ESTICE 1

Linguistic requirements are intermediate (B1/B2) for classes in English and upper

intermediate (B2/C1) for classes in French.

Semester 1

-General English (taught in English) : The course aims to bring students from an intermediate (B1/2)

level to an upper intermediate (B2) level thanks to regular grammar input and vocabulary covering

every day and basic business situations (CV’s and cover letters, health, food, culture, sport,

education…) Emphasis is placed on improving oral and listening skills and building the confidence

required to communicate effectively through a variety of situations.

-American Civilisation (taught in English): An overview of American history, religion, political and

social institutions, values and current affairs

-Current affairs (taught in French): Through a regular analysis of the press and the media in general

the course aims to give students the skills to analyse and decode the sources of information to which

they are exposed. Particular attention is paid to economic issues which impact the professional

environment and discussion is encouraged through interactive presentations.

- Commercial Law (taught in French) : The course consists of 12 lectures covering the origins of

commercial law, resolving commercial litigation, the legal context of commercial obligations and

setting up commercial contracts.

-International Economics (taught in English): The 12 lectures introduce students to the practical

applications of some of the major economic theories, linking them to contemporary world issues.

Particular attention is given to theories affecting international trade, international finance and recent

world economic crises.

-Professional correspondence (taught in French): The course is designed to help students to identify

the different types of written correspondence in a professional context, ranging from memos and

emails to formal letters and writing minutes of meetings. It also covers specific business

communication such as making commercial offers, billing procedures and making formal complaints.

-Micro-economics (taught in French): 18 lectures across 2 semesters which introduce students to

the company from an economic perspective: commercial activity and its’ consequences on the

broader economic environment, strategy and decision making, production, and business

development. -Macro-economics (taught in French): 12 lectures which introduce the students to the basic

concepts of macro economics: the major theories, consumerism, work and capital, the free market,

economic exchange, growth, stagnation, inflation, taxes and unemployment.

-Information Technology (taught in French): 24 practical sessions aimed at mastering the

fundamentals of Word, Power Point and Excel.

-An introduction to Financial Management (taught in French): A practical approach to the basic

concepts of cost benefit analysis, break-even points, and profit margins using exercises and active

class participation.

-German/Spanish (taught in German/Spanish): The classes are open to students who already have a

lower intermediate to intermediate level in the languages. The courses are highly interactive,

focusing on developing oral and listening skills with regular sessions in the language lab. Themes

covered are of general and cultural interest rather than business oriented.

-Chinese/Russian: (taught in Chinese/Russian): Open to complete beginners, these introductory

language classes aim at bringing the students from a complete beginner (A0) level to an elementary

(A1) level.

-Intercultural Communication (taught in English): The course aims through a wide variety of

experiential and interactive exercises to create awareness of diversity and to prepare students for

the intercultural experience, whether through travelling or simply working in multicultural

environments.

-Personal Development (taught in French): These interactive seminars provide an introduction to

the fundamentals of public speaking, mastering the techniques behind convincing and influencing

through effective communication and being aware of the fundamentals of non-verbal messages.

-Written and oral communication (taught in French): This course is a 15hour remedial class to offer

support and extra grounding in mastering the rules of French spelling and grammar.

-Voluntary work: This 40 hour commitment to a nonprofit organization in the local community

enables students to develop their communication skills and learn to move effectively outside their

familiar frames of reference.

Semester 2

-General English (taught in English): The course aims to bring students from an intermediate (B1/2)

level to a good upper intermediate (B2) level thanks to regular grammar input and vocabulary

covering every day and basic business situations (CV’s and cover letters, health, food, culture, sport,

education…). Emphasis is placed on improving oral and listening skills and building the confidence

required to communicate effectively through a variety of situations.

-American Civilsation (taught in English): An overview of American history, religion, political and

social institutions, values and current affairs.

-British civilization (taught in English): The 12 lectures examine notions of British identity, the British

empire and its influence, the Thatcher era, British institutions, the role of the monarchy and

understanding Britain through film and television.

