Produced by: The College of Professional Studies
CPS Students visit Estee Lauder
Photo By: Jeffrey Grossmann, Associate Professor, Homeland Security
February 1, 2017
In January 2017, 13 CPS Seniors participated in the Dean’s International Opportunities Program in Paris, France. This unique global experience sponsored by the Office of Global Studies and the College of Professional Students was led by Associate Professor Jeffrey P. Grossmann and Adjunct Professor Daphne Grossmann. Students from two courses (HLS 1027 International Security Cooperation and MGT 1027 Introduction to International Business) received a scholarship to cover most of the trip’s expenses. Using the city Paris as their learning lab, students were immersed in a truly “international” security and business setting. Homeland Security students examined firsthand how the United States is actively engaged with the French government in vital national security relations, while business students had the opportunity to hear from international business leaders and see French business operations up close.
As part of the Program, the group was hosted by the United States Embassy in Paris. A private tour of the embassy grounds immersed the students in the rich historical significance of U.S.-France relations. A special welcome from Deputy Chief of Mission Uzra Zeya was followed by presentations from many of the foreign offices of the Embassy (FBI, Diplomatic Security Service, Foreign Commercial Service, and the Department of Homeland Security).
In addition, American retail giant Estee Lauder hosted the group at their European headquarters in Paris. Students were welcomed by Senior Vice President of Western Europe, Klaus Sorensen and received special presentations from many significant departments including, Corporate Communication, Crisis Management, Global Security, Trademark Protection, Brand Protection, and Supply Chain Management. Estee Lauder also arranged for a private tour of the Anti-Counterfeit Museum which they are a proud sponsor of.
Other program highlights included guided tours of the Louvre Museum and Palace of Versailles, a Seine River boat cruise, walking tours, and free time to explore the City of Lights at the student’s own pace.
Prof. Jeffrey P. Grossmann was extremely happy that CPS students got to experience Paris in a way that not many have experienced before. “I think our students will always remember how our government and a major retail organization opened their doors, took time out of their busy operations, and treated our students to a wonderful behind-the-scenes look into the operations of these organizations,” stated Professor Grossmann. Health and Human Services student, Nargees Hossain expressed in her reflection paper, “This trip has helped me develop, not only as an intellect, but also as a human being. The knowledge that I have gained from being a part of the Dean's International Opportunities Program has left me with a better understanding of France and its relationship with the United States of America”.