This is your opportunity to live and learn alongside students from France and around the world by directly enrolling at SKEMA (School of Knowledge Economy and Management) Business School. SKEMA, which has AACSB and EQUIS accreditation, is consistently ranked as one of the best European business schools by the Financial Times annual ranking. Known as a global business and research school, SKEMA follows three knowledge economy themes: internationalization, sustainable performance, and entrepreneurship and innovation. On SKEMA’s business campus located in the heart of Sophia Antipolis, you will enroll in a wide variety of English-taught courses. Sophia Antipolis is an hour commute from the IES Abroad Nice Center.
Predeparture & Enrollment Advising
We offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to your needs.
Travel Throughout France
Join IES Abroad field trips to destinations around France.
Live in a Homestay
Live in a French home in Nice with a local family.
Volunteer in the Community
Make a difference in the local community.
Fall 2025
Program Dates:
September 01 - December 20
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
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!
The idyllic lifestyle on the French Riviera makes traveling along the coastline one of life’s great pleasures, with Nice conveniently located between Cannes and Monaco. But did you know that Nice is also close to Sophia Antipolis, Europe’s well-known science park? This area is known the French Silicon Valley, and it is home to more than 1,300 international companies in information and communications, technology, biotechnology, and research, as well as SKEMA Business School. The SKEMA Business School campus is an hour commute from the IES Abroad Nice center.
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.
Homestay
Live in a French home in Nice with a local family. One or two students live in each home. You are provided with breakfast daily and five evening meals a week. Laundry and WiFi are included.
Student Residence Hall
Live at a modern student residence hall with IES Abroad students and international students in the heart of Nice where you can mingle with the Niçois at the market or in the cafés. Live in a single studio with a kitchenette with basic cooking supplies and en-suite bathroom. Laundry facilities are located on site. No meals included.
Mixed-Use Residence
Live at a mixed - use residence in the heart of Nice and get to know vibrant young professionals working in Nice. A variety of shared floorplans are available and each feature a kitchenette with basic cooking supplies and en-suite bathroom. Laundry facilities and gym are located on site. No meals included.
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the highest quality academic and cultural experience abroad possible. That’s why we partner with SKEMA Business School.
Partner Institution
SKEMA Business School
SKEMA Business School
Located in Sophia Antipolis, SKEMA Business School is a highly selective global business and research school for students interested in entrepreneurship and innovation or business programs. SKEMA is comprised of three knowledge economy themes: internationalization, sustainable performance, and entrepreneurship and innovation.
With high Financial Times rankings (6th in MSc Financial Markets & Investments and 25th in Master of Management worldwide) and AACSB and EQUIS accreditation, SKEMA Business School gives international students the tools they need to be competitive in the global market.
SKEMA’s Business Bachelor of Arts (BBA) program is an international four-year degree program within the SKEMA business school. This campus is one of SKEMA’s six campuses worldwide, including France, China, Brazil, and the United States
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.
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.
1 Day
Fall & Spring
Gorges du Verdon
The Verdon Canyon is one of France’s most famous natural wonders. In the heart of Provence, cliffs overlook a beautiful turquoise river and lake.
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).
Coeur Riviera
1 Day
Fall & Spring
Explore the French Riviera between Nice and the Italian border, including forts, perched villages, and seaside resort towns.
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.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
Premium - Apartment (no meals provided)
$750
Premium Plus - Apartment (no meals provided)
$1,500
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Campus France Regular Service Fee
$270
Campus France Expedited Service Fee
$430
VFS Service Fee
$28
FedEx Courier Fee
$39
Long Stay Student Visa
$55
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$900-1,400
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$80
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Apartment (with kitchen access)
$3,300
Residence Hall (with kitchen access)
$3,300
Premium Apartment (with kitchen access)
$3,300
Homestay (with kitchen access)
$1,500
Premium Plus Apartment (with kitchen access)
$3,300
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$120
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$1,900
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Discounts and Scholarships & Aid
Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
Premium - Apartment (no meals provided)
$1,500
Premium Plus - Apartment (no meals provided)
$3,000
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Campus France Regular Service Fee
$270
Campus France Expedited Service Fee
$430
VFS Service Fee
$28
FedEx Courier Fee
$39
Long Stay Student Visa
$55
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,100-1,700
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$160
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Apartment (with kitchen access)
$6,600
Residence Hall (with kitchen access)
$6,600
Premium Apartment (with kitchen access)
$6,600
Homestay (with kitchen access)
$3,000
Premium Plus Apartment (with kitchen access)
$6,600
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$60-300
Local Transportation
$240
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$3,800
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on February 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Discounts and Scholarships & Aid
Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
Premium - Apartment (no meals provided)
$750
Premium - Multi-Use Residence (no meals provided)
$750
Premium - Residence Hall (no meals provided)
$750
Premium Plus - Apartment (no meals provided)
$1,500
Premium Plus - Multi-Use Residence (no meals provided)
$1,500
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Campus France Regular Service Fee
$270
Campus France Expedited Service Fee
$430
VFS Service Fee
$28
FedEx Courier Fee
$39
Long Stay Student Visa
$55
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$900-1,300
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$100
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Apartment (with kitchen access)
$3,500
Homestay (with kitchen access)
$3,500
Residence Hall (with kitchen access)
$3,500
Premium Apartment (with kitchen access)
$3,500
Premium Multi-Use Residence (with kitchen access)
$3,500
Premium Residence Hall (with kitchen access)
$3,500
Premium Plus Apartment (with kitchen access)
$3,500
Premium Plus Multi-Use Residence (with kitchen access)
$3,500
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$30
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$1,900
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad. The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
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.
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.
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
CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when the program begins
3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Official Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts from each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Headshot Photo — Submit a clear and recognizable photo of yourself. You should be the only subject in the picture.
Personal Statement — Although there is no length requirement, this statement should address your motivations for studying abroad in your selected location and how the experience would impact you.
Passport Photocopy
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
If your cumulative GPA is below 3.0, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Professor Recommendation — Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
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.
If there’s one class I recommend you take while studying abroad in Vienna, it’s this one. AH 221 is the perfect way to learn more about Austrian culture...