-Current affairs (taught in French): Through a regular analysis of the press and the media in general

the course aims to give students the skills to analyse and decode the sources of information to which

they are exposed. Particular attention is paid to economic issues which impact the professional

environment and discussion is encouraged through interactive presentations

-Introduction to the business workplace (taught in French): An interactive class which takes a look

at how companies are built up around different but interdependent departments from HR to

production, from marketing to sales, from export to logistics. Students are required to introduce

other class members to the functioning of local companies, offering an early opportunity to meet the

world of business.

-Geopolitics (taught in French): Through student presentations of different current world issues

students are encouraged to analyse contemporary global political situations and assess their

implications from a variety of perspectives (religious, economic, social…).

-Marketing (taught in French): This introductory course traces the history of marketing, explains the

fundamental notions from a macro and micro perspective, offers insight into consumer behavior and

explains the “marketing mix” using a rich variety of concrete examples.

-Micro-economics (taught in French): 18 lectures across 2 semesters which introduce students to

the company from an economic perspective: commercial activity and its’ consequences on the

broader economic environment, strategy and decision making, production, and business

development.

-Accounting (taught in French): This course mixes a theoretical approach to the basics of accounting

and book-keeping with practical exercises adapted to real situations. Students learn to use the

appropriate vocabulary and to understand notions of expenses and revenue in a company context.

-Information Technology (taught in French): 24 practical sessions aimed at mastering the

fundamentals of Word, Power Point and Excel.

-German/Spanish (taught in German/Spanish): The classes are open to students who already have a

lower intermediate to intermediate level in the languages. The courses are highly interactive,

focusing on developing oral and listening skills with regular sessions in the language lab. Themes

covered are of general and cultural interest rather than business oriented.

-Chinese/Russian: (Taught in Chinese/Russian): Open to complete beginners, these introductory

language classes aim at bringing the students from a complete beginner (A0) level to an elementary

(A1) level.

Intercultural Communication (taught in English): The course aims through a wide variety of

experiential and interactive exercises to create awareness of diversity and to prepare students for

the intercultural experience, whether through travelling or simply working in multicultural

environments.

-Personal Development (taught in French): These interactive seminars provide an introduction to

the fundamentals of public speaking, mastering the techniques behind convincing and influencing

through effective communication and being aware of the fundamentals of non-verbal messages.

-English-speaking work experience: Students spend a minimum of 8 weeks and a maximum of 16

weeks working in an English-speaking environment to develop their linguistic fluency and their

cultural awareness.

ESTICE 2

Semester 1

-Business English (taught in English): Interactive classes which give students the vocabulary to deal

with a wide variety of professional situations: job applications, managing meetings, writing memos

and minutes, project management, sales and marketing, presenting results, graphs and figures, etc.

-Bulats preparation (self study module): Students are given individual log-ins to prepare the Bulats

exam on line. In case of specific questions requiring explanation a teacher is available at specific

times to offer assistance and extra exercises as required.

-Professional Translation (taught in French and English): This course requires a good intermediate

(B2) level in both languages as classes involve acquiring the skills required to translate effectively

from French to English.

-Project management (taught in French) A 10 hour theoretical approach to project management

looking at how to use appropriate tools (such as Gantt, PERT…) and good team management to attain

results. This is followed by 10 hours of practical classes where students are guided and coached in

their practice using a real project.

-Information technology (taught in French): An in-depth approach to Excel and its many

applications.

-Marketing (taught in French): Analysing the market, introducing strategic marketing, tools for

defining strategy, making strategic choices, finalizing the diagnosis. The class makes extensive use of

case studies and interactive exercises.

-Introduction to Supply Chain Management (taught in French): 12 lectures incorporating case

studies illustrating the strategic elements of logistics, transport and stock management.

-Visual communication (taught in English): Through an analysis of art through the centuries and

leading up to contemporary uses of images in advertising and film, students are given vital keys to

decode the hidden messages behind the different means of visual communication to which they are

exposed.

-Professional and oral German/Spanish (taught in German/Spanish) : An in-depth look at the

vocabulary and approach which will be essential for students working in one of the countries that

uses these languages: meetings, business presentations, marketing and sales, job applications,

communications…Emphasis is placed on oral skills.

-German/Spanish culture (taught in German/Spanish): Through films, television extracts, news and

newspaper articles students increase their knowledge of both language and contemporary culture.

Emphasis is placed on oral skills.

