2026 ExCEL Program
Paris France (Focus on Fashion)
May 16-27, 2026
Program Learning Objectives
ExCEL features meetings with executives of some of the top companies and businesses in major cities around the world as well as local and national government officials. The goal of the program is for students to meet with business leaders, not just from U.S. companies doing business outside of the U.S., but also joint ventures, and wholly nationally owned businesses. In doing so, the program hopes to:
- Enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of international business.
The program is focused on giving students a better understanding of the complexities of doing business under other economic systems, the scope of business opportunities, and the way U.S. companies operate outside the U.S. - Develop their appreciation of cultural differences.
There is no better way to learn, feel, understand, and see cultural differences than to be immersed in the foreign country for a period of time. - Expose them to foreign business practices.
A good amount of time is dedicated to taking students on company tours, multinational and local corporations, led by a general manager or executive.
Past Programs
Manila, Philippines (May 2025) Focus on Developing Economy. Visits included G-Csh, Century Foods, Angkas, Grow Sari, Kickstart Ventures and D&L Industries. You can view the schedule here- ExCEL 2025 Manila Schedule
Barcelona, Spain (May 2024) Focus on Digital Business and Innovation. Visits included Microsoft, Telefonica, HP Enterprise, ABB Robotics, SEAT/Cupra, Glovo and King Digital Entertainment. You can view the schedule here- ExCEL 2024 Barcelona Schedule
Milan and Florence, Italy (May 2023) Focus on fashion industry, including designers, manufacturers, retail, distributing and marketing/PR. Visit included Valentino, Burberry, Manebi, Boemos (manufacturer of Tom Ford and Louboutin shoes) and laRinascente. You Can view the schedule here- ExCEL 2023 Milan + Florence Schedule
Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE (March 2019) Visits included Emirates, Nervora/Vogue Arabia, CBRE, Mubadala, and Etisalat. See a sample schedule - Dubai/Abu Dhabi 2019 Schedule.
London (March 2018) Focus on Brexit and its impact. Visits included Salesforce, Shell Oil, Braintree (Paypal), London Metal Exchange, Q5 Consulting, Microsoft and Double Negative Special Effects.
Milan and Florence, Italy (May 2017) Focus on fashion industry, including designers, manufacturers, retail, distributing and marketing/PR. Visit included Isaia, Salvatore Ferragamo, Manebi, Boemos (manufacturer of Tom Ford and Louboutin shoes) and laRinascente. Milan-Florence ExCEL 2017 Schedule
Yangon, Myanmar and Bangkok, Thailand (March 2017) Focus on comparison of 2 linked developing economies at different stages in development. Visits included- Lazada, Telenor (Myanmar), KBZ Bank, Carlsberg, City Mart, and Yoma Strategic.
Hong Kong; Berlin, Germany; Manila, Philippines; Tel Aviv, Israel; Paris, France; Kuala Lumpur/Singapore; Panama City, Panama; Gabarone, Botswana; Istanbul, Turkey; Havana, Cuba; Rome and Milan, Italy; Copenhagen, Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden; Lima, Peru; Budapest, Hungary; Bangkok, Thailand; Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam; Taipei, Taiwan; Tokyo, Japan; Seoul, Korea; Beijing, China; Shanghai, China
May 2026 Program
The Marshall School of Business will be leading a group of undergraduate students to meet with business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs in Paris from May 16-27, 2026
Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Saint Laurent are just a few of the iconic brands that have made Paris the global capital of fashion. While known for its legendary design houses and fashion weeks, Paris is also home to a broader ecosystem—including fashion-tech startups, luxury groups, sustainable fashion pioneers, and global supply chain players. Paris offers a complete picture of how fashion functions as both an art form and a global business.
The goal of this program is to expose students to the full spectrum of the fashion industry in France—not just design, but also materials, sourcing, manufacturing, retail, branding, technology, and sustainability. This is not a tour of fashion houses; it’s an immersive experience into how fashion brands are built, how they stay relevant, and how Paris continues to lead a rapidly evolving industry.
You can view a sample schedule from Spring 2025's program in Manila (2025 Manila Schedule) as well as the Spring 2023 program in Milan and Florence (ExCEL 2023 Milan + Florence Schedule) to gain an idea of what the program may look like for May 2026.
Costs
The cost of the program is $4500, this includes round-trip airfare (LAX to Paris) on British Air (group flight only- departing evening May 16th and returning May 27th), hotel accommodation (we will stay at the Novotel Paris Centre Montparnasse) airport transfers, breakfasts, lunches during visit days, bus transportation and guide for the week. It does NOT include personal expenses, dinners or any possible visa expenses. (The program costs will be fee-billed to the students’ USC account for convenience.)
Students who wish to stay longer or fly home directly from Paris instead of flying to Los Angeles may book their own flights (they will also be responsible for making their way to the Hotel in Paris as well as any other expenses associated with their extended stay (such as additional hotel nights, transportation to the airport to return home, etc). The cost for the land portion of the program (no flight) is $3800.
Unfortunately we do NOT have any scholarship funds available for this program.
As the program does NOT include a class, it is NOT eligible for USC Financial Aid. Students will need to self-fund this program.
Requirements and Qualifications
The program is open to ALL undergraduate USC majors, who will have completed 36 collegiate units (this includes USC and/or transfer credits. This does NOT include AP/IB credits. All students must have completed at least 1 year of college level coursework by January 1, 2026). All applicants must have a minimum 2.75 GPA.
May 2026 graduates CAN apply to the program. Be aware commencement is May 14-May 16th (the Marshall ceremony is scheduled for Friday Morning, May 15th) we depart May 16th 8:05 pm . Students wishing to arrive on their own need to arrive no later than 6:00 am the morning of May 18th (Monday) in order to make the first set of visits.
Be aware unlike most Maymester programs there is NO class associated with this program, and credit is not charged nor awarded. We will hold 3-4 meetings prior to departure in order to have students be better acquainted with the culture, economics and business climate of Paris, France and the Fashion Industry.
Apply Here
(Application due December 8, 2025)
(this will take you to the Terra Dotta site- click the Apply Now button)
If you have any questions please contact the Marshall Undergraduate International Programs office at (213) 764-8447 or by email at uginternational@marshall.usc.edu.