The Institute of International Trade Management and Export Strategies Engineering (IUP MIIX) is an integral part of the Faculty of Applied Economics at the Paul Cezanne Aix-Marseille University. Established in the “Espace Forbin”, an historical site, located within easy walking distance of the “Cours Mirabeau”, the hub of life in Aix en Provence. This unique address offers the advantage of proximity to student housing, restaurants, as well as all commercial services. One class of 34 students each year is admitted to our different programmes. Consequently, our facilities offer four class rooms, a computer class room, all fully equipped with the latest information technologies. We share with the Faculty of Applied Economics three language laboratories. Student at the “Espace Forbin” have access to a specialized library and may use the services of the main research Library, at the nearby Robert Schuman site, to access online bibliographical searches.   Corporate involvement The involvement of the Institute with business managers and corporate organizations makes a valuable contribution to our programmes. The academic curriculum is reinforced by lectures from executives of international corporations, who have their headquarters in the Aix-Marseille area. The two main International Business Associations Presidents (APEX and PROCAMEX) are members of our Council; thus we are able to benefit from their experience regarding international goals, strategies, and leadership skills. Each year students carry out in company projects and internships to master international trade techniques   Interactive and applied teaching methods Applied and interactive teaching allows students to learn the skills necessary to analyze and use information from a management perspective. Students have free access to our computer room, and language laboratories. Simulation exercises and case study analysis have proven successful in teaching students decision-making and analytical skills. Our professors are committed to their roles as mentors, which is possible because of the institute’s professor-student ratio. International management intensively uses internet resources to access accurate information on countries, cultures and economies. Numerous lectures are carried out in computer class rooms using the World Wide Web. The use of information and communication technologies enables students to grasp quickly the realities of international affairs. Students obtain feedback on their progress throughout their learning experience at the Institute. Grades are established by a mix of several forms of evaluation such as formal examinations quizzes tests, case study analysis, individual and group projects, in-class participation and other assignments.   Research activities The programmes at the Institute are incorporated in the results of the research conducted by the GREFI ( a research group on enterprises, finance and international strategies) which specializes in three areas :  International firm strategies  Firm strategies, markets and territory  ICT, knowledge management and technological strategies Knowledge creation is a key mission of the GREFI, and it has been recognised as a centre of excellence by the French Ministry of Research. The faculty members of the Institute are involved in the GREFI, and are responsible for the doctoral programme.   Overseas experience Time spent abroad for study and internship activities constitute an integral part of our programmes. Students who have studied abroad enthusiastically agree about its advantages. They find coursework in a foreign country stimulating, and their encounters outside the classroom educational and exciting. They come back with a broader and deeper understanding both of another country and of their own cultural background. Entering students should start planning early to enjoy this unique opportunity. Through internship assignments and partnership agreements with academic institutions in Europe, Asia, America, students are offered outstanding academic and business experience. For cultural and organizational reasons, we recommend only projects for a full academic year abroad. We also favour internship with an international corporation to get tangible, hands-on experiences. The International Relations Bureau of our Faculty located in our building helps students to find scholarships, internships and academic stays overseas. For international business communication, the Institute has chosen English language as the main business language with Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese as second languages. We recommend students to present the T.O.E.I.C test to certify their knowledge in English; the Institute offers special classes to prepare for the test.