The Appeal of Studying in Europe

Thinking of studying an MBA in Europe? The EU’s rich tapestry of cultures and landscapes creates unparalleled opportunities for those pursuing higher education. 

The interconnectedness of European nations provides students with the chance to take advantage of professional opportunities across borders. EU countries recognize degrees earned in any member state, laying the foundation for seamless career transitions. 

Recognizing this advantage, ESSEC Business School pushes students to broaden their professional horizons by exploring different European cities.

Imagine this: you could hop on a train and be in multiple different countries in one day. That’s the unique experience of studying and living in Europe. The countries are so close that borders blur, not just culturally but also professionally. 

The journey begins with Paris, where ESSEC’s campus is located and a well-connected travel hub. ESSEC organizes career and networking field trips to key European business hubs outside of France

During the Global MBA’s week-long field trip, students travel to key European cities like Berlin, London, Luxembourg, and Amsterdam. There, they engage in cultural and professional activities, including visits to diverse companies and an industry-focused research project. These experiences help students understand contemporary business issues in different socio-economic and cultural contexts.

Let’s uncover the benefits of studying in Europe first-hand with international students Amin Amin, Ranjay Goyal, Carlos Victoria Vasquez, and Alex Li.

Exploring European Innovation Hubs

Each EU country boasts its own economic strengths and background. This is why it’s key for students to get to know different cities’ cultural and professional nuances to find where they’d fit best. 

It’s not just about choosing a place to live. It’s about finding a city that aligns with your lifestyle and career goals. 

For example, Ranjay says, “When I started my MBA at ESSEC I was really focused on moving to Europe in particular places. Especially Amsterdam, Berlin, and in the UK, because of the tech hubs that they are and the kind of opportunities they present.” (00:38)

Often, we fabricate ideas in our minds about a city based on assumptions. However, the best way to really “get the vibe” of a city is to visit and experience it firsthand.

For those pursuing careers in luxury or tech, it’s evident that certain cities serve as incubators for these industries. Luxembourg and Paris are key capitals for luxury fashion, while Berlin and Amsterdam are some of the most important tech hubs in Europe

If you are planning to study in Europe, don’t miss out on the chance to explore neighboring cities and the myriad of opportunities they present. Who knows, you might fall in love with a city you were not expecting!

Unlocking New Career Paths and Personal Growth

During this field trip, ESSEC makes sure to immerse students in each city’s business culture and network. Exposure to different companies in the cities provides insights into the challenges they face.

This gives students the opportunity to get a feel for what working in those cities would be like and understand the specific business dynamics and environment in each territory.

“I think it’s very important to understand fully how companies work and how they are innovating in their industry,” Carlos says. (01:14)

Amin says this exploration is not merely a professional experience but also an exploration of the self. (00:16)

Alex elaborates, “These trips are a chance to understand not only the business culture but also: ‘Can we see ourselves finding an internship?’, ‘Can we see our future lives in these other cities?”’ (01:33)

Having clarity about these questions is as crucial as acquiring technical skills during your academic journey. These physical experiences help students bridge the gap between imagination and reality. 

Moreover, they can facilitate career shifts by giving students access to wider geographical networks.

“It’s not just that we go to a company, they give a company presentation, and we are off,” Ranjay says. “It’s actually proper communication, and that’s a very different experience at ESSEC. No college that I have heard of takes the entire class to visit companies, interact with them, network with them, and then hold an entire networking event in the evening to get all the alumni together.” (01:49)

So, as you navigate the diverse landscapes of EU education, remember that the perfect fit for your career may be just a train ride away. 

Ready for a career-accelerating experience in Europe? Contact one of ESSEC’s MBA student ambassadors and learn more about their personal experience in the program.