Details

• France
• MAMark-21
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

The application process at WU is fully online, generally easy to navigate, and the contact person from ESSEC, Cécile, was amazing. However, there is an additional registration fee (approximately €150). When preparing for the semester abroad, I strongly recommend starting the accommodation search early (around April or May). I booked my housing in July for an end-of-August move-in, which was still possible, but the prices were noticeably higher and choices more limited. The same applies to travel arrangements. I travelled by train (ICE and Eurostar), which was very comfortable and convenient, but booking early is advised as prices increase quickly. For getting around in Paris, it is very helpful to download the Île-de-France Mobilités app beforehand. It makes buying tickets and setting up the Navigo pass much easier upon arrival.

2. Accommodation

Since I only had classes on Mondays and Tuesdays, I decided early on that I wanted to live directly in Paris rather than in Cergy. This turned out to be a very good decision for me. Apart from the lifestyle benefits of living in the city, I had friends who initially lived in Cergy but later moved to Paris due to safety concerns and overall comfort. For my accommodation search, I chose a private apartment through the agency Paris Attitude, which I had discovered through previous exchange reports. A major advantage was that no French guarantor was required, which can otherwise be a significant hurdle for international students. Compared to platforms like Airbnb, I found the options more suitable for longer stays. I booked the apartment in July for a move-in at the end of August. While this was still feasible, earlier booking would likely have provided more affordable and centrally located options. I lived in a private apartment together with another WU student. Although agency fees applied, I preferred this option for the added security and transparency of working with an established provider rather than navigating informal listings. The apartment was located in the 20th arrondissement, bordering the 11th, in a pleasant and lively neighborhood. The area felt very safe, even when living there as two female students, which was an important factor for me. Big supermarkets as well as leisure opportunities were all there by foot. The commute to ESSEC in Cergy took approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, involving one metro line and the RER A. While this may seem long, it was very manageable given that I only travelled to campus twice a week. However, if possible, I would recommend choosing accommodation close to an RER station, which can simplify daily travel. Regarding tips, starting the accommodation search as early as possible is highly advisable, as prices and availability change quickly. Booking earlier not only increases the range of options but can also reduce costs and commuting time. Additionally, considering proximity to major public transport connections (especially the RER) can make a noticeable difference in daily convenience. Overall, my experience was very positive. Despite minor technical issues in the apartment, direct communication with the owners was easy and supportive and the apartment was very nice.

