Details

• France
• MAMark-21
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 3 months

1. Preparation

Start choosing universities as early as possible because it takes time to write the motivation letter and to compare all options. Moreover, overseas grants application for special support starts and closes earlier - if you are interested in those directions start earlier. Consider all factors abroad: accommodation, costs, city, university, local cultural things etc before you make your final decision. Contact people from chosen universities to make sure it suits you.

2. Accommodation

Start searching ASAP, it really makes a difference. There are student residences but they are not willing to give places to exchange students because it is easier for them to find a full year contract. Flat rent is probably the most popular one, though a lot of owners also require 6+ months contracts. I have found my room in the shared flat on Etuloge, I know some people rent studios on Airbnb. Be aware of scammers - there are a lot in Marseille (don't fall for 200 euros perfect room in the city center). University is located in the mountains which makes it not that accessible by public transport, it would take time to commute, especially in the morning. I recommend renting in the city center but not on the north (there are dangerous districts), but prado\city center and districts 9-11 are good. Though I rented in the 10th which is closer to Uni, I still have spend the same time commuting as people living in the city center. So I didn't save time but they got sea view and proximity to everything. Also renting there is nice because with all the studies you don't get to enjoy the seaside and you still have to spend time commuting, so if sea is the reason for your exchange - keep it close to your accommodation. I recommend finding smth close to metro station because buses goes very randomly (during weekends - 2 times an hour sometimes - which is mot convenient) and metro stops at 22 in the evening.

3. Academic life at host university

Campus in Marseille is very nice, there is a mountain view from classes and from campus overall, a lot of open spaces, so you can enjoy sun in the breaks. There are problems with food, though. There are no shops up there, so only Uni cafes are left for lunch. The one on the 7th floor is quite expensive and food honestly is not so good. The one on the 1st is better but that's why there are queues every lunch break. Mostly there are sandwiches\desserts\salads, so if you want to eat well - bring food with you, you can heat it up there. Overall, snack options are limited to cookies\chocolate bars ets there. Also campus has 10 floors and most of my classes took place on the 6\7 and you have to climb stairs to reach it (elevator is always occupied). Overall I feel like KEDGE is less academic challenging than WU. Here the standards are quite low and you can pass classes easily with little effort (just submit everything on time). Exams exist not for every course and there are quite basic and not challenging (you can prepare in 1 day). Professors are very different (from different countries - out of 5 courses I had only one French professor) - the majority of them have strong accent in English, so make sure it's not a problem for you. Courses are fine, nothing really challenging or exceptional, especially for 2nd year master student. Usually there are no lectures, all of classes are the mix of theory and "practice" - which is usually a case study\project\presentation work. Classes are 3h each with the break in the middle for 15-20 min.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport is overall very hectic (there is no timetable which works, buses are always late and there are regular strikes). Marseille is the car city so if you don't have one you have difficulties with commuting overall, but there are bearable. Safety is a thing in Marseille, especially for girls, that's why you should find the accommodation in the good district (attend housing sessions from KEDGE - they would explain everything and help with accommodation) and be careful. I avoided being out late and always was careful while being outside - so nothing happened, but I've heard that some students were being chased by strangers (but fortunately nothing happened either). Overall, Marseille is not that bad in terms of safety as people say, but compared to Vienna the difference is striking. There is a local student organization which takes care of all activities (bar\club nights, shows, movie nights, charity etc - all kind of event. So just follow their whatsapp group and attend whatever seems interesting. Probably the best leisure activity you can imagine is hiking in Calanques - the natural park and the best hiking area located just in campus. You can leave things in the Uni lockers, have a hike and than take them back. Views are AMAZING there, and beaches are also nice, in September\October you can still swim there. There are numerous of paths for all kind of hikers. Among other sport options there are free yoga classes from KEDGE, they take place on campus or in the park\on the beach with an amazing view. Just follow them in whatsapp or visit the sport section on the website - there you can book a place in the gym\find some other options. Overall, you never get bored there and if you are - visit nearby cities like Nice, Cannes, Casis, Ciotat etc.

6. Testimonial

Whatever Uni you choose - go for it, it is absolutely worth it! Swimming in the sea in October and getting sunburns in November I never regretted making decision to go there. I have made amazing friends and visited so many new places. It was absolutely amazing even with some difficulties. Btw, French would be a great advantage, people do not speak English much there.. I have fallen the city even with its peculiarities.