Information for term Business + Culture
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenFrom its vibrant economy to its architectural diversity, cutting-edge innovation, and incredible gastronomy that balances southern traditions with international influence, Toulouse makes for an exciting study abroad destination! Explore business, economics, art, history, international affairs, culture, and more while improving your French language skills in the picturesque south of France.
Designed for students from all areas of study, CIEE's Business + Culture program invites you to earn credits in either French or English at CIEE Toulouse and CIEE's partner schools, Toulouse Business School (TBS) and Institut Catholique de Toulouse (ICT) - all within walking distance of the city's magnificent historical center. All your courses will be complemented with co-curricular activities and excursions organized by CIEE beyond the city to enhance your classroom learning and provide an intercultural understanding of France's fourth-largest city.
Between classes, you'll have plenty of time to meander the city center's narrow streets, stroll along The Garonne River, participate in traditional Occitan dances, and even learn how to identify French cheeses and wines. By the end of your program, you'll see why Toulouse was voted one of France's top cities for study abroad!
DIVERSIFY YOUR STUDY ABROAD ADVENTURE
For those looking to gain real-world, hands-on international work experience while abroad, you can add an optional internship to your curriculum.
Follow our Travels:
Unique experiences
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Study at France’s
top-ranked undergrad business school with international students.
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EXPLORE
the charming historical city center
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Use the rail system
to explore the Mediterranean coast and the Pyrenees
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in the metropolitan area
1,400,000 -
RANK IN AEROSPACE INDUSTRY IN EUROPE
1 -
museums
12
Location & Culture
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Your Destination
Situated in the South of France, Toulouse offers easy access to the Atlantic, the mountains, and the Mediterranean — not to mention the music, art, and festivals. The fourth largest city in France with the second largest student population in the country, Toulouse offers a unique fusion of traditional French culture and modern metropolitan facilities.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Toulouse.
The Culture

FEATURED EXCURSION
Explore the Ariège department in the Pyrenees, with a visit to medieval château de Foix, and enjoy a healthy meal at an organic farm.

OTHER EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Enjoy a canoeing tour on the Garonne River.
- Participate in a rugby game, Tolouse’s most popular and prize-winning sport.
- Learn the secrets of French Pastry at a local cuisine school.
- Take in a show at the Toulouse Capitole theater.
- Visit local companies and startups around the vibrant university town.

PROJECTS
Volunteering. Volunteer at a food bank, women’s shelter, primary or secondary school, retirement home, or tutor children after school, or work on an organic farm.
Internships. Immerse yourself in the French work environment and earn academic credit as you build business skills and experience the nuances of working with people from different cultures through an internship.
Program Blogs
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Daily Life
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HOUSING
All housing is within a 30- to-40-minute commute to CIEE.
Homestays: Live with a French family, with or without another CIEE student, and immerse yourself in the city’s language and culture. Each student has an individual room. -
MEALS
Homestay: All meals are offered at the homestay on the weekend, and students typically eat breakfast and dinner with their homestay families on the weekdays. Lunch can be purchased at local cafes, restaurants, and markets throughout the city.
Toulouse, France Where You'll Study
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TOULOUSE BUSINESS SCHOOL
A 10-minute metro ride to CIEE Center
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L’INSTITUT CATHOLIQUE DE TOULOUSE
A 10-minute metro ride to CIEE Center
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Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
Business + Culture in Toulouse invites students to study at two prestigious CIEE partner schools: the Toulouse Business School and the Institut Catholique de Toulouse, as well as CIEE Toulouse.
Toulouse Business School (TBS) was founded in 1903 and is one of a select group of business schools earning all three international accreditations: EQUIS, AMBA, and AACSB. It is also among the top 20 in the Financial Times’ ranking of the best master’s in management and was rated number one in the SMBG ranking of the best bachelor’s degree in management and business management.
Institut Catholique de Toulouse (ICT) is an academic and research center that continues the legacy of Toulouse’s Medieval University, founded in 1229. ICT provides individual attention for international students and offers some courses in English and a large variety in French.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program. However, if students opt for French-taught courses either at CIEE, TBS, or ICT, they are required to have at least four semesters of college-level French or equivalent.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Program Requirements
Students take the following courses:
- One French language course (4 credits)
- At least one CIEE Culture course (3 credits each)
- At least one CIEE Business course (3 credits each)
- Any combination of CIEE and/or local university courses at Toulouse Business School or Institut Catholique de Toulouse for 5-8 credits
Program Credit
Total credit range: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- CIEE Internship course: 3 U.S. semester/quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours
- Toulouse Business School (TBS) courses: typically 1.5-2.5 U.S. semester/2.25-3.75 quarter credits; 75-125 notional hours
- Institut Catholique de Toulouse (ICT) courses: typically 1-3 U.S. semester/1.5-4.5 quarter credits; 50-150 notional hours
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Academic Culture
Students notice striking differences between education systems. Professors in France tend to be more formal than in the U.S. and do not see it as their role to motivate or give individual attention to students. As a result, French students are generally very self-disciplined and self-directed. Classes meet Monday through Friday (with excursions on weekends), and students are expected to complete all the work assigned and take exams when scheduled.
