France Business Consulting - Global Learning Experience

If you have any questions, you can contact huntsmanglobal@usu.edu.

Join us in May 2027 for a distinctive, hands-on global consulting experience in the South of France. Through the France Global Consulting Learning Experience, students step into the role of international business consultants, working alongside peer students studying at French universities to support the economic development and foreign direct investment efforts of One Provence Promotion.

Building on previous consulting projects focused on decarbonization and environmental sustainability and healthcare innovation, the program introduces students to emerging industries and investment opportunities shaping the future of southern France. Students conduct real-world research, evaluate companies and markets, and develop actionable business development recommendations for regional economic development leaders.

Before traveling to France, students work virtually in cross-cultural consulting teams to investigate industries, market trends, competitive dynamics, and prospective companies with the potential to expand into the Provence region. This pre-departure consulting phase challenges students to move beyond traditional classroom learning as they develop skills in market intelligence, company analysis, foreign direct investment, professional communication, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Once in France, the classroom becomes the region itself.

The experience begins in Aix-en-Provence, where students engage with business leaders and explore a regional ecosystem known for entrepreneurship, innovation, and international commerce. Through executive discussions and company visits, students gain firsthand insight into how communities build environments capable of attracting global companies, investment, and talent.

From Aix, the program moves to Marseille, the economic engine of the region and one of the Mediterranean’s most important commercial centers. Students explore industries such as shipping and logistics, aerospace, energy, technology, biotechnology, consumer products, and other sectors central to the region’s economic development. Company visits allow students to examine global supply chains, innovation, sustainability, operational excellence, and the strategies organizations use to compete internationally.

The program then continues east along the French Riviera toward Nice and Grasse, the historic center of the global fragrance industry. In Grasse, students participate in a hands-on fragrance development and branding experience, applying principles of creativity, positioning, storytelling, and marketing strategy to create and present their own fragrance concept. The experience illustrates how centuries-old craftsmanship can intersect with innovation, global branding, and modern consumer markets.

Throughout the program, students also experience the culture, history, and communities that shape the region’s economic identity. A cultural excursion to Monaco and Èze provides an opportunity to explore two distinct expressions of the French Riviera—from Monaco’s global reputation for finance, luxury, tourism, and international business to the medieval hilltop village of Èze, known for its history, artistry, and dramatic Mediterranean setting. Together, these experiences give students additional perspective on how place, culture, branding, wealth, and tourism contribute to the economic identity of the region.

The experience culminates with student consulting teams presenting their research, strategic recommendations, and prospective investment opportunities to executives and key decision-makers from One Provence Promotion and its regional partners. Rather than completing a classroom simulation, students deliver their work to professionals actively engaged in attracting companies and investment to southern France.

The France Global Consulting Learning Experience is designed to develop students who can research globally, collaborate across cultures, think strategically, communicate professionally, and contribute meaningfully in unfamiliar environments. Students return not only with a deeper understanding of international business, but also with tangible consulting experience they can carry into internships, graduate programs, interviews, and their future careers.

This is more than studying business abroad. It is an opportunity to practice global business—with real organizations, real executives, and real economic development challenges.

Passport Requirement

You must have a current passport that does not expire before December 31, 2027 to participate in this program. If you need to get a passport or renew your passport, you must submit an EXPEDITED application by October 31, 2026 and provide proof of submission (an expedited application can take 6-7 weeks, with mailing time). If you just have to renew your passport, you can renew it online at https://travel.state.gov.

The USU Card Office in the TSC can assist you (appointment required).

An uploaded copy of your passport or proof of expedited application is due by October 31, 2026. This is REQUIRED.

Any questions, contact huntsmanglobal@usu.edu

Program Dates

Application Deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Spring Semester: Required enrollment in BUS 2000: FOUNDATIONS INTL PROG FRANCE during the second half of spring semester (1 credit) - taught on TBD (section TBD and CRN TBD) OR enrollment in MSLE 4250: MARKETING INTERNSHIPS during the second half of spring semester (2 credits)- TBD (section TBD and CRN)
Summer Semester: Required enrollment in BUS 2000: FOUNDATIONS INTL PROG FRANCE (0.5 credit, regular tuition is credited towards program cost, section and CRN TBA)
Travel Dates: May 7-16, 2027 (depart USA on Friday, May 7 to arrive in Marseille, France on Saturday, May 8 and depart Nice, France on Sunday, May 16 to follow individual itinerary)

