMA, there is a three course minimum for IES Abroad students.
Internships
Did you know that, while in Nice, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:
- Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support.
- Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process.
- Experience what working in Nice is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness.
- Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers.
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.
Personalized Job Placements
Once you indicate your interest in an internship, we work with you to find the ideal placement that satisfies your interests and goals. We’ve placed student with a wide variety of organizations and businesses. If we don’t currently offer placements in your field of interest, we will look for one that’s right for you.
Placement Examples
Past students have interned in the following fields. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Just talk to your IES Abroad Advisor—we are always looking for new internship opportunities for our students.
- Art & Culture
- Business & Marketing
- Environment & Sustainable Development
- Immigration & Social Inclusion
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Nice, our field trips and course-related trips take you outside the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country and beyond. These trips are partially subsidized by IES Abroad. Here are a few possible destinations.
Greek Villa Kérylos
1/2 Day |
Visit the picturesque Greek Villa Kérylos and a walk around Cap Martin.
http://www.villakerylos.fr/en/
Russian Orthodox Cathédral
1/2 Day |
Visit the beautiful and historyic 20th century Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas a Nice, which was built in honor of Aleksandr II tsarevich Nicolai.
Marseille
3 Days | Fall & Spring
Explore France’s second-largest city and the biggest Mediterranean port. With its diverse population, you’ll learn about the immigrant experience in France as well as the maritime heritage of the city’s picture-perfect Vieux Port (Old Port.)
Coeur Riviera
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Explore the French Riviera between Nice and the Italian border, including forts, perched villages, and seaside resort towns.
Gorges du Verdon
1 Day | Fall & Spring
The Verdon Canyon is one of France’s most famous natural wonders. In the heart of Provence, cliffs overlook a beautiful turquoise river and lake.
Italian Border Towns
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Visit a few off-the-beaten-path Italian medieval villages, including Bussana Vecchia, Rocchetta Nervina, and Dolceacqua.
IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Course-Related Trips
Course-related trips are organized as an integral part of the IES Abroad courses and contribute to a general knowledge of French culture and society. Participation is based on course registration. Students not enrolled in these classes may participate (on a space-available basis) for an additional cost. Possible course-related trips are listed below.
Monaco
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Visit a not-for-profit organization that focuses on women in leadership positions in the small, glamorous principality of Monaco.
Sospel
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Visit the historic village of Sospel, tucked away in the mountains along the French-Italian border. You will have the opportunity to harvest the local olives that are sent to the mill to produce olive oil.
Ventimiglia
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Ventimiglia is the first town across the border from France to Italy. The charming Riviera town is also a frontier of the immigration crisis. You will visit the Italian Red Cross and learn about their humanitarian relief efforts.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Nice is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it’s the orientation program that prepares you for what’s ahead, your housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
Your program begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Orientation continues once you arrive abroad and introduces you to the IES Abroad Nice staff, your fellow students, and the city of Nice. During the first week of the program, you will begin your language learning experience and participate in activities to meet and bond with others at the same language level.
The orientation introduces you to the IES Abroad Nice staff, your fellow students, and the city and culture of Nice. One day will be spent touring the beautiful region of Provence, with stops at medieval villages, a guided tour of a candy factory, a trip to a working perfumery, and more.
Following IES Abroad orientation, students interested in SKEMA Business School courses will tour the SKEMA campus and receive an overview of SKEMA's academic offerings.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Nice, it will feel like home.
Homestays – Live in a French home in Nice with a local family. One or two students live in each home. You are provided with breakfast daily and five evening meals a week. Laundry and WiFi are included.
Apartments – Apartments are available throughout the city. The fully equipped apartments house other IES Abroad students. Washing machines are available in or near the building. No meals are provided.
Residence Halls (spring only) – The Student Factory is a modern student residence in the heart of Nice where you can mingle with the Niçois on the market or in the cafés. It is a 40-minute tram ride to the IES Abroad Nice Center. These private studio rooms feature a kitchenette with basic cooking supplies and en-suite bathroom. Laundry facilities are located on site. No meals included.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Take advantage of the cultural events we organize in Nice, such as:
- Art and History Museums
- Perfumery and Olive Oil Factory Tours
- French Cooking Classes
Volunteer Abroad
When you volunteer in Nice, you have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term. Volunteer opportunities in Nice include:
- Animal shelter
- Charity shop
- Humanitarian aid
- Soup kitchen
Get to Know Your New City
Hit the Beach!
Soak up the sun, go for a swim, or just sit and gaze at the beautiful blue of the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll see why so many artists (Picasso, Dufy, Matisse, Renoir, Chagall) found inspiration here.
Appreciate the Art
Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse, two iconic 20th-century artists, both have museums dedicated to their works here.
Climb Castle Hill
Take an easy hike up Castle Hill for stunning views of the majestic coastline and the port. Pack a picnic or enjoy a sandwich and a perfect cappuccino at the charming café.
Enjoy Socca
Try this savory pancake made of chick peas in Cours Saleya, a market in the heart of the Old Town, amidst stands of colorful fresh flowers and produce.
Cycle the Cote D'Azur
Rent a Vélo Bleu (Blue Bike) and pedal down on the promenade to the adjoining fishing village of Villefranche-Sur-Mer, one of the most beautiful places on the French Riviera.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Featured Scholarships
Robert McNeill Need-Based International Business Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Robert McNeill, member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for 25 years (6 years as Chairman). Open to students who have an interest in international business. Majors might include management, marketing, economics, finance, international relations, and social and behavioral sciences.
Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers
The Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers was established by an anonymous donor to encourage more engineering students to have the enriching, life changing experience of study abroad.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
The IES Abroad Nice Center is located in Grand Arénas, the international business district of Nice. Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.
- Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms
- Meet with staff in their offices
- Meet up with friends in the student lounge
- Use our resource room whenever needed
Other features include: high-speed internet, printing facilities, photocopier and scanner access
Our Staff
Berit Wader
Center Director
Berit holds two German State Law Exam degrees as well as a Master of International Business Law from the University of Rostock, Germany. She had her own law firm in Rostock for a few years, worked at the University of Duisburg-Essen/Germany before relocating to Nice. Here she worked for four years as consultant in the Intellectual property domain for a French company, an international active software manufacturer. In November 2018, she became Center Director of the Nice Center.
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter what time zone you’re in.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
- 24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
Latest from Nice
Contact a Past Student
From budgeting tips to housing insight, IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad and internship experiences and advice.
