International Business
2010 Spring Semester - Academics

Academic Focus

The International Business program at the CEA Global Campus in Paris is designed for students of all language levels interested in studying business within an international context. The program gives students the opportunity not only to continue their business studies in English but also to study in a cultural hotspot at the center of European business and politics. You will acquire business skills applicable to both the French-speaking and English-speaking worlds. In addition, you will increase your knowledge of universal business concepts and gain valuable skills in a second language, which is key to succeeding in today's global economy.

All students will enroll in a French language course appropriate to their language level. In addition, students will enroll in one culture course taught in English. Students will choose from a variety of subject areas such as Art History, Cultural Studies and Anthropology. Students will then choose 2 to 3 business courses such as International Business, Cross-Cultural Management and Economics of the European Union. Students have the flexibility to choose the courses that best fit their academic needs. As a complement to classroom studies, students will also travel to and analyze local companies and institutions as well as attend lectures from business professionals.

All language courses and electives meet for a total of 45 contact hours and are generally worth 3 credits in the U.S. semester system. If students enroll in 5 classes, they can earn up to 15 credits in the U.S. semester system. However, it is up to the student’s home academic advisor to determine how much credit will be awarded.

Program Goals

Through formal and informal learning connected to the host city, people and culture; and by applying appropriate cognitive, affective, behavioral, ethical and intercultural tools; students will develop and articulate:

• discipline-based knowledge in international business;
• analytic insight into the roles played in international business by the host region, economy, people and city, all considered within the larger context of globalization and;
• French language and/or intercultural communication skills as they apply to effective business analysis and performance.

Early Start

This 2-week early-start French-language program will linguistically and culturally prime you for your forthcoming semester or year in France. It is a suitable option for either “true beginners” or for students who have taken at least three semesters of university-level French. Students particularly well-suited for this early-start program are those who wish to get a head start on adapting to the French language, lifestyle and culture, and those who wish to maximize the number of credits they earn for their semester or year abroad. Regardless of your level of French language, you will complete the session feeling more comfortable about living, studying, and communicating in French.

You will enroll in one French language course: Beginning French I or Intermediate French Conversation. Upon completion of one of these courses you will be awarded three hours of university credit through CEA’s academic partner and university of record: the University of New Haven.

You will begin your session with airport reception and transfer to assigned housing in shared apartments followed by a group orientation. Classes will take place Monday through Thursday for five hours per day and will engage in cultural immersion activities crafted to maximize your exposure to both the French language and to intercultural competence techniques. For the duration of the Early Start program students will be housed in CEA apartments. As a result, you, should anticipate moving from the shared apartment to your semester housing, should your housing assignment differ.

Schedule Summary

Semester classes at the GlobalCampus meet one to three times per week for a total of 3 contact hours. Classes are typically held Monday through Thursday although study trips and other required fieldwork may occur on Fridays. Classes are offered at various times throughout the day. Class timetables will be released at approximately the same time as the program closure date, and your final course schedule will be posted to your MyCEA Account approximately two weeks before the program start date.

Course Registration

You must register for courses prior to departure for Paris. A course preference form will be posted to your MyCEA Account when course timetables are released. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis so it is in your best interest to submit your course preference form as soon as possible. Course preferences for electives are considered final when submitted to CEA. To aid in the registration process, it is in your best interest to have courses, including alternates, approved by your academic advisor prior to submitting your course preference form.

You will be asked, on the Course Selection form, to indicate the level of French in which you expect to enroll for the term. In order to validate your request for the requested level of French, you will complete an online placement test and will receive a preliminary language level assignment when your course schedule is released. However, your final language level may be adjusted once onsite.