Program Requirements

Good academic standing
Minimum GPA of 2.75
Submission of a complete application
Submission of a copy of passport by October 31, 2026 OR proof of a submitted expedited passport application
Interview with program leader (to be scheduled once application is submitted)
Mandatory enrollment in BUS 2000: FOUNDATION INTL PROG FRANCE during the second half of spring semester (1 credit)–TBD (section TBD and CRN TBD) OR enrollment in MSLE 4250: MARKETING INTERNSHIPS during the second half of spring semester (2 credits)- TBD (section TBD and CRN)
Mandatory enrollment in BUS 2000: FOUNDATION INTL PROG FRANCE during the semester (0.5 credit, regular tuition is credited towards program cost, section and CRN TBA)
Ability to walk 60-90 minutes at a time, including on uneven surfaces. Ability to walk up stairs as elevators or escalators may not be available in buildings, metro stations, or cultural sites. If accommodation is needed, contact the USU Disability Resource Center.

Program Cost

Cost $3,300 (current estimate)
Participants purchase own airfare
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) may be required for U.S. citizens traveling to Schengen Area countries by May 2027 and is expected to cost approximately $25. Instructions will be provided on how to obtain it, if required.

What does the program cost include?

Please read carefully!

Includes: $200 program deposit, twin room hotel accommodation, one group meal, cultural experiences, business visits, program-related ground transportation, tips, breakfast in Nice, medical/evacuation insurance, regular tuition for 0.5 credit during summer semester for BUS 2000, admin costs
Does NOT include: travel to/from SLC airport, airfare into Marseille and out of Nice, airport-hotel transfers in Marseille and Nice, ETIAS (if required), WI-FI if not free at hotel, most meals, spring BUS 2000 course credit OR spring MSLE 4250 internship credit, personal activities, and any other personal expenses not detailed above.

If you require assistance purchasing your airfare, please contact our office at huntsmanglobal@usu.edu.

Scholarship Opportunities

Apply Now! You do not need to be admitted to a Global Learning program before applying for scholarships. We encourage students to apply for scholarships as soon as they submit their program application. Scholarship applications are processed in the order they are received, and funding is limited. Scholarships will be awarded days before the program withdrawal deadline on December 11, 2026.

Huntsman Opportunity Scholarship

All students with a declared major in the Huntsman School of Business and who have a minimum GPA of 2.75 are eligible to apply for a Huntsman Opportunity Scholarship. Scholarships are competitive and not guaranteed. Applicants are encouraged to be thoughtful and intentional in their responses to the short essay questions. Students are encouraged to not delay their application

Opportunity Scholarship Overview

Liz Allred & JP Spicer-Escalante Global Scholarship

Business and Spanish majors and minors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply for an Allred-Spicer-Escalante Global Scholarship. Scholarships are competitive and awards vary.

Global Scholarship Overview

Applications

Applications Open: Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Application Deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2026

Apply Now

Program Deposit: A $200 program deposit will be posted to your Banner account within three business days of submitting your application. Payment is due as soon as the deposit is posted and must be paid before you can be accepted into a program. If you are not selected to participate in a program the deposit will be refunded.

Final withdrawal from program without penalty is Friday, December 11, 2026.

Once accepted, it is your responsibility to notify us if you decide not to participate. You may withdraw from the program without penalty through December 11, 2026. After this date, your $200 deposit will become non-refundable and you will be responsible for the full program cost. We will begin making non-refundable program commitments shortly after this deadline, so your commitment to participate is considered final at that time.

Please contact huntsmanglobal@usu.edu with any questions.

Travel

Friday, May 7	Depart for Marseille, France, follow individual itinerary
Saturday, May 8	Arrive in Marseille and transfer to hotel in Aix-en-Provence via bus (go to bus station- gare de bus -at the airport), check-in and get settled, evening orientation walk
Sunday, May 9	Free Day
Monday, May 10	Business visits, eveing free
Tuesday May 11	Business visits, evening free
Wednesday, May 12	Presentations in the morning, afternoon and evening free
Thursday, May 13	Transfer to Nice via Grasse, Galimard perfume creation workshop, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, check into Nice hotel
Friday, May 14	Sophia Antipolis visits, evening free
Saturday, May 15	Excursion to Eze and Monaco
Sunday, May 16	End of program, follow individual itinerary

Lodging

Students will share a twin room.

Visa/Travel Authorization

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) may be required for U.S. citizens prior to traveling to Schengen Area countries by May 2027 and is expected to cost approximately $25 USD. Instructions will be provided on how to obtain it, if required.
International students may be required to obtain a regular visa to enter the Schengen Area. Travel to consulates to submit the visa application could be required. Students would apply for the visa 2-3 months in advance. If you are an international student, please contact our office at huntsmanglobal@usu.edu to get additional visa information.