Of course, we could tell you about the magic of Paris...the lights, the river banks, the wine, the cuisine...or we could go on about the Eiffel Tour, museums, photo exhibitions, nights out and summer festivals...but let's take a look at last semster's combo events organized by our French teacher, Mrs. Danièle Katz and the exchange students participating in her courses. A month by month review and testimonials: 

October 2011:

Bianca Li's Elecktro Kif @ Maison des arts de Créteil

Click on the title or the pictures to go back to the article and testimonials.

International Party, on Campus 

The party took place beginning of October, therefore at the beginning of all student's semesters' at The American Business School but also for the other schools on Campus. The point was for International students and French students to mix, get an occasion to talk in an entertaining way.

Each student had to put their name and something to recognize them upon in a specific box (international / french). Then students would go and take names out, searching for the unknown mate they were yet to try to speak to in French for International students and in English for French students...quite some fun! 

Natalie K - San Francisco State University

 «I really enjoyed the party with the French students. I loved interacting with them because, as an American, here at ABS, I find it a little difficult to meet the French students and really experience the Parisian culture and language. The party boosted my confidence! I have been more towards the French students and I think both the American and French students benefited from the meeting. Also, the food was delicious!! I would love to do something like this again and really appreciate the opportunities Madam Katz has given us"

Fiona A - Tirana, Albania

«The meeting with international students was one of my best and special experience. Everyone didn't know each other, and we were supposed to introduce ourselves, our country and everything about us, even we (international students) could not speak too much french.But the curiosity that we had for each other pushed us to speak and made a conversation as much as we could. Everybody share their experiences, life-style etc. For me personally it was very productive"

Anders - Copenhagen Business College, Danemark

"The interaction with the French students was a great experience that improved my French language skills by forcing me to talk to French students. Furthermore, I made new friends with French that can help me become more local.

An overall great experience"

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November 2011:

The "Boulangerie"

Besides wine, cheese and fashion, what can be more French than a boulangerie? Just think about the croissant, the smell of the fresh bread...and all the actual knowledge a French baker has to make these different type of "baguettes", breads and "pâtisseries"  just right. A number of lucky students, had the chance to go on the other side, speak with an actual "artisan", make a "tartelette", and have a taste afterwards!

Andrea B - California Lutheran University, USA

"La Boulangerie a été une expérience formidable. C'était un peu difficile à trouver, mais je suis finalement arrivée. Le Boulanger était un homme très sympa. Sa fille l¹aide a nous apprendre comment faire crumble aux fruits rouges. Il était très délicieux, j'ai acheté deux quand nous avons quitté.
La vie du boulanger est très occupée. Il se réveille très tôt et travaille afin d'avoir le pain et les desserts prêt pour le matin. Il vit à droite au-dessus de sa boulangerie, donc il n'a pas un long trajet à travailler. J'ai vraiment apprécié d'apprentissage sur le travail du boulanger. Ce fut une expérience merveilleuse."

Lynda B - Hofstra University, USA 

"J¹ai aime aller a la boulangerie beaucoup. Les gens qui travaille a la boulangerie etaient tres gentils et heureux de montrer les etudiants comment ils fait patisseries. Je pouvais pratiquer l¹ecoute des gens parlent francais et le gout des patisseries bien. Ma patisserie preferee etait le croissant et j¹ai aime le rix avec du lait que etait aussi bon. Je veux revenir a cette boulangerie."

Cendrillon (Cinderella) by Pommerat, a modern version of the well known tale @ Ateliers Berthier

If you had to redo Cinderalla's tale in modern version, how would you think about it?

Magda C  - Leon Kozminski University, Poland

"Cendrillon était un spectacle magnifique! Un des contes des frères Grimm mis à la scène dans l'esprit contemporain. Ce qui m'a plu le plus, c'était l'humour, des textes intelligents et la simplicité des décorations. Cette pièce de théâtre s'est adressée plutôt  à un public adulte en combinant des éléments d'un conte et du monde réel."

Caroline H - Karlshochschule International University, Germany

"La visite du théâtre j'ai vraiment aimé. C'était une représation moderne du conte de fées "Cendrillon".

Le jeu était très amusant et a chaché de nombreux tournures inattendues.

Pour améliorer mes compétences linguistiques en francais, il m'a beaucoup aidé, mais au-dessus, il m'a aidé à améliorer ma compréhension. Il y avait de très nombreuses expressions typiques francais dont je peux maintenant appliquer dans mon jour ordinaire. Après le théâtre, j'ai décidé d'aller une fois par semaine au ciné ou théâtre."

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December 2011:

Singing party, on Campus

The idea was to take over some American and French classics songs, and make French students (from CFA Codis) karaoke sing along to Ray Charles, Queen or The Police while Americans were singing Edith Piaf, Joe Dassin or Hugues Auffray...a combo to remember! (Why weren't we recording that day??!)

José C - Rice University in Houston, Texas.
"At the singing party, it seemed kind of awkward at first to have both the American and the French students get together to sing popular songs from each other's mother tongues. Surprisingly, the event turned out to be a complete success. The French students were really enthusiastic about singing these American songs, and vice versa. Practicing in class every week really helped us feel comfortable with the French songs, so we sung our hearts out.
It was an extraordinary experience! "

Ben :
"The Singing Fete was such an amazing way to be able to get to know more of the French students while having a great time singing along to both serious and hilarious songs. Since we were all a little bit shy about singing in front of everyone it made it so easy to bond with the other students because everyone was able to laugh about it and have a great time. A few of my friends and I were able to make some great friends who we actually ended up meeting up with that night. It was such an awesome opportunity to enjoy singing, laughter, and new friends. I really enjoyed the fete and singing all of the fun songs!"
 

Cabaret La Sublime Revanche, @ the Vingtième Théâtre

Here, no more time for testimonials, as students were already packing to go back home or having their very last finals...however, a few pictures of the show, to give you a taste here below:

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  2012:

So, what about coming for a semester abroad in Paris? And why not at The American Business School...If you want to join us and be part of some adventure of your own, check out our Summer Programs and exchange conditions on our website: www.absparis.org or contact Eluan Bescond - International Relations Manager: ebescond@groupe-igs.fr

Please note that testimonials have not been spell checked and corrected to keep the initial sentence of the student.
Also remember those are exchange students, taking French lessons during their semester, so good job for those full testimonials!

On wednesday 19th of october, The American Business School held the first edition of its "Career Day" event. 

The event aimed alumni, either looking for a job or seeking coaching advices to better promote themselves. Through small size workshops, the goal was to help them reinforce their abilites and emphasize on their specific skills to boost their career. Six alumni from the last promotions (2009,2010 and 2011) attended this event, with help of professionals such as Mr Sylvain Bruyelle (HR Consultant, Cabinet Sinclair Interim - Groupe William Sinclair), Mr Bernard Fontaine (Independant Consultant, HR & Coaching Consultancy) and Mr Mathieu Cordier (Marketing & Communication Expert Consultant, Interactif - Groupe Alma). 

The orientation day was split in two parts and last from 9am to 6pm. In the morning the contributors considered each professional project and resume case by case and analyzed them. In the afternoon, group studies were organised and several simulated job interviews took place, allowing them to grasp and autocritic their own behaviours. 

The small group scale was ideal, in order to focus on each alumni's career plan and path. It motivated us to use the same format for future sessions. Alumni left with advices going from respiration techniques, to being able to put front each of their specific and differentiating abilities. They were overall very positive about the event, increasing their confidence in their job search and helping them to see clearer in their professional plan. The workshops were conducted in a very smooth and enjoyable atmosphere, encouraging us to repeat the experience on a regular basis.