-Chinese/Russian (taught in Chinese and Russian): emphasis is placed on developing oral skills so

that students acquire the ability to communicate on a day to day basis in simple situations. Students

move from complete beginner phase to an A2 or elementary phase.

-Intercultural Communication (taught in English): Through interactive seminars based on the

experiential approach, students examine some of the fundamental theories to assist in the decoding

of behaviours and values encountered at home and abroad (Kluckholn and Strodtbeck, Hofstede,

Trompenaars…).

-Personal Development (taught in French): Interactive seminars in which students look at managing

emotions, transactional analysis, active listening, decoding conflictual situations, and giving positive

feedback …vital communication skills for future managers.

-Active project participation (in French or English) Students are required to participate in and co-

manage a variety of projects within the institute involving communication, financial management,

events management and links with local businesses. These projects run in parallel with the project

management course.

Semester 2

-Communicative English (taught in English): This is a high level (minimum upper intermediate (C1) )

class for students who have already validated the Bulats C1 level. Focusing on acquiring high level

vocabulary, mastering phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions the emphasis is on increasing fluency

and broadening the scope of communication in varying environments.

-Business English (taught in English): Interactive classes which give students the vocabulary to deal

with a wide variety of professional situations: job applications, managing meetings, writing memos

and minutes, project management, sales and marketing, presenting results, graphs and figures…

-Bulats exam preparation (taught in English): The class aims to bring students up to a level of English

(grammar, vocabulary and comprehension) which will enable them to obtain the C1 level required

for obtaining the Estice Master’s degree.

--Professional Translation (taught in French and English): This course requires a good intermediate

(B2) level in both languages as classes involve acquiring the skills required to translate effectively

from French to English.

-Business Communication (taught in French): Through lectures and practical applications students

look at institutional communication, communication strategies, visual communication, internal and

external communication and communication in crisis situations.

-Labour law (taught in French): This class offers an introduction to labour law and examines the

specificities of employment conditions, drawing up work contracts and conditions for breaking a

contract.

-Accounts Management (taught in French): In a combination of theoretical lectures and practical

seminars, students examine cost analysis, differential analysis, analyzing a budget and notions of

performance.

-Marketing (taught in French): Analysing the market, introducing strategic marketing, tools for

defining strategy, making strategic choices, finalizing the diagnosis. The class makes extensive use of

case studies and interactive exercises.

-International Trade (taught in French): This theoretical class looks at the notions of buying and

selling across international borders. It covers the incoterms (International Commercial Terms) used,

the documents required by both parties, the commercial policy of the company and ways to protect

both buyer and seller.

-Introduction to Transport (taught in French): In this series of lectures illustrated with case studies,

students learn how to decide which mode of transport should be used for transporting goods across

national borders, how to calculate costs, what the law states for each, and what possible recourse

exists in case of litigation.

-Purchasing (taught in French): These lectures, accompanied by interactive practical exercises,

examine the characteristics of both the purchasing department and its’ team, the management of

suppliers, negotiation techniques, stock management and notions of cost and selling price.

-Professional and oral German/Spanish: (taught in German/Spanish) An in-depth look at the

vocabulary and approach which will be essential for students working in one of the countries that

uses these languages: meetings, business presentations, marketing and sales, job applications,

communications…Emphasis is placed on oral skills.

-German/Spanish culture (taught in German/Spanish): Through films, television extracts, news and

newspaper articles students increase their knowledge of both language and contemporary culture.

Emphasis is placed on oral skills.

-Chinese/Russian (taught in Chinese and Russian): An emphasis is placed on developing oral skills so

that students acquire the ability to communicate on a day to day basis in simple situations. Students

move from complete beginner phase to an A2 or elementary phase.

-Intercultural Communication (taught in English): Through interactive seminars based on the

experiential approach, students examine some of the fundamental theories to assist in the decoding

of behaviours and values encountered at home and abroad (Kluckholn and Strodtbeck, Hofstede,

Trompenaars…).

-Personal Development (taught in French): Interactive seminars in which students look at managing

emotions, transactional analysis, active listening, decoding conflictual situations, giving positive

feedback …vital communication skills for future managers.

-Active project participation (in French or English): Students are required to participate in and co-

manage a variety of projects within the institute involving communication, financial management,

events management and links with local businesses. These projects run in parallel with the project

management course.

