15.6.2026
Training leaders who can thrive in a complex, multicultural, and constantly changing world is at the heart of ESSEC Business School's mission. With four campuses across three continents, more than 240 partner universities in 50 countries, and a community representing over 100 nationalities, internationalization is one of the pillars of ESSEC's identity.
This ambition is fully aligned with the Transcend 2024 to 2028 strategy, which aims to open the world and go beyond geographic, cultural, and disciplinary boundaries. Through its campuses in Paris Cergy, Paris La Défense, Rabat, and Singapore, its international hubs in London, New York, and Mumbai, and its partnerships with some of the world's leading academic institutions, ESSEC offers students a global and immersive learning experience.
At ESSEC, international experience is not an option. It is an essential part of the educational journey. All Global BBA and Master in Management students complete at least one international experience through an academic exchange, dual degree, internship, or intercampus mobility opportunity.
Students can choose from many options. These include exchange semesters at partner universities, dual degrees with leading institutions, student organization experiences, and field projects abroad. The goal is to develop adaptability, cultural awareness, and a deeper understanding of global challenges.
For Alice Chollet, a final year Global BBA student, international exposure has shaped her entire journey.
"I studied in Rabat, completed a mobility experience in Singapore, took part in a field experience in Laos, and then spent a semester at Tsinghua University in China. Each step allowed me to discover new ways of thinking, working, and seeing the world."
Beyond academics, international experiences allow students to immerse themselves in different environments and broaden their understanding of the world.
Ulysse Macé, a third year student in the AI for Data and Management Sciences (AIDAMS) program, chose IE University in Madrid for his exchange semester to improve his Spanish and discover a new culture.
"This experience helped me become more independent and meet students from all over the world. I tried not to spend time with French students so I could fully immerse myself in the experience. Academically, the program strengthened my skills through courses in finance, neuromarketing, and artificial intelligence."
Ethan Delaunay, a fourth year Global BBA student, shares a similar perspective. He studied on several ESSEC campuses before going on exchange in the United States.
"Each campus has its own identity. In Singapore, the city becomes an extension of the campus, and all of Southeast Asia is within easy reach. What impressed me most was meeting students from very different backgrounds."
These experiences also support language development and help students build intercultural skills that are essential in international organizations.
Living and studying abroad is often a defining moment in a student's journey. By adapting to new environments, students develop independence, self confidence, and resilience.
"I learned to trust myself and my ability to adapt," says Alice Chollet.
Laurine Pascal, also a final year Global BBA student, shares this view. For her, international mobility was an opportunity to "step outside my comfort zone, learn how to deal with the unexpected, and grow in multicultural environments."
Some experiences leave a lasting impact. During a volunteer project in Cambodia, Mathys Dérot Chevalier, a third year Global BBA student, discovered a reality very different from his own.
"I met people who lived with very limited resources, yet showed incredible generosity and warmth. This experience deeply changed the way I see the world."
This international outlook continues long after graduation. With nearly 79,000 alumni around the world, ESSEC offers graduates access to a powerful global network that supports career opportunities and international collaboration.
By combining academic excellence, international mobility, cultural diversity, and strong connections to major economic hubs, ESSEC prepares a new generation of leaders who can act responsibly in a global environment.
Ethan Delaunay summarizes this ambition:
"The better we understand others, the better we can work together. International experiences open doors we would never have imagined otherwise."
