The immersive trip provided students with numerous highlights. Among them: private tours of La Galerie Dior and La Samaritaine in Paris to learn about fashion-design concepts, a day trip to Versailles to learn about the history of luxury brands, a dinner cruise along the Seine River, a visit to the Lindt Chocolate factory in Zurich and a gondola ride through the Swiss Alps.

“Studying abroad is all about understanding and respecting different cultures, practices, perspectives and lifestyles,” said Place, who is also the chair of advertising and public relations. “For many of the students, it was their first time in a foreign country. We had such an adventure learning different cultural practices, navigating complex transportation systems, tasting new and unique foods and learning new concepts.”

Lia Mercure ‘26, an advertising and integrated communications major who enrolled in the course, also said the trip was a perfect combination of her passions.

“I knew this course would allow me to combine my love for communications and luxury industries with my desire to travel and learn from cultures around the world,” said Mercure. “With France and Switzerland being two places I had always dreamed of traveling to, I was excited to have the opportunity to not only visit these countries but also make these trips an important part of my educational journey.”

Mercure also said she felt the didactic portion of the course enhanced her abroad experience.

“Once we landed in Europe and began to explore Paris, we were able to see all of the concepts we previously learned about in action. Walking through Triangle d'Or, visiting premier flagship stores and touring Galeries Lafayette emphasized the unique strategies luxury brands employ to distinguish themselves,” said Mercure.

In addition to the structured opportunities, students had time to freely explore all that the cities had to offer.

“My friend and I took a ride up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Overlooking the city at night was such a memorable experience and something we didn't think would happen earlier in the week,” said Mercure. ”While my friend and I were heading to a designer store in Paris, we stumbled across the Alpine concept store. As a Formula 1 fan, it was so exciting to see an F1 car in person. None of these experiences were planned — just getting to explore the city and see what we were able to discover was definitely a highlight.”

Mercure, who transferred to Quinnipiac, said she was grateful to the opportunity to travel as part of her education.

“When I first transferred to the university in the fall of 2024, I never expected to study abroad. However, getting to visit Paris and Zurich was one of the many amazing experiences I have had over these past two years,” said Mercure.

Another student who was on the trip is Matthew Parker ’27, MS ’28, a student in the 3+1 accelerated dual-degree journalism/masters of sports journalism and media program. 
Parker shared how learning on a global scale was so memorable to his Quinnipiac experience, especially since this was his first time traveling overseas.

“It was amazing to be able to experience different cultures and see things I never thought I’d be able to see. I made so many memories that will last forever,” said Parker.

Parker highlighted some of the key moments from the trip that will stay with him.

“My favorite experience was visiting Notre Dame. It was absolutely stunning. The craftsmanship and detail all around was incredible,” said Parker. “Visiting the top of the Alps probably ties Notre Dame. The views from the top were amazing, and the entire experience — from traveling on buses, cable cars and trains — was phenomenal.”

Both students and faculty on the trip said they have made life-long memories that will forever impact the way they view the world.

Place summarized the trip by sharing her appreciation for the opportunity to teach in global classroom.

“It was the absolute highlight of my career that combined my loves of public relations, French and travel,” said Place.  

In Focus