Studying Abroad in Paris

Exactly one year ago I was wandering the streets of Paris, admiring the beautiful Hausmann architecture, classy Parisians, and delectable French food. At this point I knew- Paris had become my new home away from home.

As a finance major in the Gabelli School of Business, I decided that I also wanted to specialize in international business, or G.L.O.B.E. which stands for Global Learning Opportunities and Business Experiences. This program offers business students unique opportunities and resources in the business capital of the world and beyond. By gaining firsthand experience in the international arena, I know I will be able to apply what I learned in Paris to all of my future endeavors. While abroad in the IES Paris Business & International Affairs Program, I took four courses. These included Paris through Art and Architecture, Global Marketing, Introduction to International Finance, and French Intermediate II. Because the International Business Dean was so helpful, I was able to easily directly transfer my credits to my curriculum back at Fordham. My courses were spectacular and were all taught in English, except for the French course. Every week our professors took us out of the classroom to an art exhibit at the Louvre or another renowned museum. This was an incredible experience because I did not have to sit and look at Powerpoints of art; rather, I could see the artwork and history firsthand in front of my eyes.While in Paris, I explored every neighborhood, took a cooking class at the world famous Ritz Escoffier, climbed the Eiffel Tower, had dinner on a Seine night cruise, and went on day trips to Versailles, Monet's house, and the Champagne region. It was an amazing adventure that I will never forget.

There are specific requirements in order to earn a specialization in G.L.O.B.E. You must first select a target country or culture and take their foreign language through the Intermediate II level. In addition, you are required to take two globalism courses in your major or concentration as well as one liberal arts course related to the country or culture in order to gain global business and cultural understanding proficiency. You gain international experience by working in an internationally focused internship, studying abroad for a semester or summer, or going on a GSB international service learning program. Furthermore, you must demonstrate professional leadership on a yearly basis by attending International Business Week events as well as G.L.O.B.E. Club events. If you are interested in broadening your knowledge of other cultures and building your career in international business, I would highly recommend G.L.O.B.E.