Academic Focus
In a tight employment market, internships can open doors. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), more than 95% of the employers surveyed by NACE preferred to hire new graduates with work experience. Build your resume – and your international competence – by participating in the International Internship program.
The International Internship program in Paris is designed for students with high intermediate to advanced language skills seeking to continue their studies and acquire practical work experience from a global perspective. Experience what it is like to fully be immersed in another culture - studying, living and working abroad. Advance your language skills and gain first-hand experience of applied business practices in an international context. This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable skills necessary to succeed in today’s global economy and achieve a competitive edge over your peers. Internships are available in a wide variety of industry sectors, including Communications, Business & Finance, Interior Design, Hospitality, and Politics & NGOs. CEA’s internship opportunities in Paris are offered in cooperation with EUSA, a London-based educational organization with over 20 years of experience in facilitating professional practice internships. Placement examples (note that available placements are subject to change and are dependent on market fluctuations):
Communications
Students in the communications industry may experience internships ranging from those in corporate marketing departments, to those in fashion marketing, to internships in separate PR firms or agencies. Such internships usually involve research into relevant competition and growing marketing trends, as well as maintaining contact with clients or other departments. Marketing internships with fashion companies and record labels offer students the opportunity to combine their communications talent with personal interests.
Business & Finance
CEA’s business internship offerings are particularly attractive to students looking into banking, financial consulting and/or entrepreneurship. Interns have worked on client outreach, accounting and market analysis, in addition to learning how to manage corporate and personal funds at globally respected investment firms. Students with their own entrepreneurial career goals have learned how to open and run a boutique business, as well as how to gain and keep clients.
Interior Design
The interior design internships in Paris are just a small sample of those offered in the large art and architecture industries. Previous internship placements with these firms have involved industry research, helping with designs and learning the day-to-day operations of the interior design businesses.
Hospitality: Travel & Tourism
The hospitality industry in Paris offers many opportunities for university students interested in travel and tourism. Possible internships range from tourism agencies and travel magazines to luxury hotels and amusement parks. Past interns’ experiences have involved producing business reports, interviewing prominent individuals in the industry and working hands-on in the daily aspects of hospitality administration.
Politics and NGOs
Parisian NGOs allow students with political interests to learn about the day-to-day operations of a non-profit organization, often while learning more about other interests or issues they consider important, such as women’s rights, immigrant rights or drug abuse. Placements involve outreach, research into relevant industries or demographics and round-table discussions on important topics of the day.
Many other placements are available, dependent upon student interest. Contact your Admissions Counselor for more details about available internships in Paris.
Students will enroll for 12 – 15 total US semester credits at the CEA GlobalCampus in Paris. Students will register for the internship component plus 2 – 3 language or elective courses. The internship consists of 3 days per week working in a local business environment and participating in a weekly seminar course. Overall, the internship component accounts for 90 contact hours and is generally worth 6 credits in the US semester system.
Students may enroll in language courses appropriate to their language level if desired. Additional electives are offered in English and allow students of all language levels to earn credits toward their major or graduation requirements. A wide variety of courses are available in various subjects within a liberal arts curriculum and allows you the flexibility in designed your semester by choosing courses that best meet your individual academic and personal needs. Course offerings include: Art History, Business, Economics, Fine Arts, Political Science, Language Studies, Cultural Studies and more.
All language courses and electives meet for a total of 45 contact hours and are generally worth 3 credits in the US semester system. However, it is up to the discretion of your home institution and academic advisor how much credit will be awarded.
Schedule Summary
Students will spend 15 – 24 hours per week at their internship placement. Specific work schedules will be determined between the student and site supervisor upon arrival in the host country. Class schedules should be carefully planned in advance, allowing large portions of time available to dedicate to the internship placement.
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 approximately three months before the program closure date, and your final course schedule will be posted to your MyCEA Account around two weeks before the program start date.
Course Registration
Students must register for courses prior to departure for Paris. A course preference form will be posted to your MyCEA Account when the course timetables are available. This form should be completed upon submission of your confirmation deposit, but no later than the program closure date. 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. It is in your best interest to have all courses, include alternate selections, approved by your academic advisor prior to submitting your course preference form.
