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Paris - Business & International Affairs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the highest quality academic and cultural experiences abroad possible.
We offer unique courses that explore International Business, Political Science, Communications, French language, and more through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options at a prestigious local university enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 15–19 credits per semester.
- IES Abroad French language course (required, 4 credits)
- IES Abroad Paris Business & International Affairs English-taught courses (optional, 3 credis each, prerequisitites apply)
- PSB Paris School of Business courses (optional, 3 credits each; English-taught, prerequisites apply) 1 PSB course is included in your tuition. If you are interested in taking more than one course at PSB there is an additional fee.
- IB/MG393 Global Leadership course (optional, 3 credits)
- Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits, requires placement into FR352 or higher)
When planning your term abroad, please note the following guidelines regarding specific courses:
- You may only enroll in one Art History course.
- BS/FR324 Business French, AH/FR380 Language of the Arts, and FR/CM325 French Conversation & Current Events are French-taught electives and do not replace a French language course. These courses are open to students who have placed into an FR 352 or higher.
IES Abroad French Language Courses
You begin the term with one week of intensive language classes and then continue your language instruction for the remainder of the semester for a total of 4 credits.
Enrollment is determined by a written predeparture language assessment followed by an intensive language period on site, during which oral proficiency is evaluated.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH 215 - History of Paris in Architecture & Art | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| AH 320 - 19th Century Art: Impressionism and Post-Impressionism | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| CU/AH 250 - Art and Design in the Roaring Twenties: From Art Nouveau to Art Deco | Fall | English | 3 |
| FR/AH 380 - Language of the Arts | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR/BS 324 - Business French | Spring, Fall | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CM/MK 340 - Luxury Business Strategies & Communication | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| FR/CM 325 - French Conversation and Current Events | Spring, Fall | French | 3 |
| PO/CM 320 - Media and Current Affairs in France and the European Union | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| PO/CM 330 - Media, Politics, and Political Communication in the U.S. and France | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/AH 250 - Art and Design in the Roaring Twenties: From Art Nouveau to Art Deco | Fall | English | 3 |
| FH/CU 220 - Art, Design & Fashion in France | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR/EC 340 - Economic Integration and European Markets | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| PO/EC 350 - International Political Economy and the New World Order | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ES/IR 300 - Earth Collapse? A Navigation Chart for the World to Come | Fall | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FH/CU 220 - Art, Design & Fashion in France | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR 101 - French Language in Context: Novice Abroad I | Fall, Spring | French | 4 |
| FR 201 - French Language in Context: Novice Abroad III | Fall, Spring | French | 4 |
| FR 301 - French Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | French | 4 |
| FR 303 - French Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad III | Fall, Spring | French | 4 |
| FR 352 - French Language in Context: Independent Abroad II | Fall, Spring | French | 4 |
| FR 401 - French Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | French | 4 |
| FR/AH 380 - Language of the Arts | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| FR/BS 324 - Business French | Spring, Fall | French | 3 |
| FR/CM 325 - French Conversation and Current Events | Spring, Fall | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS 260 - History of France: Keys to Understanding the Nation | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/HS 315 - France and Islam | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| SO/PO/HS 340 - Transatlantic Identities | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB 360 - Entrepreneurship & Start-Ups: A European Perspective | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| IB/MG 371 - International and Intercultural Management | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| MG/IB 329 - Business Ethics | Fall | English | 3 |
| MG/IB 393 - Leading Across Cultures: Principles and Practice | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO/IE/IR 370 - Green Growth, Sustainability, and the New Economy | Fall | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN 395 - Internship Seminar | Spring, Fall | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 335 - European Political Systems And Political Thought | Fall, Summer | English | 3 |
| ES/IR 300 - Earth Collapse? A Navigation Chart for the World to Come | Fall | English | 3 |
| IR/EC 340 - Economic Integration and European Markets | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| IR/PO 310 - France and the European Union | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| PO/IE/IR 370 - Green Growth, Sustainability, and the New Economy | Fall | English | 3 |
| PO/IR 345 - New Security Issues in a Globalized World | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB/MG 371 - International and Intercultural Management | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| MG/IB 329 - Business Ethics | Fall | English | 3 |