ESTICE 3

Semester 1

-Negotiation (taught in English): This interactive class examines what is at stake in international

negotiation. It takes an in-depth look at the cultural, strategic and linguistic challenges, identifies the

crucial steps towards reaching win-win solutions and explores the parameters of key negotiations in

sales, management, politics and personal contexts.

--Professional Translation (taught in French and English): This course requires a good B2 /C1 level in

both languages as classes involve acquiring the skills required to translate effectively from French to

English and more specifically in professional contexts.

-Market Research (taught in French): After an introduction to the field, these lectures examine the

qualitative and quantitative approaches, the use of market research panels, how to organize and

prepare a market research enquiry and how to interpret and present the results.

-European Affairs (taught in French) : The class alternates presentations by the students based on

their reading and research and input from the professor. Topics covered include contemporary

history of the European Union, treaties and institutions, main policies and what is at stake, current

European issues,the presidency of the European Union and the impact of financial crises.

-International Trade law (taught in French): This series of lectures and case studies examines the

complexities of international business contracts in the context of transport, import and export and

selling across international borders.

-International Media Analysis (taught in English): This highly interactive class requires students to

read and compare newspaper articles, listen to extracts from television, internet or radio and

examine critically and analytically their style, content and approach to current affairs. This course

requires an advanced (C1) level of English.

-International Law (taught in French): This class centres on practical case studies since the theory is

given at the start of the class for students to refer to as they encounter specific questions. Emphasis

is placed on dealing with litigation in international transactions.

-Web-marketing (taught in French): The course looks at the essential elements of web-marketing

including Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s), affiliation, emailing, search marketing, and price

comparing. The theory is illustrated with practical examples and hands-on exercises.

-Society and world religion (taught in French): Through student presentations, with theoretical

back-up from the professor, the class examines current social issues through the perspective of the 3

major world religions. The course is evaluated by a video made by the students to illustrate these

different perspectives.

- German/Spanish for Business (in German/Spanish): Marketing, negotiation, organizing events,

economic press reviews, doing presentations in business contexts, the socio-economic environment.

This class requires an intermediate (B2) level.

-Oral and cultural German and Spanish (taught in German/Spanish): Emphasis is placed on oral

communication in examining contemporary social and cultural issues in the respective countries. This

class requires an intermediate (B2) level.

-Russian/Chinese (taught in Russian/Chinese): Emphasis is based on reinforcing oral communication

skills with a view to being able to use the language in an informal social context or for basic

introductions in the workplace.

- Exploring self expression (taught in French): 2 days with a professional actor/ director exploring

ways to express different emotions, attitudes and behaviours in a variety of ways.

-Entering the Workforce (taught in French): This is a 12 hour module encouraging students to look

closely at the job market, identify their areas of interest and prospective fields and start identifying

positions of interest. After this initial period, students form groups and investigate both through desk

and field research presenting their findings at the end of the second semester.

Semester 2

-Doing business for humanity (taught in English): An interactive look at non-profit organizations

through questions and case studies: Is NGO activity sustaining a neo liberal economic imperialism?

Does Aid do more harm than good? Shock tactics and donor fatigue; working with stakeholders;

Does business help promote democracy and stability in developing countries? Fair Trade versus free

trade.

-Negotiation (taught in English): Using the theory acquired in the 1st semester students will have

ample opportunity for analyzing different situations through film and practical exercises as well as

the chance to improve their own techniques in a variety of situations.

--Professional Translation (taught in French and English): This course requires an upper

intermediate/advanced (B2 /C1) level in both languages as classes involve acquiring the skills

required to translate effectively from French to English and more specifically in professional contexts.

-Socially responsible purchasing (taught in French): Illustrated by numerous films, advertisements

and case studies the class looks at the long term potential effects of environmentally unfriendly

purchasing by looking at deforestation, palm oil and other issues.

-Customs and excise law (taught in French): This is a theoretical class in the form of 12 lectures

covering customs taxation, clearing customs and excise duties in the context of importing or

exporting goods across national boundaries. The class requires prior knowledge of transport and

international trade.

-International Financial decisions (taught in English): English for financial purposes including a basic

understanding of the underlying concepts of Finance itself. A capacity to work with published

financial material and financial budgets is essential as this course requires an advanced (C1) level in

English.