Class Format
Students enroll in CIEE elective courses and host institution courses taught in English or French at the Toulouse Business School or at the Institut Catholique de Toulouse. They also take French classes at CIEE.
Grading
French professors use a French grading scale of 0-20, with 10 a minimal passing grade. CIEE converts all final grades into recommended U.S. letter grade equivalents. Assessment is based on essays, written tests, oral presentations, out-of-class projects, class participation, and final exams. Students can expect at least two major exams during the term; the final exam typically accounts for as much as 50 percent of the final grade.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Language of Instruction
English and French
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
Course Notes
- Registration is finalized on-site.
- Students can participate in the CIEE Internship course; placements are available both in English and French.
- Toulouse Business School offers courses both in French and English. Semesters tend to be divided into several periods. Detailed information is provided to accepted students prior to the beginning of the program. For French-taught courses, TBS requires you have at least 4 semesters of college-level French
- Institut Catholique de Toulouse offers courses in English, French or Spanish. For French-taught or Spanish-taught courses, ICT requires you have at least 4 semesters of college-level French and/or Spanish. Many courses at the Institut Catholique de Toulouse (ICT) are worth 1-1.5 credits, for which home school approval is recommended.
Fall 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenAcademic Projects
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Health Professions and Related Programs
Languages and Cultural Studies
Visual and Performing Arts
Host Institution Courses
Click to OpenTOULOUSE BUSINESS SCHOOL (TBS)
Students choose business courses either at TBS or ICT for 5-8 semester credits in order to meet the 15-18 total semester credit enrollment requirement.
The spring semester at TBS is divided into 2 two-week periods. Students can select no more than 1 course per period, either in French or in English. Courses are offered in English unless otherwise noted. Students may be allowed to skip one period depending on the number of credits needed. Courses are offered in a modular format of 30 contact hours each.
The fall semester at TBS is divided into two main periods. Students can select several courses from period 1 and just 1 from period 2. Courses are either 15 or 30 contact hours each.
The following list of courses constitutes a representative sample of course offerings through the Toulouse Business School and is subject to change.
FALL:
- Financial Analysis
- Foundations of Finance
- Operations Management
- Human Resource Management
- Strategic Management
- Company Strategy
- Business Analytics
- Intermediate Finance
- Communication and Client Relationship
- Operations Management
- Global Talent Management
SPRING:
- Market Intelligence
- The Power of Persuasion: Hitting the Target
- Advanced Finance II
- Ethics and Compliance (taught in French)
- Incentives, Productivity and Organizations
- Socially Responsible Investing from a Management Control Perspective
- Aero Marketing
- Competitive Strategies in Healthcare Market
- Recruitment, Selection and Assessment
- Managing Risk and Practical Aspects of International Trade
- Investing in Stock Markets / Evaluation in Emerging Markets
- Data 360°: Working with Data
- Reasoned negotiation: The Harvard Method (taught in French)
- From Start-ups to Scale-ups: Business Models for Hyper-Growing Organizations (taught in French)
INSTITUT CATHOLIQUE DE TOULOUSE (ICT)
ICT courses are offered on a weekly basis throughout the semester for a total number of contact hours ranging from 10 to 36 classroom hours for 1-2.5 semester / 1.5-3.75 quarter credits.
Please note that the majority of courses are offered in French unless otherwise noted. You can choose to follow courses either in French, English, Spanish or a combination of the three.
The following list of courses constitutes a representative sample of course offerings through the Toulouse Business School and is subject to change. Students will receive detailed course information upon acceptance into the program.
INSTITUT CATHOLIQUE DE TOULOUSE
The list is a representative sample and is subject to change.
