Multi-Country: Exploration of Culture in Paris and London

Overview

Step into two of the world’s most vibrant cities London and Paris for a transformative study abroad experience that blends culture, learning, and adventure. Over two unforgettable weeks, your classroom will be global organizations, historic streets, and conversations with locals who bring European life and leadership to light.

Highlights and Excursions

• Discover the beauty and energy of two iconic capitals.
• Visit world-famous landmarks from the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre in Paris to Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London.
• Take hands-on cooking lessons in both Paris and London.
• Learn directly from locals about diverse European organizations.
• Share in traditions, from Parisian cafés to British afternoon tea.
• Connect with European alumni who once stood where you are now.
• Make a difference through a meaningful service-learning project.

By the end of this journey, you’ll gain more than academic insight. You’ll carry with you new perspectives, connections, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Good To Know

• Coursework: This program will travel in July and August, with coursework extended into the Fall 2026 semester. 1 credit hour will be part of summer, with the remaining 6 academic credits tied to the Fall semester.
• Physical Activity: This program involves extensive walking and participants should come prepared for daily walking excursions as we discover each city's cultural landmarks and local communities.
  • If you are interested in requesting accommodations through the Office of Student Accessibility Services, you can find more information here: Requesting Accommodations

Information Sessions

• To see the Information Session options and to sign up to attend, register here:  https://ohio.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b30nmKBlKx3uCwe

  

Living Arrangements

Shared occupancy housing in 3* hotels will be provided for students in each location. Breakfast will be provided daily.

Program Dates

July 20, 2026-August 2, 2026.

Note: Students will need to depart the U.S. on July 19th in order to arrive in France on July 20th.

*Coursework for this program begins at the start of travel and will extend into the Fall semester.

Academics

In the Summer:

• Undergraduate students take the following 1-credit hour course:
  • COMS 2900: Special Topics in Communication Studies
• Graduate students take the following 1-credit hour course:
  • COMS 6900: Special Topics in Communication Studies

In the Fall: 

• Undergraduate students will select one (1) organizational course and one (1) intercultural course from each of the following:
  • Organizational Communication (select one) - 3 credit hours
    • COMS 2500 (Organizational Communication for Nonmajors)
      • Students are introduced to important theories, concepts, and skills related to competent communication in organizations. Students examine how communication creates, sustains, and threatens institutions and social groupings, and how organizing processes (such as the mobilization and evolution of movements and collectives) can bring about transformation. Students apply organizational communication theory to develop the necessary skills and competencies for effective performance in teams, groups, collectivities, and organizations.
    • COMS 3500 (COMS Majors)
      • This course explores communication theories and practices within modern complex organizations such as government agencies, corporations, and educational institutions. Students examine key concepts including message design, communication channels, information networks, organizational climate, and communication auditing techniques. The course combines theoretical foundations with practical applications to help students understand and improve communication effectiveness in professional environments.
  • Intercultural Communication (select one) - 3 credit hours
    • COMS 1100C (fulfills BRICKS Foundations Intercultural Exploration (FIE) and BRICKS Learning & Doing (BLD) requirements)
      • The purpose of this course is to explore the role of communication in understanding, accepting, and appreciating cultural differences. Culture includes not only issues of nationality, ethnicity, and race, but also issues such as gender, socioeconomic status, and age. Using a number of co-cultural, cross-cultural, and intercultural examples, students explore how communication is a key component of bridging cultural differences.
    • COMS 4100 (elective)
      • This course offers an in-depth examination of communication processes and challenges across various cultures. Students examine how cultural differences in language, values, perception, and thought patterns impact interpersonal and organizational communication. Through theoretical frameworks, the course explores the complexities of cross-cultural interaction and develops students' ability to communicate effectively in diverse cultural contexts, preparing them for success in our increasingly globalized world.
• Graduate students will enroll in the following:
  • COMS 6930 - Independent Study (4 credit hours)
    • Students will engage in independent study to achieve a depth of understanding about a theorist, body of literature, or research method under the supervision of a COMS faculty member.

Cost

The following information is intended to help participants understand the estimated costs associated with the program.  For additional information regarding program costs, please refer to Understanding Program Costs for Ohio-Credit Programs.

As of November 6, 2025, the total estimated cost is expected to be:

• Summer + Fall 2026 Estimate:
  • Undergraduate: $8,201 + 1 Credit of Summer 2026 Regional-Campus Tuition/Fees + 6 Credits of Fall 2026 Regional-Campus Tuition/Fees
  • Graduate: $10,731 + 1 Credit of Summer 2026 Regional-Campus Tuition/Fees + 4 Credits of Fall 2026 Regional-Campus Tuition/Fees

Funding Opportunities

More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on our funding pages.

Eligibility

This program is open to all OHIO undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing. 

Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study abroad. Read the entire conduct policy.

This program accepts NON-OHIO students. For more information about this process visit the Non-OHIO student page.  

Participants must have a at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g. GED) by the start date of the program to be considered for eligibility.  Students enrolled in College Credit Plus (CC+) are not eligible for study away programs.

Application Requirements

Applicants will be required to submit:

• A current DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System)
• Personal statement - please address the following questions:
  • Why are you interested in studying abroad in London and Paris specifically, and what do you hope to learn or gain from this experience, both personally and academically?
  • Describe a time when you stepped outside your comfort zone or navigated an unfamiliar situation. How might this experience prepare you for studying abroad, and what challenges do you anticipate in London and Paris?
• One faculty recommendation form

Entry and Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling outside of the United States. If you plan to study or travel abroad in the next year,  apply for your passport  now.

U.S. citizens  will not  need a visa or other special document to enter the country for the length of this program. Please also note that visa requirements may vary if you plan to stay in the country longer than the program dates or travel to other countries during or after the program. Please familiarize yourself with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to this program.

For more specific visa related information, please visit OGO’s  Visa Information Page.

Information for  Non-U.S. citizens

Resources

• Health and Safety
• Accessibility Requests and Accommodations