Fairfield University now offers study abroad program at prestigious business school in France | Press Releases

Fairfield University has added another program site to its already robust roster of study abroad programs: the ESC-Rouen School of Management, one of the most prestigious business schools in Europe. Offering a global perspective on the business world, the program enables students to learn about current European Union (EU) business practices, complemented by opportunities to meet with EU business executives and experience the culture of Rouen, France, a medieval city an hour outside Paris. Although it is designed for both graduate and undergraduate students of the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, the program is open to students of all majors. Both full semester and short-term programs are options.

In the past, the ESC-Rouen program was considered an Exchange Program at Fairfield, so it was not open to students outside the University. As a "program site," Fairfield is now serving as an application and coordination point for students from other universities interested in attending the school. Visit www.fairfield.edu/studyabroad for details or call (203) 254-4332.

SC-Rouen, the second oldest business school in France, was awarded the prestigious EQUIS accreditation in 2002, which signals a high level of quality among European business schools. The school emphasizes training managers and leaders capable of "winning" international markets, which has been central to its mission since being founded in 1871. Located in northwestern France, Rouen is the capital city of Normandy. There are reasonable living costs and guaranteed student housing. Founded in 911, the city is home to beautiful gothic cathedrals, museums, as well as the historic marketplace where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Not far from the D-Day beaches, the city sustained major damage during World War II, but a conservation program has restored Rouen and its medieval charm.

The Dolan School offers a weeklong study abroad program in June for Master in Business Administration candidates, as well as full-time fall and spring semester programs for undergraduate business students. Both programs consist of lectures, site visits to area businesses, and discussions. In addition to credits, students can even earn a Certificate in International Management from Rouen.

Norm Solomon, Ph. D., dean of the Dolan School, said that the Rouen program offers a host of opportunities to learn beyond the traditional classroom. "With the business world becoming more global, studying abroad adds an extra dimension to a Fairfield business education. An educational experience at Rouen helps students zero in on the United States' place in the global economy and its important relationship to the European Union and beyond."

Susan M. Fitzgerald, associate dean of University College, which oversees Fairfield's Study Abroad programs, said Rouen is an ideal place for a student. "It is bursting with culture and street life. There are accommodations for students to live on campus or in the city's center. Plus, it is a one-hour train ride from Paris."

Celeste Kruse, a Fairfield senior, found her Rouen education to be invaluable. "I took Corporate Strategy, International Human Resource Management, and International Marketing. The classes were engaging because there was more focus put on class discussion and analyzing and conducting case studies. This class experience helped me prepare for my upper level management courses this current semester."

According to Heather L. Petraglia, assistant dean and director of the undergraduate programs for the Dolan School, undergraduates typically enroll in five to six courses at ESC Rouen, focusing on business education as well as French civilization and culture. Undergraduate courses are pre-selected and approved so that the students stay on track with their declared program of study at Fairfield University.

The MBA-Rouen program takes place this year from June 1 to 6, enabling students to earn three credits by taking a course, "European Management Seminar." Dr. Solomon will teach the course with Rouen professors, and it will explore human resource management in Europe, recent developments in marketing and distribution, and financial markets and banking systems

Dana A. Wilkie, Ed. D., assistant dean and director of graduate programs, said, "I believe it is valuable for our MBA students to take part in the program because it fosters mutual understanding of business practices within Europe and the United States through an educational and cultural exchange."

The graduate program cost is $3,280, and the fee includes the tuition cost for three graduate credits, lodging, breakfast and lunch on all class days, two dinners, guided tours of historical sites, as well as a metro pass, including airport transportation, for a weekend in Paris.

Fairfield offers study abroad programs in Australia, Ireland, Italy, Nicaragua, Russia and Spain.