| MG/IB 393 - Leading Across Cultures: Principles and Practice | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CM/MK 340 - Luxury Business Strategies & Communication | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| MK 315 - Introduction to Global Marketing | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| MK 350 - Digital Marketing & Communications | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 335 - European Political Systems And Political Thought | Fall, Summer | English | 3 |
| IR/PO 310 - France and the European Union | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| PO/CM 320 - Media and Current Affairs in France and the European Union | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| PO/CM 330 - Media, Politics, and Political Communication in the U.S. and France | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| PO/EC 350 - International Political Economy and the New World Order | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| PO/IE/IR 370 - Green Growth, Sustainability, and the New Economy | Fall | English | 3 |
| PO/IR 345 - New Security Issues in a Globalized World | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| SO/PO 312 - France Today: Politics and Society | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| SO/PO/HS 340 - Transatlantic Identities | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/HS 315 - France and Islam | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| SO/PO 312 - France Today: Politics and Society | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| SO/PO/HS 340 - Transatlantic Identities | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| US/SO 360 - Contemporary Paris: Politics, Policies, and People | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| US/SO 360 - Contemporary Paris: Politics, Policies, and People | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
Partner Institution(s)
Paris School of Business (PSB)
Founded in 1974, the Paris School of Business is a Grand École management school located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris. The school is known for academic excellence and is AACSB accredited. With 25% of the students and 50% of the faculty from 107 different nationalities, you will have the opportunity to learn with and from some of the brightest, internationally-focused minds in Paris. Students attending classes at the Paris School of Business will be able to take advantage of the many clubs and vibrant energy on campus which foster political, civic, and social awareness for the future. IES tuition covers one course taught at PSB extra courses require additional fees. N.B. PSB is a thirty minute commute from the IES Abroad BIA Center.
Courses are taught in English and are worth 3 credits. Past course offerings have included:
- Intercultural Communication
- International Finance
- International Strategic Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Business Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility
Internships
Did you know that, while in Paris, 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 Paris 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.
Internships are open to students who place into FR352 or higher. 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.
- Business & Startups
- Communications
- Human Resources
- Marketing
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Paris, 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 subsidized by IES Abroad. Here are a few possible destinations.
Loire Valley
2 Days | Spring
This overnight trip, focused on French royal site sand Renaissance castles, will introduce you to a very important part of French and culture and history. Discover some of the famous châteaux in the heart of the Loire valley.
Normandy WWII Sites
2 Days | Fall & Spring
Discover the landing sites of World War II, visit the American Cemetery at Colleville, and learn more about the Allied invasion of Normandy at the Caen Peace Memorial. Limited space available.
Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte
1 Day | Fall
Tour these beautiful châteaux just outside of Paris. Dating back to the 12th century, the massive Chateau de Fontainebleau offers manicured gardens and lakes. Although smaller in stature, Château de Vaux le Vicomte is a baroque masterpiece.
Giverny
1 Day | Spring
Visit artist Claude Monet’s home in the beautiful village of Giverny and walk through the spectacular gardens that gave him so much inspiration. Monet’s water lily paintings and many others were painted here.
Versailles
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Enjoy a visit to the Sun King’s famous château in all its gilded glory, and tour the magnificent gardens and fountains.
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 IES Abroad courses and contribute to a general knowledge of French culture and society. Participation is based on course registration. Examples of past course-related trips are listed below.
The Champagne Region
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Learn how Champagne is produced by visiting the city of Épernay, which rests in the heart of the Champagne region.
Geneva
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Visit international organizations like the International Institute for Sustainable Development, the United Nations, or the World Trade Organization.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Paris is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, your housing that is well-located and comfortable, or 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 Paris staff, your fellow students, and the city of Paris. 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.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Orientation continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
The on-site orientation continues by introducing you to the IES Abroad Paris Business & International Affairs staff, your fellow students, and the city of Paris. A welcome meal and a bus tour of the city are included in orientation.
Following orientation, you engage in a week-long intensive French language program that prepares you for life in France and includes cultural visits to help you discover the city.
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 Paris, it will feel like home.
