Schiller International University, Paris

1. Schiller International University, Paris Alexine Fiona Rodenhuis Paley Fairman

2. History of Schiller International University (SIU) • About Souha Akiki-Svahn, Director of SIU Paris • University Values • Students and Services • Why France? & What was Expected? • Analysis • Constraints and Adaptations • Financial Facts and Costs • SIU vs. other International Universities in Paris • Perspective • Essential Advice

3. History of SIU Created as a private American University dedicated to the active development and encouragement of international understanding. • 1964 - founded by Dr. Walter Leibrecht, a philosophy professor in the US. • Established in a 16th century castle in Ingersheim, Germany with 35 students enrolled. • Dr. Leibrecht was so impressed with the personalized instruction in the American college system that he sought to create something similar back in Europe. • Named after German writer and human rights advocate Friedrich Schiller. • 1970 - SIU added campuses in Paris and Madrid. • 1983 - SIU became accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. • Additional campuses have been opened in Florida, Berlin, Salzburg, and London. • To date, Schiller has educated more than 20,000 students from more than 100 countries across its 5 campuses

4. About Souha Akiki Svahn Souha Akiki Svahn joined Schiller International University as Business Program Advisor and Marketing Teacher in 1998. She was promoted to Paris Campus Director in 2001. Prior to joining Schiller International University, Ms. Svahn was managing an International School MBI: Management and Business Institute, and later became a marketing professor at several universities. Ms. Svahn received her BBA degree from Schiller International University in 1985, and then received her MBA from Schiller in 1986. She is a Ph.D. candidate working on her thesis with the École des Hautes Études Internationales, and is planning to complete her thesis by the end of 2009.

5. University Values • Academic and Personal Integrity • Responsibility & Respect • International & Intercultural Understanding • Celebration of Differences and Diversity • Compassion & Service • Dedication to Global Exploration and Discovery • (Schiller's biggest pride is its students - enrollment is small by design to ensure individualized attention to students' needs).

6. Students and Services • 70 students • 85% are international – 15% are French • Programs: • International Business (AS) • General Studies (AA) • International Business (BBA) • International Relations and Diplomacy (BA) • International Business (MBA) • International Relations and Diplomacy (MA) • Business Administration (MBA) • Transnational Education: • Schiller is unique in that it gives students the opportunity to transfer from one campus to another, from one country to another, remaining in the same university without a loss of time or credit.

7. Why do Students Study at SIU? • To meet and interact with other dynamic international students (Schiller’s student body is represented by over 100 nations!) • To be immersed in “one of the most political, diplomatic, economic, and cultural capitals of the world”. • To learn French or improve their language skills • To enjoy Europe and the close proximity of travel options • For the scholastic reputation of Schiller as a high caliber academic institution

8. What does SIU Offer to Students? • The opportunity to learn in a truly global environment. • Intensive French language courses. • A wide range of outstanding and innovative programs in International Business, International Relations, General Studies, and Diplomacy. • Comprehensive academic guidance and support service: • SIU staff will provide students with assistance with practical matters such as housing, as well as with academic issues (course selection, work placement, career opportunities, etc.).

9. What does SIU Offer to Students? (2) • Wide range of social and cultural activities: • Students are encouraged to participate in our many social and cultural activities throughout the year, as part of their personal development. • The objective of SIU is to provide students with a well-rounded education that will give them a competitive advantage in today’s globalized world. • Flexible intake: • International students often go through very different education systems according to their backgrounds. That is why, at SIU Paris they have three possible intake periods to choose from: January, May and September. • Strong alumni body: • Students have the opportunity to join an international network of over 20,000 alumni from over 130 countries, to enhance their job search and career development.

10. “Small in Size, Big in Cultural Diversity” Personalized attention given to students. The small size of all classes (less than 20 students) allows maximum attention to the needs of the individual student. Students can always count on the availability of faculty for advice and help. At SIU, each student is known by his or her first name. SIU also promotes discussion and interaction between professor and students as a way to boost education quality. The friendly atmosphere found at the campus helps students in adjusting to a different country and culture and, for some, to a new language.

11. Why France? • Attractive location for international students, France offers rich culture and history. • Paris is a top international destination for tourists and students alike. • France has a strong economy, and Paris is at the heart of it. • Meet the needs of expanding student base with international interest; With students who study in multiple Schiller campuses throughout the world, France was an important European location to offer. • Successful business environment offers students access to great jobs and internships.

12. What was expected? • Possible cultural and language barriers • BUT fortunately, this has not been a constraint for SIU: “We have found that cultural and language adjustments come naturally and fluidly to the university” • This is partially because they are already so international. • Difficulty with recruiting enough students to a new campus. • Cultural and national issues such at strikes, frequent holidays, and shorter work days for office staff.

13. Key Financial Facts • Tuition costs do not differ significantly for SIU in Paris – prices are about the same for all SIU Universities • Many scholarships and grants are available to students: • They offer students a variety of tuition and other institutional scholarships and grants based on academic merit and financial need. • Full time undergraduate tuition (per semester): € 8,300 • Part time undergraduate tuition (per credit): € 480 • Full time graduate tuition (per course): € 1,500

15. How does SIU Compare to other international universities in France? • Sorbonne – One of the oldest and most known universities in Paris • Much larger campus, student body, and more extensive course offerings. • NYU – Not intended to be a 4 year study program, but a campus for short-term abroad studies • Students study abroad for a summer, semester or full year during their third year of undergraduate study, or in the summer only for post-grad students • AUP – Similar in the fact that they are both American style institutions in Paris. • Does not offer graduate studies, but does offer a more diverse range of courses and a larger summer program.

16. Key Costs for SIU Paris • Hiring and compensating professors and office staff • Processing of applications, registration, and course transfer credits. • Time costs of: • Negotiations or conflict with unions • “Lost” time due to strikes or holidays • Campus up-keep and updating of technological services and computer labs.

17. Constraints of France Very expensive (particularly in Paris) buildings and land; difficult to expand. Little government assistance—government aids public universities much more. 35-hour work week: Schiller offers its France employees special vacations and benefits if more than 35 hours is deemed necessary, but it is normally not an issue.

18. Constraints of France (2) Union and student strikes (although since they are private these do not affect them as much as public institutions). Difficulty to fire—if there are problems with an employee, it is much more complicated to fire him or her in France due to laws. Sometimes communication between international is more difficult than non-international because of time differences and cultural variations

19. Perspective Past  Present  Future? • Currently re-structuring Paris offices • Installing new computers systems with updated IT • Not necessarily planning to expand size of university or student body • SIU prides itself on its small student population and personalized experiences

20. Essential Advice • Importance of building a good reputation: • “Barriers to entry in the international field are much less of a problem with a great reputation”. • When entering a new country it is important to respect the culture and ways of life while still maintaining your own identity and values. • Do not underestimate the importance of networking and creating social and career relationships, especially in today’s global economy.

21. We would like to thank: • Ms. SouhaAkiki-Svahn, SIU Paris Director • Mr. Nehme, SIU Paris Bursar Any Questions?