PennWest Students to Explore Entrepreneurship and Sustainability through Study Abroad in France
PennWest University has announced the details of its 2025 Study Abroad program in France, a two-week immersive experience that offers students the chance to explore international business and environmental sustainability. Set to take place in late July and early August, the program is open to students of all majors and is designed to offer both academic and personal growth opportunities.
The program will run from July 29 to August 13, with students spending 12 days in France. The itinerary includes morning classes, guided sightseeing, and free days for exploration. According to PennWest University’s website, the student fee of $3,600 covers roundtrip airfare, housing, transportation, and field trips.
Professor Anthony J. Vega, who has led study abroad programs to locations such as Rome, Reykjavik, and Lisbon, said the program will focus on creating business entrepreneurs with the understanding of environmental sustainability. He emphasized the program’s use of the “triple bottom line” (TBL) approach, which integrates profitability, social benefit, and environmental stewardship.
“The goal of the program is to enhance students’ understanding that incorporating environmentally sustainable practices does not cost businesses capital but, if done properly, enhances both profits and benefits society,” Vega said. “This concept is critical as society faces increasing population demands on natural resources.”
Students will have the opportunity to take two courses during the program: Field Studies in Business (BUAD 4990) and Special Topics in Atmospheric Science (ATMS 4700).
These courses will examine international business practices and sustainability, combining classroom instruction with field studies at local companies and a regional Chamber of Commerce. Classes will run from 9 a.m. to noon on weekdays, and students will be assigned projects that involve exploration of the local business and physical environments.
Professor Chad Smith, a faculty leader with over 10 years of experience leading study abroad programs, highlighted the program’s ability to help students step out of their comfort zones and immerse themselves in a different culture.
“Studying abroad offers students a chance to broaden their perspectives, foster adaptability, and often leads to self-discovery. It’s incredible to watch them embrace new cultures and challenge their viewpoints,” Smith said.
Smith noted that this will be the second time PennWest students have traveled to France, and he emphasized that the program is open to students from all disciplines, including nursing, education, and the arts. Both professors encourage students interested in participating to attend the upcoming information sessions, where they will provide details about costs, expectations, and how to prepare for the trip.
Vega said the program’s emphasis on the TBL approach is one of its key benefits. Students are required to develop a mock small business plan that meets TBL criteria—profitability, social benefit, and environmental stewardship—and many students have gone on to compete in state and regional business plan competitions.
“I’ve been incredibly impressed with the business plans created in past programs. Graduates have placed in the top three in these competitions, showcasing how their study abroad experience gives them a competitive edge,” Vega said.
The Study Abroad program has previously been held in locations such as New Zealand, Iceland, and Portugal, but this will be its first time in Marseille, France. Students will return home on August 13, just before the start of the Fall semester, where they will continue the courses on campus or via zoom.
Vega said the short two-week travel period before the semester allows students to gain international experience without disrupting their academic schedules. He added that the program’s affordability makes it an attractive option for students.
“Outside of the educational benefits, this program is designed to expose students to a new country and culture in a manner that is affordable and less disruptive than summer-long travel experiences. Because the courses are Fall semester courses, and the credits are included within the normal tuition, students don’t have to pay an additional summer session tuition,” Vega said.
As the program continues to evolve, Smith said he looks forward to witnessing the personal and academic growth of students. “The transformation is palpable, and it’s rewarding to see how these experiences positively shape their academic and career trajectories,” Smith said.
Vega echoed this sentiment, saying, “I am excited to see the personal growth of the students as they experience new worlds and incorporate their new experiences and knowledge. It’ s an incredible opportunity.”