Sessions + Events

The program starts with a reception and welcoming program on Sunday evening and concludes late the following Friday. Return travel can be scheduled beginning on Saturday, though students may be able to stay longer and tour Paris independently from the program.

The program will normally involve about three or four events per day: seminars, panels, visits to media houses, etc. One or two early evening events are planned during the week—including a dinner at the Paris apartment of Lee and Berna Huebner. Lee was the publisher for 14 years of the American-owned international newspaper (based in Paris), the International Herald Tribune, and also served for a time as president of the American University of Paris. He also served as professor of communication studies and journalism at Northwestern. He currently remains involved in media consulting projects in Europe.

With the help of a wonderful team of Paris friends, the program also helps participants in finding their way around Paris during their "off hours." Trip organizers have tried for a good balance between free time and conference programs. For part of the time, students will be buying their own meals—though we will provide guidance on good but inexpensive restaurants. On other occasions, meals will be provided, as sometimes meetings are scheduled over a lunch with some speakers.

Guest Speakers

The guest speakers have included leading foreign correspondents in Europe, some French journalists (though all the meetings are in English), media executives, academic leaders and embassy or other government officials. Their topics range widely over the fields of international media and journalism—covering not only the news media, but also other communications media and how media scenes compare and contrast in various parts of the world. Many of the people who have participated in the past have already promised to return this year.

Previous Years Schedules and Speakers

Speakers [pdf]

Schedules [all in pdf format] : 2011 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004