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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, 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.
While in Paris, you take 15–19 credits per semester; all courses are worth 3 US credits unless otherwise specified.
Based on your qualifications for taking Business courses and your language level, your academic experience may include the following required and optional components:
- French language course (required, 4 US credits)
- IES Abroad Paris Business & International Affairs courses (optional, 3 US credits; English-taught, prerequisites for individual courses apply)
- IB/MG393 Global Leadership course (optional, 3 US credits) To develop your cross-cultural leadership skills
- Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 US credits, requires placement into FR352 or higher)
- Partner University course (optional, 2-3 US credits; English-taught; prerequisites for individual courses apply)
Enrollment Guidelines
When planning your term abroad, please note the following guidelines regarding specific courses:
- You may enroll in only 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
The IES Abroad program begins with one week of intensive language classes. You continue your language instruction for the remainder of the semester for a total of 4 credits.
Enrollment is determined by a written predeparture language exam followed by an intensive language period on-site, during which oral proficiency is evaluated.
Courses
This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account.
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 | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| AH 320 - 19th Century Art: Impressionism and Post-Impressionism | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| AH/FR 380 - Language of the Arts | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| CU/AH 250 - Art and Design in the roaring twenties: from Art Nouveau to Art Decos | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR/BS 324 - Business French | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CM 315 - Panorama of French Media | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| CM/MK 340 - Luxury Business Strategies & Communication | Fall | English | 3 |
| FR/CM 325 - French Conversation and Current Events | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| PO/CM 320 - Media and Current Affairs in France and the European Union | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/CM 330 - Media, Politics, and Political Communication in the U.S. and France | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/AH 250 - Art and Design in the roaring twenties: from Art Nouveau to Art Decos | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| FH/CU 220 - Art, Design & Fashion in France | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR/EC 340 - The Political Economy of European Integration | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/EC 350 - International Political Economy | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/IR/EC 355 - Emerging Markets and Development Strategies in the 21st Century | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FH/CU 220 - Art, Design & Fashion in France | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH/FR 380 - Language of the Arts | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| 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/BS 324 - Business French | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| FR/CM 325 - French Conversation and Current Events | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO/HS 290 - History of Europe: Building Contemporary Europe | Fall | English | 3 |
| SO/HS 315 - France, the Middle East and Islam | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB/MG 371 - International and Intercultural Management | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| MG/IB 393 - Leading Across Cultures: Principles and Practice | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO/IE/IR 370 - Green Growth, Sustainability, and the New Economy | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN 395 - Internship Seminar | Fall, Spring | French | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR/EC 340 - The Political Economy of European Integration | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IR/PO 310 - France and the European Union | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/IE/IR 370 - Green Growth, Sustainability, and the New Economy | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/IR 345 - New Security Issues in a Globalized World | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/IR/EC 355 - Emerging Markets and Development Strategies in the 21st Century | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB/MG 371 - International and Intercultural Management | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| MG/IB 393 - Leading Across Cultures: Principles and Practice | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CM/MK 340 - Luxury Business Strategies & Communication | Fall | English | 3 |
| MK 315 - Introduction to Global Marketing | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| MK 330 - Introduction to Luxury Brand Management | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| MK 350 - Digital Marketing & Communications | Spring, Fall | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR/PO 310 - France and the European Union | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/CM 320 - Media and Current Affairs in France and the European Union | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/CM 330 - Media, Politics, and Political Communication in the U.S. and France | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/EC 350 - International Political Economy | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/HS 290 - History of Europe: Building Contemporary Europe | Fall | English | 3 |
| PO/IE/IR 370 - Green Growth, Sustainability, and the New Economy | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/IR 345 - New Security Issues in a Globalized World | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/IR/EC 355 - Emerging Markets and Development Strategies in the 21st Century | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/PO 312 - France Today: Politics and Society | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/HS 315 - France, the Middle East and Islam | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/PO 312 - France Today: Politics and Society | 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)
IES Abroad has partnered with a reputable business-focused partner university located in Paris. The university offers a variety of English-taught business courses, which are worth 2-3 US credits.
Potential course offerings may include:
- Business Ethics
- Entrepreneurship
- Intercultural Communication
- International and Corporate Finance
- International Management
- International Marketing
Enrolling in one of these courses puts an IES Abroad student into a classroom with French and international students who are immersed in the study of entrepreneurship and business development. The local students enrolled in these business courses are focused on business around the world, and are particularly open to students from countries other than France.
Internships
Interning while you study in Paris gives you a rewarding job experience with a wealth of long-lasting career benefits. You will:
- Gain a better understanding of the real-life, everyday culture of your host country
- Add global work experience and skills to your résumé or your application for graduate school
- Improve your confidence
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.
Placement Examples
Past students have interned in the following fields. Don’t see your field listed here? Just talk to your IES Abroad Advisor—we are always seeking out new opportunities for our students.
- Business & Startups
- Communications
- Human Resources
- Marketing
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Paris, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. These trips are subsidized by IES Abroad. Here are a few possible destinations:
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.
Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Tour these beautiful châteaux, located only an hour from Paris.
Versailles
Half 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.
The Champagne Region
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Visit Champagne producers and learn how Champagne is made at both a large cooperative and a small family-owned farm.
Note: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and length of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Course-Related Trips
Course-related excursions are organized to complement IES Abroad courses and contribute to a general knowledge of French culture and society. Participation is based on course registration. In the past, students have visited:
Geneva
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Visit international organizations like the International Institute for Sustainable Development, the United Nations, or the World Trade Organization.
Course-related excursions in and around Paris may include:
- A behind-the-scenes tour of a Parisian bakery
- Walking tours of the grandes institutions, like public buildings and intellectual monuments
- A visit to the Microsoft France offices
- A tour of the France 4 television studio
- A visit to a suburban police station with a presentation by an officer
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
The program begins with a two-day orientation that introduces you to the IES Abroad Paris Business & International Affairs staff, your fellow students, and the city of Paris.
A welcome dinner 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.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins right when you arrive and continues through 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.
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 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 shared apartments are available for an additional cost. Apartments include kitchen facilities and shared bathrooms. An IES Abroad Resident Assistant lives on-site or nearby. Meals are not included. Internet is available.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Paris through our cultural events, such as:
- Guided tours of the Marais, the Latin Quarter, and the high fashion district
- Outings to operas, ballets, and other cultural events
- Tickets to events are also available as prizes in the Question du Jour, a favorite activity where students compete by responding to questions about Paris and France
Get to Know Your New City
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.
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.
Watch boats and share brie on baguettes with friends, then dance while live bands play on the river banks.
This massive park is home to a canal, themed gardens, museums, a cinema, and large architectural sculptures.
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.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$5 Million in Financial Aid
Our Center
The Paris Business and 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.
Features include:
- Technology-equipped classrooms
- High-speed WiFi connectivity and printer access
- A book corner and computer area for students
- 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.
IES Abroad Staff
IES Abroad Staff
Peggy Schwob
Assistant Director and Student Services Coordinator
Chris Faggella
Academic Advisor
Céline Chataing
Housing Coordinator
Laurence Larsen
Student Activities Assistant
Joanna Silber
Academic and Administrative Assistant
Debbie Morvany
Program Assistant
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