-Introduction to tourism (taught in French): The course aims to promote understanding of tourism

as an essential element of the global economy, to examine movements in and out of countries with

the impact on the economy, to consider the increase in eco-tourism and to assess the impact of

international affairs on tourism itself.

-International Logistics (taught in French): This course alternates theory and practice, examining

through case studies the working of a logistics department, the documents required both internally

and externally for international transport and transit according to the means of transport chosen,

and the specific declarations required by international law.

-Management (taught in English): After a general introduction to the historical background of the

subject, students examine key aspects of the role of manager, gurus in the field and their impact on

the business world, specific challenges of managers and corporate cultures.

- German/Spanish for Business (in German/Spanish): Marketing, negotiation, organizing events,

economic press reviews, doing presentations in business contexts, the socio-economic environment.

This class requires an intermediate (B2) level.

-Oral and cultural German and Spanish (in German/Spanish): Emphasis is placed on oral

communication in examining contemporary social and cultural issues in the respective countries. This

class requires an intermediate (B2) level.

-Russian/Chinese (in Russian/Chinese): Emphasis is based on reinforcing oral communication skills

with a view to being able to use the language in an informal social context or for basic introductions

in the workplace.

MASTER 1

Business Ethics (taught in English) : After a theoretical introduction looking at code of conduct, CSR,

diversity, whistle-blowing and a look at some ethical scandals, students choose a specific question to

research, and then present as a debate. These projects cover a wide variety of issues such as

employee tracking, affirmative action, deceptive advertising, animal testing, recruitment

procedures…

Social Enterprise (taught in English): This very interactive class offers an introduction to the concept

of social enterprise looking at sustainability, relationships with key stakeholders, fair trade, and micro

finance.

Managing Intercultural teams (taught in English): A week long intensive course building on acquired

knowledge and practice of intercultural skills. The class examines through a variety of hands-on

activities, background reading and discussion the challenges and advantages of working in and

managing diverse teams both locally and in geographically dispersed contexts. This is followed by a

virtual team project with a partner university in Finland.

Spanish/German Business communication (in Spanish/German, an upper intermediate (B2) level is

required) : Management style, setting up a business, business plan, sales and negotiations, business

transactions. Emphasis is placed on oral fluency.

Communication Project (in Spanish/German, an upper intermediate (B2) level is required ) : A

largely unsupervised hands-on project which requires students to use their linguistic skills combined

with the cumulated knowledge from previous classes in other related courses to design and create a

communications package to sell a new product in Spain/Germany.

Spanish/German Press analysis: (in Spanish/German, an upper intermediate (B2) level is required) :

through an in-depth analysis of articles from a variety of newspapers and magazines students are

encouraged to broaden their economic and commercial vocabulary while discussing current affairs.

Chinese/Russian (pre-requisite 200 hours in the language): while continuing to consolidate grammar

and develop oral skills the course is designed to open students to the world of business, enabling

them to talk about their previous experiences, their current studies and to manage an interview in

the target language.

International Tourism (taught in French): This interactive class looks at tourism in Europe examining

the existing and developing regions with their strengths and shortcomings.

International business development (taught in English): A strategic look through case studies and

discussion at some of the key issues affecting how international companies manage their logistics.

Doing business in the world (in English or French)

A series of day-long interactive seminars run by specialists from different regions of the world,

examining economic, social and intercultural elements which affect their business partnerships:

India (in English)

China (in English)

Eastern Europe (in French)

Latin America (in French)

North Africa (in French)

Korea (in French)

Professional Options: Students choose one of the 3 following options:

1. Purchasing strategy

The role of the buyer (taught in English): how the context affects the role, managing

suppliers, finding new suppliers

Negociation (taught in French) : establishing a fair price, price considerations, setting up a

contract

Managing Orders (taught in French): logistical factors, dealing with delays, determining

quantities, social and ethical considerations, exceptional claims

OR

2. Strategic Marketing :

Consumer behavior (taught in French) : Consumer trends, internal influences (needs, motivation,

perception…), external influences (sociological, cultural and situational factors), making strategic

decisions

Marketing across cultures (taught in English): This class examines the impact of culture on

international marketing policies. It is essential to have some knowledge of Intercultural

communication concepts as students will be designing campaigns in the light of this knowledge.