Homestays - Stay in a French home in the city of Paris or its surrounding banlieues (suburbs), and have breakfast daily and three evening meals per week with your host(s). Other meals are available at university cafeterias and inexpensive restaurants.
International House - A limited number of single rooms with private bathrooms are available at a foyer managed by a Catholic association. Female students with advanced French of all religious backgrounds are welcome. Students have access to a common kitchen, lounge, and laundry room. Meals are not included.
Apartments - A limited number of single apartments are available for an additional cost. Apartments include private bathroom and kitchen ensuite. Laundry will be available on site. Meals are not included. Internet is available.
Residence Hall - A limited number of single rooms are available for an aditional cost. The rooms come with a private bathroom. Kitchen facilites are shared with other students and residents. Laundry will be available on site. Meals are not included.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Take advantage of the cultural events we organize in Paris, such as:
- Guided tours of the Marais, the Latin Quarter, and the high fashion district
- Outings to operas, ballets, and other cultural events
Volunteer Abroad
When you volunteer in Paris, 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. Past volunteer opportunities in Paris have included tutoring English, and volunteering at an international bureau.
Get to Know Your New City
Get More Monet For Your Money!
Spend all the time you want in the many museums of Paris like the Musée d’Orsay with cheap ticket prices thanks to your IES Abroad student card.
Bask in the Good Life at the Place des Vosges
This stately square features arched arcades, and gorgeous 17th- and 18th-century apartment buildings surrounding an immaculate garden. Grab a cup of coffee, have a seat on a bench, and take in the surroundings.
Picnic by the Seine
Watch boats and share brie on baguettes with friends, then dance while live bands play on the river banks.
Explore the Parc de la Villette
This massive park is home to a canal, themed gardens, museums, a cinema, and large architectural sculptures.
Encore! Encore! Enjoy the Theatre
Experience ballet and opera performances under a ceiling painted by Marc Chagall at the Palais Garnier opera house.
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.
Dr. William Louis Gaines Need-Based History or International Relations Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. William Louis Gaines, President of IES Abroad from 1974-1992. Dr. Gaines was dedicated to strengthening IES Abroad's academic framework, broadening the scope of IES Abroad locations, and securing the financial foundation of the organization.
Open to students majoring in History or International Relations.
William and Carol Pendergast Family Endowed Scholarship
Bill Pendergast and Carol Stamatis studied together with IES Abroad in Paris 1964-65. It gave them a common international experience and broadened their world view. This led to their marriage in 1968 and to PhD degrees at Columbia and Yale that were rooted in their international experience. Their three children were all born in Europe during the 17 years that the family resided there. Now retired, they return frequently for visits. Bill and Carol’s year in Paris with IES Abroad was the catalyst for decisions and experiences that changed their lives.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
The Paris Business & International Affairs Center is located in the 15th arrondissement, in a residential area between the Vaugirard & Plaisance metro stops. The area has many shops and is well-served by public transportation.
Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.
- Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center's technology-equipped classrooms
- Browse resources in the book corner
- Work on homework in the student computer area
- Meet with staff in their offices
Other features include: high-speed WiFi connectivity, printer access, and video keypad security system
Our Staff
Nathalie Lenfant
Center Director
Nathalie Lenfant has been the Director of the IES Abroad Paris Business & International Affairs Program since its inception in 2007. She has worked with IES Abroad since 1998, when she began as the Internship Coordinator of the Paris French Studies Center. She was named Associate Director of IES Abroad Paris French Studies in 2002. She holds a French License in English with a specialization in American Civilization from the University of Poitiers and a graduate degree from the École Supérieure de Traducteur Interprète et Commerce Extérieur of the Catholic University in Lille. During her studies, Mme. Lenfant spent a year as a foreign exchange student in Richmond, Virginia, and a summer as a student at Oregon State University. Prior to joining IES Abroad, Mme. Lenfant worked at the French National Office of American Field Service (AFS) as a regional coordinator of volunteering, and as a coordinator of housing, intercultural training, and student activities.
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 Paris
Contact a Past Student
From budgeting tips to housing insight, IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad and internship experiences and advice.