BUSINESS
- Organization as a System of Social Links: Identity and Culture
- International Business
- Introduction to Accounting
- Operational Marketing (taught in Spanish)
- Import, Export
- Mathematics – Statistics
- Economy and Economics Policy
- Direct Marketing and Web Marketing (taught in English)
- Main Economic Issues (taught in French)
- Civilization: Society and Culture, Economy and Political Life - English and American (taught in English)
- Civilization: Society and Culture, Economy and Political Life – Spanish and South America (taught in Spanish)
LAW
- International Relationships
- Introduction to European Law
- Geopolitical Issues
- French Political Life
- Contemporary Social Issues
- General Culture (taught in English)
- Environmental Sustainability (taught in English)
- International Political News (taught in English)
- European Art Culture (taught in English)
- Introduction to Human Rights (taught in English)
- To Become a Start-up Manager (taught in English)
HISTORY
- Roman History
- Medieval History
- Geography
- Modern History
- Contemporary History
- Geography
- Introduction to Art History: Methodological Approach
- Urban Planning in Brazil
- Art Object: from Creation to Exhibition
- Modern History
- Contemporary History
- Geography
LITERATURE
- Literature: History of European Literature
- French Literature: Tales and Other Youth Literature
- Literary Genres
- General Linguistics
- French Literature: 16th Century
- Comparative Literature: Renaissance and Humanism
- Medieval Literature and Literary Influences
- Comparative Literature: Humanism and Utopia
- French Literature: 20th – 21st Centuries
- Comparative Literature: South Francophonies
- New Literary Approaches
PSYCHOLOGY
- Cognitive Psychology: Learning Process and Memory
- Clinical Psychology: The Individual, the Subject, the Person
- Developmental Psychology: 0-3-year-old Children
- Psychotherapeutic Practices: Theories
- Developmental Psychology: 3-12-year-old Children
- Social Psychology: Representation of Self and Others
- Case Study: Therapeutic Management
- Social Psychology: Representation of Self and Others
- Cognitive Psychology 
- Developmental Psychology: From 12-year-old to Adulthood
- Introduction to Psycho-ontology
- Introduction to Psychogerontology
- Research Methods in Psychology
PHILOSOPHY
- History of Antique Philosophy
- Metaphysics I 
- History of Medieval Thoughts
- Introduction to Ethics 
- Epistemology 
- Philosophy of Culture 
- Ontology 
- Philosophy of History
- Metaphysics II 
MEDIATION
- Introduction to Communication - Theories and Strategies
- Introduction to Economy - Principles and Process
- Introduction to Marketing - Strategies and Financing
- Artistic Trends - Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism, Romanticism
- Scenography
- Communication Strategy (principles)
- Artistic Trends - Outsider Art, Pop Art, Urban Art
- Contemporary Art Workshop
- Photography
EDUCATION
- Cognitive-emotional Approaches to Learning
- Sociology of Educational Facts
- Conception of Learning Situations
- Didactics and Pedagogy
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
- Fundamentals of Communication
- Ethics of Communication and its Stakes
- Digital Culture
- Media Analysis
- Internal Communication and CRS Issues
- Digital Ethics
- Audiovisual and Photographic Practices
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
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Fall 2023 16 weeks | Deadline Passed | Aug 30, 2023 | Dec 23, 2023 |
$18,950
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Program FeesCIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $14,153 ** Housing = $4,300 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $18,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $800 International Airfare = $800 † Local Transportation = $40 Books & Supplies = $100 Visa Fees = $393 †† Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $1,500 ††† Other = $25 †††† Total Estimated Costs = $4,158Financial AidCIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** includes breakfast and dinner seven days a week † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure †† average cost, including Campus France fees ††† This can vary a lot depending on individuals' lifestyles †††† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required |
Academic year 2023-2024 38 weeks | Deadline Passed | Aug 30, 2023 | May 20, 2024 |
$36,950
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Program FeesCIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $27,403 ** Housing = $9,050 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $36,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $800 International Airfare = $800 † Local Transportation = $160 Books & Supplies = $300 Visa Fees = $393 †† Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $1,500 ††† Other = $25 †††† Expenses during break = $900 ††††† Total Estimated Costs = $5,378Financial AidCIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** includes breakfast and dinner seven days a week † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure †† average cost, including Campus France fees ††† This can vary a lot depending on individuals' lifestyles †††† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required ††††† academic year students who wish to stay onsite are responsible for arranging their housing and meals during the semester break |
Spring 2024 20 weeks | Nov 1, 2023 | Jan 4, 2024 | May 20, 2024 |
$19,850
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Program FeesCIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $14,606 ** Housing = $4,750 *** Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $19,850Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $900 International Airfare = $900 † Local Transportation = $60 Books & Supplies = $100 Visa Fees = $165 †† Potential travel to consulate for visa = $200 Personal expenses = $300 Total Estimated Costs = $2,625Financial AidCIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** includes breakfast and dinner seven days a week † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure †† average cost, including Campus France fees |
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, ask your college or university study abroad advisor if your school charges additional fees for study abroad.
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What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Isabelle Jaffe
Director
A resident of Toulouse with American and French citizenship, Isabelle received her BA in English and philosophy. Isabelle has been running study abroad programs in France since 1998.
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Julie Dedieu
Program Coordinator
Julie started with CIEE as a French Language professor. She then got more and more involved in the organization by designing all cultural activities and day trips, tending to student services and supporting the Director in a variety of admin and pedagogical responsibilities.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
2
CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.