Home City and Country: Virginia, USA
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Senior Strategist at Colle McVoy
How has studying business in France enriched your learning experience? One of the greatest benefits of studying in France, specifically in Paris, is the accessibility to the city and all the corporations located here. The network is wide and available if you choose to take advantage of it!
Studying business in France, particularly in Paris, has been incredibly enriching because of how closely academic learning is connected to the city itself. Paris offers unparalleled access to global corporations, cultural institutions, and industry leaders. The network is wide and genuinely accessible if you take the initiative to engage, which has made my learning experience feel both practical and deeply immersive.
What has been the toughest transition to living in France so far? What have you done to overcome this difficulty? There are certainly cultural nuances in day-to-day life that I’ve had to learn, and making a deliberate effort to improve my French requires consistency and patience. That said, I wouldn’t describe it as a “tough” transition, but more so a meaningful challenge that I’ve genuinely enjoyed embracing. Approaching it with curiosity rather than pressure has made all the difference.
What school service has been the most helpful in transitioning to living in France? How has it helped you adapt? The program team has been the most helpful, particularly in terms of availability. Having clear points of contact who could quickly answer questions helped make the transition more manageable.
What has been the most interesting cultural nuance of people living in France? Why has this struck you? One of the most interesting nuances I’ve observed is the value placed on discernment over immediacy. In both professional and social settings, there’s less pressure to react quickly or constantly signal enthusiasm. Thoughtfulness, measured responses, and even silence are often seen as signs of intelligence and credibility.
Coming from a U.S. background where speed and visible energy are frequently rewarded, I’ve learned to slow down, listen more, speak when I have something meaningful to add, and trust that depth builds respect. It has meaningfully changed how I collaborate, present ideas, and even how I define success.
Are you seeking a Visa to work in France after graduation? If so, what obstacles have you faced and how did you overcome them? Yes, I do plan to seek a visa to work in France after graduation. So far, I haven’t encountered any major obstacles and I’m hopeful it stays that way.
What have you done to make it easier to make friends with people from outside your home country at business school? I’ve focused on staying open-minded and genuinely curious. This is one of the most diverse environments I’ve ever been part of, and I’ve really enjoyed forming friendships with people I may never have crossed paths with otherwise. That openness has made the experience incredibly rewarding.
What piece of advice would you give to an international student looking to study in a French graduate business program? Before you arrive, be clear about what you want to pursue. Having a well-defined goal creates a much more intentional and rewarding journey. I’d also strongly recommend visiting beforehand if you can; having spent time in Paris through trips and language programs made the transition significantly smoother. Lastly, keep working on your French before you arrive, as it makes a huge difference both professionally and personally.
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