Since 2016, Paris School of Business and California State University Monterey Bay have collaborated to provide students with opportunities to broaden their academic and cultural horizons. Located near the beach and surrounded by national parks, CSUMB attracts students seeking a blend of hands-on learning and immersive activities within a close-knit, diverse community.
In this interview, discover what makes this Californian university an enriching destination for Paris School of Business students as they embark on a journey of discovery and personal growth.
The partnership
Can you present your university?
California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) offers students the chance to study for a semester or year, immerse in American culture, advance their degrees, and improve English skills. Located in a safe close knit campus just a mile from the beach, CSUMB provides clubs and activities. Students benefit from hands-on learning, undergraduate research opportunities, and personal attention in small classes within a diverse community.
Why did you establish a partnership with Paris School of Business?
Paris School of Business has a strong Business program that well aligns with our Business program offerings.
What is the strength of your university? Why should our students come to you?
Our university has an exceptional location, a mile away from the beach and close to state and national parks, it is perfect for surfing, swimming, hiking, biking and other recreational activities. It is a safe and close knit community but also is only one hour away from the Bay Area (San Jose and San Francisco). Our curriculum for Business majors offers a wide variety of options from Accounting, Agribusiness, Entrepreneurship, Business Analytics & Information Systems, Management and International Business, Marketing, Non-profit Management as well as Sustainable Hospitality Management. The university has many connections with local businesses and organizations where visiting students can get hands-on experience in their field of study through our Business Internship and Service Learning courses. Additionally, visiting students get priority registration and are able to enroll in classes months before they arrive and nearly all of our international students live in on campus housing.
The student experience
How many international students do you welcome each year?
We welcome on average 300 new international students per year.
What types of courses will the students take during their exchange at your university?
Students can select courses from any discipline. Most Paris School of Business students select courses from the Business as well as the activity courses.
What will our students discover when coming to your country/city?
Monterey is a diverse and friendly community. It is a perfect location to connect with nature, step away from the hustle and bustle of city life while also being close to the big metropolitan areas to visit on the weekends. This is a place where you can discover the beauty of a unique coastal location which is a hub for research and tourism.
What advice would you give to a student who is hesitant about studying abroad?
You are only a student for so long, and it is an opportunity that does not present itself easily once to enter the workforce full time. Students who study abroad not only benefit from experiencing a new culture and making new friends, but also learn so much about themselves in the process. It is a transformative experience and most students are so happy to have gone through the process. This is also a safe environment to test out your independence with the support of two universities' staff and faculty to help you. It is not a journey that you take alone.