Study + Internship in Paris
Fall 2023 Semester - Early Start

About the Program

The Study + Internship program in Paris is designed for students who are aspiring professionals that want to distinguish themselves in an evolving global job market. The program allows you to make progress toward your academic degree and remain on track for graduation, while developing the top skills employers want you to gain by the time you enter the job market. During the program, you will intern at a local host organization while also taking our mandatory Global Internship Course and additional courses. Our diverse range of courses will provide you with a platform to excel academically, and your personalized internship placement will help you acquire professional experience from a global perspective and learn from professionals in an international context. Program options are dependent upon location, but may include: Semester, Summer, Part-Time and Full-Time Internships, and English and host language speaking placements. Learn more about the options and benefits of a CEA CAPA internship.

Program Structure

For your CEA CAPA Study + Internship program, you will simultaneously intern at your host organization, take our mandatory Global Internship Course, and take additional elective courses. Your internship work schedule will be established once you arrive. It will be structured around your course schedule and may vary depending on your career field and host organization. 

Internship Placement Duration and Hours:
You will intern at your host organization for a total of 8 weeks, not including any agreed upon break-week periods. Throughout your program, you will work 20 hours per week (160 hours total) and will likely intern during standard business hours Mondays-Fridays. Your placement may include in-person, remote, and hybrid work depending on the needs of your host organization.

Global Internship Course:
You will take the Global Internship Course alongside your internship placement. This professional development course is designed to accompany your placement so you can make the most of your internship abroad. You will learn how to understand and articulate the value of your internship through the lens of NACE Career Readiness Competencies that employers crave, which will help you stand out to future employers and graduate schools. You will also engage in live cultural discussions that will enhance your global perspective and intercultural awareness between your program location and the U.S. The course comprises of reading, writing, and verbal assignments, including building an e-portfolio, completing mock interviews, developing your online professional presence, giving a final presentation, conducting industry field research work, and more. You can also take advantage of additional CEA CAPA mentoring and career preparation workshops to complement what you learn in the course.

Credit Options:
You will receive academic credit for your internship abroad via the Global Internship Course and your performance at your internship placement. You can enroll in the course for 3 credits, and you will complete 20 hours per week (160 hours total) at your internship placement.

• 3 credits: minimum 160 placement hours (20 hours per week) + Global Internship Course (1.5 hours every week in class)

Additional Elective Courses
In addition to taking the Global Internship Course and completing your internship placement, you will choose 3-4 CEA CAPA course to take from the catalog of course options available to you. If you choose the Early Start option in the fall semester, you will also take 1 CEA CAPA language course. By taking elective courses to complement the internship portion of your program, you will be able to make progress toward your degree and graduation requirements, maximize your learning, and gain a richer cultural experience while you are abroad. 

Each elective course is 3 credits and will meet for 45 contact hours. Elective courses generally meet at various times, Monday-Thursday; however required active learning components may be scheduled on Fridays. Please keep this in mind, as you will be expected to prioritize your courses over any personal travel on Fridays.

Elective courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits. Overall, you may earn 12-15 credits. Given the demands of your internship, the Global Internship Course, and your elective courses, we recommend enrolling in a total of 12 credits. We also encourage you to discuss the total credits you plan to take with your home institution. If you choose the Early Start option in the fall semester, you may earn 15-18 credits. 

NACE-Certified Career Coaching & Internship Placement Process
Once you’ve submitted your application and required documents for your internship program, your career development adventure will begin! You will be assigned your very own NACE-Certified Career Coach, who will work with you one-on-one throughout pre-departure to guide you through the steps and deadlines of our Internship Placement Process. Your Coach will be your main point of contact for your internship prior to your departure. They will be happy to answer any questions you might have, and will also provide you with personalized career coaching, as needed, so you are set up for success for your internship abroad.

In addition to working with your Career Coach, during the Internship Placement Process you will engage with your In-Country International Internship Coordinator in your location and your potential host site supervisor. Your International Internship Coordinator will draw from your application materials to source and match you with a personalized internship placement that best aligns with your unique experience, skills, career interests, and goals for your internship abroad. Please also note, your host site supervisor will retain the final decision on the finalization of your placement, so it’s important to approach your interview with your host site supervisor with maturity, adaptability, curiosity, and commitment to both your career interests and the host organization.

Excursions

Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs*. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.

Bruges, Belgium

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Board the high-speed train Thalys and cross the northern border to discover the delights of the city of chocolates, waffles, and French fries. Observe the colorful architecture of the Bruges townhouses, climb to the top of the Belfry, and try to catch a glimpse of the North Sea. Listen to the rhythm of horse shoes as a horse-drawn carriage passes nearby. Discover the last brewery still operating in town and sample the local cuisine. End your journey relaxing in a tea room with the best whipped-cream-topped hot chocolate for the ultimate chocolate experience, before returning to Paris with a huge smile on your face…and a full tummy!

Avignon and Provence

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Hop on the high speed train to Avignon and visit the Palais des Papes, one of Europe’s largest, most important medieval Gothic buildings. We’ll take a private coach to discover the Alpilles of the Provence region on the way to Roussillon, a beautiful village on top of a hill that’s known for its ochre trail. Follow the trail among ochre cliffs, a landscape that inspired Cezanne and Van Gogh. The next day, we’ll visit one of the most beautiful villages in France: les Baux de Provence and its castle. On the way back to Avignon, we’ll visit the open air "Provencal" market in Saint Remy de Provence, and stop at a wine cellar to sample "vin de provence" and local delicacies.

Strasbourg, France and Fribourg, Germany

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Discover the eastern region of Alsace. The excursion starts with an in-depth walking tour of the center of Strasbourg, where you’ll immediately notice the strong Germanic influence in the architecture and way of life. We’ll enjoy a cruise down the Ill River that carries us through the Petite France district and to European Parliament, the central institution of European integration. The regions of Alsace and Lorraine have been the object of much conflict over the centuries, with France and Germany fighting for ownership. The mix of two cultures has produced delicious food such as "choucroute" or "flammekueche," and fine local beers you can sample during a traditional Alsatian meal. Before leaving, we’ll cross the border to Germany and enjoy a glimpse of the black forest and the city of Fribourg. You’ll also have the pleasure of tasting Alsatian wine in a small, family-run vineyard.

Giverny

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Whether you’re a novice or a confirmed fan of the Impressionist art movement, Giverny is a don’t-miss destination. The day begins with a visit to a museum dedicated to Monet's life and works. From here, take a trail leading through lush gardens where a lily pond, bamboo patches, and flowers bursting with color (a.k.a. the beautiful scenery that inspired many of Monet's paintings!) wait to be discovered. Meandering through Monet's gardens will surely work up your appetite; be sure to try some traditional dishes from Normandy. During your free time, you may opt to explore the Impressionist Museum, which displays works from several famous artists who flocked to this remarkable place to visit Monet throughout his life.