Merchandising and distribution (taught in French): A highly interactive class which looks at the

product mix, managing the range, brand management and packaging.

OR

3. Human Resources and project management

Managing social conflicts (taught in English): Students will examine through case studies the origins

of some group and individual social conflicts and ways to handle them (redundancies, restructuring,

disciplinary actions, harassment…). Classes look at the role of HR in diffusing crises and in dealing

with different typologies of employees.

Managing an international career (taught in French): After an overview of the responsibilities of the

HR department students take an active look at issues related specifically to an international career:

mobility and employability, evaluating skills and potential, developing talents, specificities of

expatriation and preparing collaborators for leaving as well as managing the return to base.

International project management (taught in English): An intensive programme on successful

project management: defining objectives, identifying stakeholders and key issues, managing team

members, monitoring progress and assessing outcomes.

Master 2

Business and Marketing strategy game (taught in French): In small groups students have one week

to work on a case study and produce an effective marketing strategy. This is presented to a jury after

5 days of work and reflection.

Strategic product/client Management (taught in French) : identifying fundamental stakes, creating

need, managing flux, customer management, retaining customers, a move towards “one to one”…

Indicators and strategy (taught in French): This course involves work on a major case study

concerning a company facing a number of significant challenges: finance, organisation, HR, sales and

marketing…Students will be expected to use a humanistic and sustainable development managerial

approach to put forward a series of strategic proposals.

Motivation (taught in French): Identifying the elements that can boost or hold back personal and

collective motivation, managing differences in motivation in order to achieve results, dealing with

intrinsic and external demotivation. The class is based on theory, on case studies and on examples

taken from the students’ workplace experiences.

HR Management (taught in French): A 3 hour lecture by one of the top HR managers in the Toyota

factory, Valenciennes, outlining some of the issues faced working in a Japanese company with French

employees.

Managing workplace relations (taught in French): The managerial perspective on handling legal

questions in the workplace: laying off staff, hiring and firing, dealing with allegations from staff

members…

Reporting to the board of Directors (taught in French): An interactive project in groups which

requires students to research an issue linked to management, and present the current state of

thinking in a written and oral form as if highlighting the essential of the topic to a management

committee. The exercise is a form of training for the final Master’s dissertation.

Spanish/German specialized press analysis (in Spanish/German): Through authentic documents

(written or visual) on business or other specialized subjects, students analyse and discuss current

economic affairs developing their oral and written comprehension using technical vocabulary.

Change Management (taught in English): In a theoretical and practical framework this class looks at

triggers and characteristics of change, change management theories and models, leading and

managing change, creating vision, goals and strategy and how to lead employees through the

risk/change relationship.

Global Logistics (taught in English): A highly strategic look at top level logistical issues in a

challenging international context through case studies and using a variety of diagnostic tools.

Total Quality Management (TQM) (taught in English): This class looks at the meaning of Quality and

the importance of a systematic approach to quality management. Students will develop skills to

evaluate quality improvement techniques and examine the EFQM model, the 6 sigma, and the CIP

philosophy using case studies.

Keys to setting up your own business (taught in French): A hands-on approach which takes students

through the essential steps of setting up a business, from the initial idea, through market research to

identifying the business model and creating a business plan.

Students choose ONE of the 3 following options:

1. Strategic Purchasing (taught in French): Optimising the supply chain, socially responsible

purchasing, purchasing and new technology, industrial purchasing

OR

2. Strategic international marketing (taught in French): This high level class, a mixture of

lectures and case studies, examines why companies decide to internationalise, how the

export strategy is established and how marketing strategy is integrated into the global policy.

OR

3. Events Management (taught in French): This interactive course takes students through the

full life cycle of organizing a major event, from its’ conception through to the final evaluation

of its success. Using case studies and the experience of the lecturer the class examines the

use of appropriate methodology, communication strategy, respecting the remit, regulations

and security, and predicting challenges.

Each option is associated with a project to be done in groups of 3. This work entitled

“Winning ways” is an in depth look at one specific issue raised in the class and highlighted

by the professor. Each trio will research through documents but also through discussion

with their colleagues in their respective companies to compare different approaches and

try to put forward what they see as “best practice” in the face of the specific issue chosen.

An oral presentation followed by a debate with the class will allow evaluation.