Details

• France
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

I organised my exchange semester at KEDGE Business School in Bordeaux through my home university, WU Vienna. Before leaving, I had to prepare the usual administrative documents, organise my travel and look into accommodation in France. One important thing I would recommend to future exchange students is to start looking for housing as early as possible, especially if you are staying for only one semester. It is also helpful to research the campus location, public transport connections and the practical requirements for living in France in advance.

2. Accommodation

Finding accommodation in Bordeaux requires some planning, particularly for exchange students looking for a short-term rental. I explored student accommodation options and residences, including options such as Studently and Sweetly. I would recommend comparing several residences, checking their distance from the KEDGE campus in Talence and confirming the total monthly cost and contract conditions before booking. Students coming from abroad should also look into the French rental guarantee system, Visale, and check what documents or insurance their accommodation provider requires. Starting early makes the process less stressful. For me i choose studently and sweetly studentresidence, it was very safe but super far away from univisity, the transportation there was very bad, it is really important to check the distance to university.

3. Academic life at host university

Studying at KEDGE Business School was an opportunity to experience a different academic environment from WU Vienna. I took courses including Brand & Communication and Sustainable Marketing, which allowed me to explore marketing topics in an international business school setting. The semester involved different forms of assessment, including written examinations and group work. My advice is to attend classes regularly, keep track of deadlines and understand the assessment structure of each course from the beginning. It is also important to check the examination and resit regulations in advance, as they may differ from those at your home university.

5. Every day life in the host country

Bordeaux is a beautiful city with a lively student atmosphere. There are plenty of cafés, restaurants, bars and cultural activities, making it a good place to meet other international students and experience French culture. The city has tram connections and cycling options that make getting around relatively convenient. Living in France is also a good opportunity to practise French in everyday situations, even if many interactions in an international student environment take place in English. I would recommend exploring the city, participating in student activities and travelling to other places in France whenever possible.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester at KEDGE Business School in Bordeaux was an opportunity to experience life and studying in another country, meet people from different backgrounds and develop my independence. It gave me insight into a different academic environment and the chance to discover French culture. Although organising accommodation and adapting to a new university system require preparation, the experience can be very rewarding. I would encourage future exchange students to plan the practical aspects early, stay open-minded and make the most of the time abroad.