Details

• France
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

If you are not an EU citizen, you have to apply for a French visa for at least 6 months. Regardless of your status in Austria, KEDGE will require you to do so. Try to look for accommodation very early, immediately after you receive the acceptance letter from KEDGE. You do not need to learn French in advance; there are plenty of opportunities to learn it through language courses, and in general it is not necessary.

2. Accommodation

Look for an apartment in the northern part of Bordeaux, preferably near Jardin Public. Avoid the southern parts of the city or areas near the railway station. Student accommodation costs on average €800–1,000 per month, and additionally you will have to pay for insurance (Garantme). It is better to start looking for a regular apartment or flat in advance.

3. Academic life at host university

Academic life was very rich. Course materials were comprehensive and based on many real-life examples, supported by invited guest speakers who work in the field, as well as numerous case studies. University rules are very strict; for example, professors close the classroom door exactly when the class begins. If you are even one minute late, you have no choice but to miss half of the class and will receive minus points toward your final grade. Exams are not very stressful because there is no strong time pressure. Usually, we had open questions, 5–6 pages to write answers, and 4 hours to complete the exam.

5. Every day life in the host country

Everyday life in Bordeaux was very rich and dynamic. There were many opportunities for networking with other exchange and local students. We often visited wine makers and vineyards around Bordeaux, i find it a great way to learn about local culture. The city is also close to the ocean, so it was easy to go to the beach on weekends. I also went to the university almost every day, studying, preparing for exams, and working on group projects or case studies. Public transport costs around €30 per month and you need to download the TBM app.

6. Testimonial

Overall, my exchange experience at KEDGE Business School in Bordeaux was very positive and memorable. I learned a lot both academically and personally, met many inspiring people, and built a strong international network. The courses were practical and well organized, and life in Bordeaux made the experience even better.