Submitted by Carl Stewart on the 2022 winter session program in France sponsored by the Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics…
Our final week in Paris was filled with visits to some of Paris’ most iconic venues like the Val de Loire Chateaux and the Chateau de Versailles. Versailles was constructed by several kings for more than a century, beginning in 1623 with Louis XIII. Europe has a much longer cultural and economic history than the U.S., and yet globalization allows us to overcome centuries of differences to be able to communicate, plan business ventures, and form lasting friendships. One of the most interesting workshops was conducted by Christopher Cripps, Director of International Programs for La Sorbonne, sister university to our host, Sorbonne Nouvelle. He has a connection to UD from his international studies experience at Grenoble Ecole de Management. Monsieur Cripps discussed how to build a career in France, for all those of us who have fallen in love with Paris and dream of working here someday. For his blog Headway, Cripps describes “creative mobility” where students seeking an international experience can broaden their horizons by spending a relatively short period abroad. I agree because I have benefited greatly from my three weeks in Paris, a global cultural, business, and STEM capital.
My BUAD391 study abroad experience was the first time I traveled internationally, and it has sparked a strong desire for me to return and continue to explore Europe and other global destinations. However, I don’t think that any subsequent trips will match the outstanding experiences I have had on this UD study abroad. I am grateful to Professor Ryan Sanders, UD Center for Global Programs and Services, my marketing contact at Paris Basketball, and our hosts at Sorbonne Nouvelle for an excellent program. And I am especially thankful to my UD newfound friends who traveled to Paris and took this amazing journey with me.
