We have been collaborating with the University Paris-Est Marne-la-Vallé since 2006. In 2008, we signed a partnership agreement (extended in 2013), introducing a double degree master's programme "Tourism management". "Tourism management" master's degree programme at the University Paris-Est Marne-la-Vallé is one of the most prestigious in Europe. There are, as a rule, 15–20 applicants per place.
Natalia Golovanova, a fourth-year student of the Faculty of Romance and Germanic Philology, has recently returned from France after a semester within the double degree programme.
Here's what she says about her semester in France.
– At the University Paris-Est Marne-la-Vallé I was studying the following courses: Marketing and brand management, Tourist law, Tourism sociology, Hotel business, Transport infrastructure, etc. I also took part in a «Conférence Cluster» conference on tourism, and the «IFTM – International French Travel Market» forum. I've learned a lot about the tourism system in France and analysed it comparing the tourism system in Russia. Taking part in various projects, I also learned what "teamwork" is really about. We had groups of 5–6 students working together on a certain problem in the sphere of service marketing and analysing travel agencies' activities in France. Such projects helped a lot to overcome communication barriers and feel yourself part of the team. I really liked the way the education process is organised in France. Both students and teachers were very friendly and helpful; you could always rely on them, if there were any problems.
