France Business Development - Global Learning Experience

If you have any questions, you can contact Liz Allred at: liz.allred@usu.edu

Join us in May 2026 for a unique, hands-on global consulting experience in the South of France. As a participant in the France Business Development & Consulting Program, you will take on the role of an international business consultant, collaborating with students from Utah State University (USU) and IAE Aix-Marseille Graduate School of Management to conduct research and analysis in support of Provence Promotion, the region’s leading economic development agency.

Before traveling to France, you will work virtually in cross-cultural teams to investigate industries, market trends, and investment dynamics that impact foreign direct investment and business expansion in southern France. This pre-departure phase builds essential global teamwork and research skills.

Once in France, you will continue your learning through on-the-ground business visits, executive discussions, and cultural immersion. Our program begins in Aix-en-Provence, a historic city that also serves as a center for regional innovation and international business. Based in Aix, you’ll engage directly with companies and gain firsthand insights into how this dynamic region attracts and supports global investment.

From Aix, we’ll travel to Marseille, the region’s economic engine and a major port city on the Mediterranean. Marseille is a key player in industries such as shipping and logistics, aerospace, renewable energy, digital and creative sectors, biotechnology, cosmetics and fragrances, and agriculture. Through site visits and company meetings, you’ll examine the region’s strategic positioning for global growth.

Next, we’ll continue to Nice, with a special stop in Grasse—the world’s perfume capital and a global center for fragrance innovation. While in Grasse, students will participate in a hands-on fragrance branding experience, applying creative and strategic marketing frameworks to develop and position their own fragrance brand. This activity offers insight into the intersection of traditional artisanal industries and modern branding, product development, and global market strategies.

The program culminates with student consulting teams presenting their strategic business recommendations to executives and key decision-makers from Provence Promotion and its partner organizations.

To round out the experience, students will enjoy a cultural excursion to the stunning Provençal hilltowns of Tourrettes-sur-Loup and Saint-Paul-de-Vence—two of the most picturesque and artistically rich villages in the region. This final day offers time to reflect on the journey while exploring the cultural and natural beauty that defines the French Riviera.

Through this immersive consulting experience, you’ll develop valuable global competencies, strengthen your research and analysis skills, and gain real-world experience delivering business insights in an international context.

Passport Requirement

You must have a current passport that does not expire before November 15, 2026 to participate in this program. If you need to get a passport or renew your passport, you must submit an EXPEDITED application by December 2, 2025 and provide proof of submission (an expedited application will take 2-3 weeks). 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).

A copy of your passport or proof of submission is due by December 2, 2025. This is REQUIRED.

Any questions, contact Shauna Youngberg, Program Director of Global Learning, at shauna.youngberg@usu.edu

Program Dates

Application Deadline: Monday, October 31, 2025
Spring Semester: Enroll in BUS 2000: FOUNDATIONS INTL PROG FRANCE during the second half of Spring Semester (1 credit) - taught on Thursdays 1:30-3:15pm (section 009 and CRN 12755)
Summer Semester: Required enrollment in BUS 2000: FOUNDATIONS INTL PROG FRANCE (0.5 credits, tuition included as part of program cost, section and CRN TBA)
Travel Dates: May 1-12 2025 (depart USA on Friday, May 1 to arrive at Marseille Airport on Saturday, May 2 and depart Nice on Tuesday, May 12 to follow your individual itinerary)

Program Requirements

Good academic standing
Minimum GPA of 2.75
Submission of a complete application
Submission of a copy of passport by December 2, 2025 OR proof of a submitted expedited passport application
Interview with program leader (to be scheduled once application is submitted)
Mandatory enrollment during Spring Semester in BUS 2000: FOUNDATIONS INTL PROG FRANCE during second half of Spring Semester (1 credit)–Thursdays 1:30-3:15 (section 009 and CRN 12755)
Mandatory enrollment during Summer Semester in BUS 2000: FOUNDATIONS INTL PROG FRANCE (CRN and section # TBA, section # will be a 500 number that designates a study abroad course).

Group student photo in France with perfume they made

Program Cost

Cost $3,300 (current estimate)
- $200 program deposit due at time of application submission (part of the program cost - refundable until 15 December)
Participants purchase own airfaire

What does the program cost include?

Please read carefully!

Include: $200 program deposit, hotel accommodation (twin room), program-related ground transportation, one hosted meals, cultural experiences, tips, medical/evacuation insurance, tuition for 0.5 credits in summer semester for BUS 2000, admin costs
Does NOT include: round trip airfare to France, WI-FI if not free at hotel, meals, personal activities and other expenses including travel to/from SLC Airport, airport-hotel transfer, visa if required, and any other personal expenses not detailed above

If you require assistance purchasing their round trip ticket, please contact Liz Allred, Program Director for Global Learning, at liz.allred@usu.edu.

Scholarship Opportunities

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

Application Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025

Apply Now

Final withdrawl from program without penalty is Wednesday, 15 December. Once you are accepted, it is your responisbility to inform us if you have changed your mind. We will begin making non-refundable deposits shortly after this date so your commitment is required at this time.

Please contact Liz Allred at liz.allred@usu.edu with any questions.

Travel

Schedule

Friday, May 1	Fly to Marseille Airport (airport code MRS)
Saturday, May 2	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 3	Free Day
Monday, May 4	Business visits, eveing free
Tuesday May 5	Business visits, evening free
Wednesday, May 6	Presentations in the morning, afternoon and evening free
Thursday, May 7	Transfer to Nice via Grasse, perfume company visit in Grasse, check-in and get settled in Nice, evening free
Friday, May 8	Excursion Tourette-sur-loup, St. Paul-de-Vence
Saturday, May 9	Excursion Monaco
Sunday, May 10	Free day
Monday, May 11	Sophia Antipolis visits, evening free
Tuesday, May 12	End of program, follow individual itinerary

Lodging

Students will share a twin room.

Visa/Travel Authorization

International students may be required to obtain a regular visa to enter France (visa for the Schengen Zone). Travel to the French consulate in San Francisco may be required. Students would apply for the visa in February. Liz Allred will provide instructions and basic assistance in obtaining these visas.