Finance Major
Study Abroad: Paris, France
Do you have a favorite class that you are taking? Why?
My favorite class I am taking abroad is a Luxury Marketing class. This class focuses on the different marketing strategies used for luxury businesses and these certain strategies are only useful in the luxury field. We have talked a lot about the anti laws of marketing and how with luxury companies you market the idea of the company rather than the actual product. This is a different concept than what we traditionally observe in our marketing classes and being abroad, especially in a city where there is such a large luxury market, I have been able to see firsthand how these practices are used by some of the largest companies in the industry.
What do you like about your program/university?
I am studying with IES which has been great and I school that I would definitely recommend to other students. The staff and teachers are incredibly helpful and kind, and the professors are all very experienced in their respective fields which always makes the class more insightful. The program has also gone above and beyond to help us feel adjusted and immersed by planning countless field trips and activities outside of class. The activities range from cheese tasting sessions to excursions to other regions of France which has been great.
What has been your favorite place that you visited so far or favorite part about your city? Why?
My favorite palace I have visited thus far has been Amsterdam. The culture, the people, and the overall vibes of the city are unmatched to anywhere else I have been. The best way I have found to describe it is as a city that combines London, New York, and home, which for me is Seattle. There are big streets and tall buildings similar to New York but then also cobblestones and more of a European feel like London. The city was also beautifully decorated for the holidays which just made it feel more homey. I did a canal river tour which was a great experience as I got to learn about the city and the history of it but it was also a great way to see everything within a short period of time.
What advice would you give to the 2024 abroad students?
The advice I would give to the students planning to go abroad is to really just indulge in the experience because time really does fly by. There is nothing you can do to fully prepare yourself for the whirlwind of experiences you are going to take part in, so the best thing you can do is go into it with an open and curious mind. This was truly a once in a lifetime experience and will definitely be something I will look back on with a full heart.