Studying abroad is something that I knew I had to do in college. The idea of studying in another country excited me like nothing else! When the time finally came to apply, the only thing I knew what that I wanted to go to Paris. After researching many programs, I stumbled upon CEA and it seemed like the perfect match.
As a Business Administration and Sociology double major, I wanted to study something in the business field while still being able to take classes that I would enjoy. I've been blogging and making YouTube videos about fashion for the past six years and have always wanted to learn more about the industry. The elective courses that CEA offered sounded right up my alley.
I'm now taking courses like Photography and Mass Media + The Fashion Industry along with business courses like International Marketing and Human Resource Management. It's the perfect blend for me and it feels amazing to feel excited to learn.
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| Novancia Business School |
I'm also taking a business class at Novancia Business School which has been incredible! It has allowed me to meet more international and French students. It's a great way to get better integrated into the French community, especially when everyone is so friendly.
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| The city is our Classroom |
Another aspect of studying abroad classes that I really appreciate is the way that all of them always try to incorporate the city in some way.
For example, in Mass Media & The Fashion Industry, we are required to attend the Dior Exhibition for class.
Like. Excuse me, what?! How is this real life.
In International Marketing, we have assignments based on the weekend excursions that we get to go on with CEA. We are normally instructed to analyze marketing strategies for some of the companies that we get to visit. How incredible does that sound?
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| Our recent weekend visit to Honfleur also came with a marketing assignment! |
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| Honfleur, France |
It's been a goal of mine to be able to work in the marketing department in the fashion industry and studying abroad has helped my take a step closer to that.
While going to UCI has allowed me to learn more about business and marketing, taking fashion-specific classes abroad has allowed me to gain a better perspective of what working in the fashion industry will be like. I still can't believe I'm in Paris, where fashion lives and thrives! I get inspired every day, whether I'm just walking to school or exploring the city. Studying abroad has been everything I expected and more.
Shirley M. is the Fall 2017 CEA MOJO Blogger in Paris, France. She is currently a Junior studying Business Administration and Sociology at the University of California Irvi