3. Academic life at host university

Compared to WU Vienna, the ESSEC campus is noticeably smaller, but still offers pleasant facilities. There is a sports center and even a tennis court on the rooftop, which can be conveniently booked via an app. Classrooms were generally modern and well-equipped. The cafeteria, however, is relatively small and becomes very crowded during peak lunch hours (around 12–1 pm). Besides the cafeteria, there is also a café and several vending machines, which provide good alternatives. The academic culture differed quite significantly from my experience at WU. I had the impression that for many French students, the ESSEC name itself carries great importance for their CVs, while grades often seemed to play a less important role and it was reflected in class participation and group work dynamics. For group projects, I found it helpful to collaborate with fellow international students, who were often highly engaged and motivated. Regarding teaching style, my experience was mixed. Some courses felt less structured and more discussion- or concept-driven than what I was used to at WU, where research and academic grounding are strongly emphasized. At ESSEC, certain classes placed greater focus on perspectives, interpretation, and philosophy rather than strict theoretical frameworks. While this required some adjustment, it also offered an interesting contrast. One notable strength of ESSEC was the strong connection to real-world business practice. Many professors had impressive professional backgrounds, and guest speakers were frequently integrated into courses, especially in industry-focused subjects. Grading was less transparent than at WU, as detailed coursework grades were rarely communicated, with only final grades being visible. Nevertheless, achieving strong results was certainly possible. ESSEC offers a range of industry-specific courses that differ from WU’s curriculum and allow for interesting specialization. My personal highlights were Sports Marketing (intensive week) and Judgement and Decision Making. Both courses featured highly engaging teaching styles and interactive class formats. Sports Marketing stood out due to the integration of guest speakers from organizations such as UEFA, NBA Africa, Paris Basketball and the Olympic Games. The course provided practical insights that I would not have been able to gain at WU and was particularly valuable given my personal interest in the field. Judgement and Decision Making resembled aspects of consumer psychology but explored cognitive biases and decision-making processes in greater depth. The course was both intellectually stimulating and highly applicable to understanding human behavior and I can only recommend taking this course. Another memorable course was Anthropology of Luxury Brands, which differed strongly from traditional lecture formats. While initially challenging due to its conceptual and philosophical-heavy approach, it offered thought-provoking perspectives that remained impactful beyond the semester. More generally, ESSEC’s strength lies in its specialized and industry-oriented courses, particularly for students interested in fields such as luxury or niche business areas.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport Paris has an excellent public transport system, and once you become familiar with the metro and RER lines, getting around the city is very convenient. In daily life, it is advisable to plan at least 20–30 minutes for most trips, depending on your location. One important aspect to be aware of is strikes, which occur relatively frequently and can affect both metro and RER services. It is helpful to stay informed in advance, particularly when commuting to ESSEC in Cergy. The Citymapper app is useful for real-time updates and route planning. The Navigo monthly pass (approximately €89) is highly recommended. It covers not only travel within Paris and to Cergy, but also connections to airports, Versailles, Disneyland, and other destinations. Safety situation Overall, I felt very safe in Paris and did not experience any serious safety issues there and also heard of nobody being robbed. Compared to Cergy, Paris generally felt more comfortable. While basic awareness is always advisable, especially at night, I personally felt comfortable using public transport and walking alone in the city. Social and leisure activities Paris offers an exceptional range of leisure activities. A major advantage for EU residents under 26 is that many museums and some monuments (such as the Arc de Triomphe) are free of charge, which is an opportunity that should definitely be taken advantage of. Beyond sightseeing, the city provides countless cafés, bakeries, bars, and restaurants. Dining options vary widely, from high-end restaurants to very affordable local spots. Particularly enjoyable were traditional bouillons, where classic dishes such as steak frites can be found at very reasonable prices (12€). With some research, eating out can even be cheaper than expected and a lot cheaper than Vienna. One challenge may be that French cuisine is relatively meat-oriented, making vegetarian options less abundant. Simple everyday activities, such as walking through different neighborhoods or spending time in parks, quickly became highlights of daily life. For studying or relaxing, I can highly recommend the Bibliothèque nationale de France Richelieu, an exceptionally beautiful and freely accessible library, but you should arrive there on time. Events and city life Paris is an incredibly dynamic city with a constant option of events. Student organizations at ESSEC, such as BDE and Melt, regularly host social events and parties, and following their instagram channels is a good way to stay informed. In addition, the city itself offers a wide variety of cultural and social experiences, including exhibitions, concerts, sports events, and seasonal attractions. I can recommend going to a basketball game or visit Disneyland if you are interested in it. During fashion week there were also nice public viewing options and usually always some interesting pop-up events which you can often times find on TikTok, especially french channels. Sports options ESSEC provides good sports facilities, including free access to the campus gym, various courses, and a tennis court and climbing wall. Due to my schedule, I primarily explored sports opportunities in Paris itself. Running along the Seine is particularly enjoyable, and Paris offers numerous fitness studios and activities which I made use through ClassPass. I also had access to a nearby swimming pool, which was surprisingly affordable (22€ total for 3 months) and a very positive part of my routine. All in all, Paris is a very dynamic city and just everyday life is so enjoyable and I loved my time living there!

6. Testimonial

The most remarkable part of my exchange was the opportunity to live in Paris, where daily life itself became a highlight. The city’s atmosphere, its architecture, its culture, its café terraces, and more pains au chocolat than I can admit made this time truly special. Equally meaningful were the friendships with fellow international students and the practical, industry-oriented courses that offered new insights for my future career. Overall, the semester combined personal growth, cultural immersion, and memorable experiences in a truly unique way, but I am also happy to get back to Vienna, the university, and my friends there for one final semester.