Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Internship, Business, French Language & Electives
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Location
Paris
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Host University
The American Business School Paris
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Term
Spring 4 2025
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Program Dates
Jan 27, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
Oct 10, 2024
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Oct 15, 2024
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Credit
21 US Credits
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$25,450
- This session is closed and is no longer accepting applications.
Study Abroad Program Description
Take the first steps toward a successful international career in one of the most dynamic cities in the world. In addition to a wide range of core business courses, the ABSP offers a unique focus on luxury brand marketing and management. Through this program, you will participate in an internship in the fields of marketing & e-commerce, finance, or fashion and luxury retail management after completing your regular coursework. The internship also includes workshops, conferences, and individual coaching sessions with a tutor.
Placements into internships are guaranteed through the program and are finalized on site. While internship placements are guaranteed, the organization and field of the internship may vary depending on available opportunities as well as your experience, interest, and level of French. All courses are taught in English, with the exception of French language courses. If you haven't taken French before, you will be required to register for Beginning French as part of your coursework. Classes at the American Business School Paris are taught by a team of international professors and lecturers who tailor-make coursework based on their own unique backgrounds and career experiences. The classes are comprised of international students from around the world, as well as some French students.
Enjoy Flexibility with ISA Flex
We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your ISA program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, ISA Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your ISA Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
Students must have completed or tested out of a minimum of one semester (two quarters) of college-level French
- To participate in this program, you must be 18 years of age or older.
- You must have at least an intermediate level of French (to be determined by a placement test); if not, you will be required to register for FREN110: Elementary French (6 credits) as part of your classes during the initial semester.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
24-Hour Emergency
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Airport Reception*
Visa Support
Tuition at the Host University
Housing
Meals and Laundry Service*
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Full-Time Resident Staff
On-Site ISA Offices
Internet Access
ISA Discovery Model
Excursions*
Cultural Activities
Insurance
Official Transcript from the Host University
Professional Development Toolbox
Scholarship Opportunities
Academics
Credits
US Credits
21
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
21
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
31
Academic Information
Course Availability
- The course list below indicates the proposed courses for the upcoming semester. The host university has not yet confirmed the current course list at this time. This site will be updated once ISA receives the updated list of courses, along with a note notifying all accepted students of the change.
Internship Components
- You must take Business French (FREN290), Field Assignment (BUSI110), and How to leverage my study abroad experience in France (CMPR350), each worth one credit. This makes up part of your total credits for the academic semester, leading up to the 6 credit summer internship.
- You must have at least an intermediate level of French (to be determined by a placement test); if not, you will be required to register for FREN110: Elementary French as part of your classes during the semester.
Course Selection
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
- Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or prerequisites.
You will be required to select 3-4 alternate courses in the event of your top choices conflicting on the timetable, course cancellations, or registration issues. - Requests for more detailed sample syllabi can be made to the ISA France Program Manager.
Course Credit
- Credits earned vary according to the policies of your home institution. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, you must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by your home institution, for the duration of the program.
Transcripts
- The transcript from the American Business School Paris will reflect U.S. semester credits for each course listed below. Please be in touch with your U.S. University regarding credit transfer for this program
ISA Course Level Recommendation
- ISA offers course level recommendations for the courses listed below. Please note that the course level recommendations are based on the host university course level recommendations and course codes and are only recommendations. Course codes at the American Business School Paris are set according to the lower division (100 - 240: Freshman/Sophomore classes) and upper division (300 - 450: Junior/Senior classes) pedagogical classification. These ISA recommendations are intended to facilitate the determination of course equivalencies by advisers and credential evaluators at U.S. home institutions.
Language Recommendation
- It is recommended that you take a French language course through this program if you have not previously completed one semester/quarter of college-level French or the equivalent.
Language Placement
- Enrollment in French courses is determined by the results of a language placement exam administered by the American Business School Paris. Please note that your performance on the placement exam may not reflect the number of semesters of language instruction you've already completed at your home university. We strongly suggest that you prepare for the language placement exam by reviewing previous coursework if trying to place into any level of language beyond true beginning.
Courses
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Course Disclaimer
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Support & Funding
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
SUPPORT TEAM
Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.
Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.
Identity Resources
Accessibility & Accommodations
With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.
Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
Destination Information
Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.
Identity Blog
ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.
Funding
All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!
If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.
Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org
Housing
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the French lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor to Paris. Uncovering the uniqueness of your "quartier" (neighborhood) and the surrounding areas will help you to feel right at home. No matter which type of housing you choose, you will commute to class as most Parisians do, via métro. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations, however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Homestay
Host families are best option if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA's resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays will provide breakfast seven days a week, dinner four days a week (Mon - Thurs), and laundry service once a week. Some homestays will house multiple students while others may house one. They will be located throughout Paris and the surrounding areas. Single rooms may be guaranteed for an additional fee.
Apartment
Apartments are a great housing option if you are seeking a great deal of independence during your time abroad. There is an extra cost for the apartment housing type; please contact your ISA Paris Program Manager for more information.
The apartments are furnished and may be individual or shared rooms. Meals and laundry service are not included. Spots are limited, first come/first served, and placement is not guaranteed. Apartment types/set-up are subject to change based on availability of housing providers in Paris.
You will pay a $300 refundable security deposit if living in this ISA housing option. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the event of damage to property, or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.
Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
ISA excursions allow you to explore the diverse, distinct, and gorgeous landscape of France (and potentially surrounding countries) that you may not be able to visit on your own. While abroad, you will have the chance to go on one overnight trip, two day trips, and one optional excursion to Morocco. The destinations shown below are a sample of some of the possibilities, which are finalized in the time leading up to the start of your program.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-provence (or simply "Aix") is one of the most well known and beloved regions of Southern France. Aix is known for its distinct Romanesque architecture, colorful, buildings, and the beautiful fountains speckled throughout the city. While on this trip, you will go on a guided tour and a visit to the seaside town of Cassis, winding your way through the lovely provincial countryside.
Bordeaux
The first thing that likely comes to mind when you think about Bordeaux is wine, and with good reason. Bordeaux is the world's major wine industry capital and is home to the "Vinexpo", the world's most popular wine fair. Half of this port city is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with over 362 historical monuments. While in Bordeaux, you will take a guided tour of the city, have a wine tasting at one of the local wineries, and visit the famed Great Dune of Pyla.
Bruges
Bruges has been called the "Venice of the North" because of its stunning canals and beautifully preserved buildings. While on this excursion, you will take a guided boat tour through Bruges, highlighting the main sights in the city. You will have plenty of free time to explore many of the city's famed attractions, including the Beguinage, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Bruges belfry.
France Discovery Day Trip
Visit one of the many notable destinations outside of Paris on this day trip. The change of scenery from the bustle of Paris is a great way to gain a different perspective on French culture and history. Visits vary from term to term and have included trips to Giverny, Versailles, Chantilly, Reims, Fontainebleau, or Chartres.
Ghent
Ghent is a wonderful city in Belgium that is known for being "historical without being fossilized". It's a lively student city that still maintains its medieval charm. While visiting the city, you can see St Bavo's Cathedral, the Ghent Belfry, and the many canals that wind their way through the town.
Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is also known as the "the Garden of France" since it is filled with vineyards, fruit orchards, and gardens. You will have the chance to visit a few of the over forty châteaux that are scattered this beautiful countryside, such as Chambord and Chenonceau, while staying overnight in the city of Tours.
Mont St Michel
This spectacular site remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of France, second only to Paris. You will perform "La Traversée", the crossing of the Bay between San Malo and Mont-Saint-Michel to get to the Mont Saint Michel Abbey and surrounding areas. From a distance, one can see the "pre-sale" sheep (a gastronomic specialty thanks to their naturally salty meat) grazing on the salt marshes. The Mont St Michel Abbey is connected to the mainland by an improbably thin stretch of land, and you will hear all about its history and significance on a guided tour.
Normandy
While exploring the region of Normandy, you will have the chance to visit the beautiful walled port city of Saint Malo. You will also spend time at the famous D-Day beaches and trek to Le Mont Saint Michel, the gorgeous ancient abbey that is one of France's most recognizable landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Morocco * Optional
This multi-day, optional excursion takes you across Morocco, one of the most colorful and diverse countries in the world. It encompasses direct cultural encounters with locals, guided tours through the medina, and opportunities to learn the ins and outs of haggling with Moroccan vendors. You will have unforgettable experiences in the Sahara desert riding camels and waking up to see the spectacular views of the sunrise.
Cultural Activities in Paris
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Paris. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Paris special. These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included cooking classes, a night at the Opera, a "How to become Parisian in one hour" comedy show, tea at the Grande Mosquee de Paris, and museum visits (Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou, etc.).