🎯 What is BTS Commerce International?
The BTS Commerce International (CI) — or International Trade Technical Degree — is a French national diploma awarded after two years of study post-baccalauréat (equivalent to A-levels or high school diploma). It is recognized as a Bac +2 level qualification and is primarily focused on international trade and business operations.
The goal of this program is to train students to manage international business activities, including buying, selling, marketing, logistics, negotiation, and cultural communication in global markets.
📌 Key Features
- Duration: 2 years
- Level: Bac +2 (French post-secondary diploma)
- Language of Instruction: French, but strong emphasis on foreign languages
- Internships: Two internships (one of which must be abroad)
- Focus: Practical and professional training for international business environments
📚 Curriculum Breakdown
The BTS CI program is divided into general subjects and professional modules that prepare students for real-world business situations.
1. International Market Analysis
- How to conduct market research and identify global opportunities
- Analyze the socio-economic and political environment of foreign countries
- Use marketing tools to assess demand and competition
2. International Prospecting and Sales
- Designing prospecting strategies (emailing, calling, fairs, etc.)
- Creating commercial offers and negotiating with international clients
- Managing client relations and post-sales follow-up
3. Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
- Managing suppliers abroad
- Organizing international transport (air, sea, road, incoterms, etc.)
- Understanding customs and import/export procedures
4. Intercultural Communication
- Adapting business behavior and communication styles across cultures
- Understanding cultural differences in negotiation and decision-making
- Use of foreign languages in professional contexts
5. Economic and Legal Context of International Trade
- Studying international institutions (WTO, IMF, EU)
- Understanding trade policies, tariffs, and regulations
- Knowledge of commercial and customs law
6. Business Communication and IT Tools
- Using digital tools (CRM, Excel, ERP, etc.)
- Writing professional reports, emails, and commercial documents
- Oral and written communication in French and two foreign languages
🌍 Languages in BTS CI
Students study two foreign languages, typically:
- English (mandatory)
- Second language: Spanish, German, Italian, or another (depending on the school)
Language teaching focuses on:
- Vocabulary and expressions for business and trade
- Oral fluency for negotiations
- Writing commercial letters and emails
🏢 Internships (Stages en Entreprise)
Internships are a crucial part of the BTS CI. Students must complete:
- One internship abroad (minimum 4 weeks): focused on commercial prospecting
- One internship in France or abroad: focused on managing sales or purchasing operations
These experiences give students real exposure to international business environments and can often lead to future employment.
🧠 Skills Acquired
Upon completing the BTS CI, students will be able to:
- Conduct international market research
- Organize and manage commercial operations abroad
- Negotiate with clients or suppliers from different countries
- Handle import/export and logistics procedures
- Communicate professionally in two foreign languages
- Use digital tools for sales, procurement, and market analysis
💼 Career Opportunities
Graduates can enter the workforce immediately or continue their studies.
✨ Jobs after BTS CI:
- Export Sales Assistant
- Import/Export Coordinator
- International Buyer
- Logistics Manager
- Sales Representative for Foreign Markets
- Customs or Trade Compliance Assistant
- Business Development Assistant
🎓 Further Study Options:
- Professional Bachelor’s degrees (Licence Professionnelle) in International Trade, Logistics, Marketing, etc.
- Entry into Business Schools (Écoles de Commerce) or Bachelor’s degrees through parallel admissions
- Specialization in areas like e-commerce, supply chain, or digital marketing
📈 Why Choose BTS Commerce International?
- Combines theory with hands-on experience
- Highly professional and practical
- Prepares for global careers
- Strong employment rate after graduation
- Excellent stepping stone for higher studies in business
