Nice, France

Business, Sustainability & Immigration

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Experiential Learning, Global Pillars Courses, Part-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Program Dates:

  • Academic Year 2024: September 04 - May 07
  • Spring 2025: January 08 - May 07
  • Fall 2025: September 01 - December 20
  • Academic Year 2025-2026: September 01 - Late April

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Estimated Cost:

$19,800

Visa Required:

Yes

Housing:

Apartment, Homestay, Residence Hall

Language of Instruction:

English, French

Language Prerequisites:

None

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

About the Program

Nice’s spectacular location makes it a jewel in the Mediterranean region, one of the oldest trading regions in the world. Often described as an area of mutual economic, social, and cultural exchange, this ancient trading ground is now threatened by human pressure on delicately linked social and ecological systems. 

With some of the highest real estate prices in the world, a changing climate, and a vulnerable economy based on tourism, the region is a laboratory for sustainability. Here, crisis, adaptation, and resilience can be studied in real time. Our program in Nice allows you to observe firsthand (through course-related trips, case studies, and field trips) some of the social and environmental challenges facing this fragile region. 

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Study at a World-Renowned Business School

Take courses at the accredited SKEMA Business School.

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Live in a Homestay

Live in a French home in Nice with a local family.

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Gain Hands-On Experience

Participate in an internship to enhance your experience.

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Volunteer in the Community

Make a difference in the local community.

Fall 2025

Program Dates:

September 01 - December 20

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
19,800

Program Advisor

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Alicia Emerich

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

the gorgeous view of the Port from Castle Hill in Nice

Why Nice?

There are many reasons why people from all over the world travel to Nice – the sunshine, famous coastline, lively arts scene, and so much more. Nice’s fantastic location makes it a jewel of the Mediterranean region and one of the oldest trading regions in the world. With some of the highest real estate prices in the world, a changing climate, and a vulnerable economy based on tourism, this region is a laboratory for sustainability. 

Learn More About Nice

Get to Know Your New City

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Hit the Beach!

Soak up the sun, go for a swim, or gaze at the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.

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Appreciate the Art

Learn about iconic 20th-century artists.

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Enjoy Socca

Try this savory pancake made of chickpeas in Cours Saleya.

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Bike the Riviera

Rent an electric bike and explore the natural beauty of Nice

The Student Experience

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Program Dates

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

January 08 - May 07

Application Deadline:

Fall 2025

Program Dates:

September 01 - December 20

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2025-2026

Program Dates:

September 01

Application Deadline:

Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the highest quality academic and cultural experience abroad possible. 

We offer unique courses that explore International Business, Liberal Arts, French language, and more through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our professors from the Grandes Écoles (French elite schools) and course options at SKEMA Business School enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class. Please note that if you're interested in taking courses at SKEMA, you must take a minimum of 2 SKEMA courses.  

Partner Institution

Outside of the SKEMA Student Center. There is a large staircase (left) and two large trees (right).
  • SKEMA Business School

SKEMA Business School

SKEMA is a world-renowned business school located in nearby Sophia Antipolis. The commute time from the Nice City Center to SKEMA is about an hour via bus depending on traffic. SKEMA is for students interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, business, sustainability, and internationalization. 

NOTE: If you are interested in taking any courses at SKEMA, there is a two-course minimum for IES Abroad Students. The application deadline for students who are interested in taking SKEMA courses is earlier than the application deadline for students only taking IES Abroad courses. Please see 'Term-Specific Information' found near the program dates for more information.

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Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. 

You take 15-19 credits per semester. Language courses are taught in French, and all other courses are taught in English. 

  • IES Abroad French language course (required, 3 credits) 
  • IES Abroad area studies courses (optional, 3 or 4 credits each) 
  • SKEMA Business School courses (optional, most are 3 credits, students who choose this option must take 2 SKEMA courses minimum) 
  • Competitive application-based internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits) 

To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the  IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication

NOTE: This is a list of possible course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (17)

Art History (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
AH/LT 358 - Reading the City: Literature & Art in Nice Spring English 3

Partner Institution Courses

French Universities DO NOT provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. IES Abroad may have samples of past syllabi, but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered at a partner university.

SKEMA Business School 

Classes range from 1-4 credits, with most courses being 3 credits each. 

Please note that if you are interested in taking any courses at SKEMA, there is a two course minimum for IES Abroad students.  

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Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when the program begins 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)

About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Nice Center is located in the heart of the modern area of Nice. Here you take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms, meet with staff in their offices, meet up with friends in the student lounge, and use our resource room whenever needed. The Center is your study abroad hub.  

 

Housing

Students with their host mom seated around a dinner table at a homestay in Nice.
  • Apartment
  • Homestay
  • Residence Hall
  • Mixed - Use Residence

Apartment

Apartments are available throughout the city. The fully equipped apartments house other IES Abroad students. Washing machines are available in or near the building. No meals are provided.

 

*Summer housing options dependent on availability

Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Nice, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

students laughing in front of water and buildings

Marseille

3 Days Fall & Spring

Explore France’s second-largest city and the biggest Mediterranean port. With its diverse population, you’ll learn about the immigrant experience in France as well as the maritime heritage of the city’s picture-perfect Vieux Port (Old Port).

A top-down photograph of students on a balcony along the Coeur Riviera.

Coeur Riviera

1 Day Fall & Spring

Explore the French Riviera between Nice and the Italian border, including forts, perched villages, and seaside resort towns.

Perfume Making

Saint-Paul-de-Vence

1 Day Fall & Spring

Part-Time Internships

Did you know that, while in Nice, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will: 

  • Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support. 
  • Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process. 
  • Experience what working in Nice is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness. 
  • Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers. 

All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.

Placement Examples

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Arts & Culture

a business student walking in Milan

Business & Marketing

students checking their phone in front of the European Council

Immigration & Social Inclusion

Volunteer Opportunities

When you volunteer in Nice, you have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term.

Past volunteer opportunities in Nice include: 

Animal Shelter Support

Help animals in need

Humanitarian Aid

Serve underprivileged or displaced people

Food Distribution

Help in a community soup kitchen or food bank

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Spring 2025

Tuition
$
14,872
Housing
$
4,443
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
19,560

Fall 2025

Tuition
$
15,300
Housing
$
4,200
Insurance
$
300
Total
$
19,800

Academic Year 2025-2026

Tuition
$
30,600
Housing
$
8,400
Insurance
$
600
Total
$
39,600

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

Learn More
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Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Nice
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Nice. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Intensive Language Learning
During the first week of the program, you will begin your language learning experience and participate in activities to meet and bond with others.
Get to Know the University
After our orientation, students interested in SKEMA Business School courses will tour the SKEMA campus and receive an overview of SKEMA's academic offerings.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore and discover Nice before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Learn More
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Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

Contact an Ambassador
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