Hollins in Paris - Business and International Affairs (IES Abroad)
Overview
This Paris program offers an exciting opportunity to explore Paris for students with a variety of interests and majors. Whether you're interested in developing your Global Leadership skills, pursuing an internship or studying intercultural communication, this Hollins in Paris program has a diverse offering of courses and opportunities to meet your needs.
The customized Business and International Affairs program has been designed exclusively for Hollins students, with their unique course requirements in mind. Hollins in Paris - BIA offers flexibility and a selection of courses that benefit students without an advanced proficiency in French, as well as the traditional language and cultural study courses, extracurricular activities and excursions they need to immerse themselves in the local culture.
This program offers unique courses that explore international business, political science, communications, French language, and more through an in-depth and hands-on approach. IES Abroad's 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.
ACADEMICS
Students can choose between a variety of academic options, from those taught within the IES Abroad's Paris BIA Center to direct-enroll courses at local universities to internships. Students will take 4-5 courses per semester in a mix of subjects.
Hollins has partnered with IES Abroad to design a custom offering of courses tailored to our students' needs. Participants will enroll in three area-studies courses at the Paris BIA Center, and will complement those with up to two classes at the American School of Business in Paris. This arrangement provides maximum flexibility for a range of majors, including Business, International Studies, Communications, Economics and Sociology.
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in credit-bearing internships during their semester in Paris, depending on availability and French-language proficiency.
OTHER PROGRAM FEATURES
IES Abroad requires that students take part in an on-the-ground orientation week at the start of each semester. The Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE) begins as soon as students arrive, and covers topics like cultural adjustment, public transportation, and academic expectations. Following orientation, you will engage in a one-week, language-intensive program to prepare you for classes taught in French.
As Hollins students, you're also entitled to a number of additional features, such as a stipend to cover groceries and meals not included in program costs, international health insurance, and visa support before you embark. Other amenities are listed as follows:
- Support services and assistance provided by the international education office staff
- Two-day on-site orientation program
- Social events and weekend trips for international students
- Wide range of university-sponsored clubs and organizations
- Access to student clubs, activities and services at the American Business School in Paris
HOUSING AND MEALS
Hollins students in the Paris BIA program have several options for housing. We encourage students to live in homestays, to continue the language immersion at home. Hosts are located in Paris or its surrounding banlieues, and placements are made with each student's needs and preferences in mind. However, students also have the choice of staying in an apartment, residence hall, or an international house.
Breakfast is provided daily in the homestay, along with three evening meals per week, which are taken with the host family. Other meals can be purchased at the university cafeterias or in local restaurants with the additional meal stipend provided by Hollins.
WHAT'S COVERED BY THE COMPREHENSIVE FEE
- tuition
- accommodations
- meals
- orientation on the Hollins campus and in Paris
- comprehensive health insurance while abroad
- program-organized, non-optional field trips or excursions
- IES Abroad student card
ADDITIONAL COSTS
- roundtrip airfare
- visa costs
- books and other course-related expenses
- local transportation
- rental or purchase of required cellphone and usage fees
- personal expenses including independent travel
- optional excursions
- costs associated with optional cultural activities (if applicable)
For a more detailed breakdown of costs, please view the budget sheets at the top of this page.
ELIGIBILITY
Minimum requirements are:
- Junior or sophomore status (juniors are given priority)
- Cumulative and in-major GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Two strong faculty recommendations
- No major disciplinary infractions
Applicants are evaluated on their academic and personal maturity, flexibility, and openness to new cultural experiences. Hollins recommends approved candidates to the program, which makes final admissions decisions.
Please note: In addition to the Hollins application, you must also apply directly to IES Abroad for acceptance into this program.
