As a marketing student at the David Eccles School of Business, I took the opportunity to spend my Fall 2023 break traveling to the south of France and Monaco with Eccles Global. It’s hard to capture my experience in words, but what made the program unique was learning about new cultures from a business perspective. In France, we learned the history of the perfume industry and even created our own perfume. We visited the Université Côte d’Azur and worked with their students to manage different business situations, demonstrating how the business culture in France differs from the US.

We also attended the Le French Tech 10-year celebration at the OGC Nice soccer team’s training facility. During this visit, I was able to network with start-ups, such as meeting Antonia Machlouzarides-Shalitm, the founder and CEO of Neuropin, a medtech start-up developing AI-based software for optimizing the neuroradiological workflow. At the Nice Soccer stadium, we also viewed the soccer club’s technology to track player statistics and create performance predictions. In addition to organized events, we used our free time to visit Ventimiglia, Italy, and other parts of Nice, such as Villefranche-sur-mer, a small cove with beautiful beaches and stunning architecture.

The most memorable experience was visiting Monaco. We began with a helicopter tour, which allowed us to explore the entire country from a bird’s eye view and learn about Monaco’s rich culture. The highlight was touring Monaco Tech, a start-up incubator. One fascinating aspect of Monaco Tech is its focus on companies that help make Monaco a better place. For example, I met the CEO and founder, Claire Ferandier Sicard, of yachting start-up ETYC. She shared her passion for helping the yachting industry lower its carbon footprint. Listening to her sparked a creative nerve in me due to my love for boating and water!

I am so grateful to have experienced so much in such a short period. I appreciate Cesar Sanchez and Nelly Farrugia for organizing such an inspiring trip. I recommend every student interested in entrepreneurship and curious about other cultures take advantage of an experience only possible through Eccles Global.

Author: Teagan Mckelvey, Marketing Major