Details

• France
• MAMgmt-14
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

The application process at the KEDGE Business School turned out to be pretty straightforward. The university offered some video calls with useful information for internationals before the stay. The caution that was advised during the housing meeting was somehow exaggerated. As long as the flat is not located in one of the Quartiers Nord (12.-15. Arrondissement), the neighbourhood can be considered safe. I would advise to look out for an accommodation early as the housing market is definitely more tight than in Vienna.

2. Accommodation

The search turned out to be difficult. That was mainly caused by strictly following the advice of the university, which in retrospective turned out to be unnecessary. I lived in a shared apartment with three flatmates and deliberately decided to live closer to the city centre and further away from university. The 4. Arrondissement was generally quiet and safe and well connected by the M1. Besides those who lived in the 8th/9th/10th far away from the city centre, all my friends had to travel approximately an hour to the university that is located outside of the city. In the end some of the so called "unsafe" neighbourhoods in the city centre turned out to be just as safe as any other European big city.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus is very modern and offers many opportunities for sports activities. Unfortunately, the teaching methods are much less focused on independence compared to WU. The level is also noticeably lower, but this is certainly due to the need to find the lowest common denominator for all international students. Ultimately, this is advantageous, as it leaves more time to explore the city and the surrounding area.

5. Every day life in the host country

Of course, public transportation is not as good as in Vienna, but it works well during the week for getting to university and also runs almost continuously on weekends. The security situation is portrayed much more dramatically in the public perception than it actually is, as the problems are concentrated in the outskirts, where you don't spend any time anyway. The city itself has a lot to offer, multicultural cuisine, lots of nature, and beautiful beaches. The local people are extremely warm and open. I can highly recommend the city.

6. Testimonial

It was a wonderful time, marked by a great international circle of friends. The seemingly endless summer was glorious, and I really enjoyed the nature around the city.