About Tell Me Panda
At Tell Me Panda, we help international students and professionals achieve their educational and career goals abroad 🌍
What began in 2017 as a simple blog by Elina Sarazetdinova, an international graduate of ESCP Business School, has grown into a trusted consulting company. Today, Tell Me Panda has supported over 700 clients in studying, relocating, and building successful careers abroad.
🎓 How Tell Me Panda Started
Hi! I’m Elina, founder of Tell Me Panda — a platform that began with my own journey in 2014.
At the time, I was a student at the Higher School of Economics (a top business school in Russia) when I enrolled in the Dual Degree Master in Management programme at ESCP Business School in Paris (#3 business school in France).
Moving to Paris for this experience changed my life — not only did it provide a prestigious education, but it also broadened my horizons, deepened my understanding of diverse cultures, and allowed me to pursue my dreams on a global scale. However, like many international students, I faced multiple challenges: securing scholarships, finding internships and a first job, learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and navigating work permits and visa issues. (Spoiler: my visa expired after a year of job searching, I had to leave France — but I managed to return with a Passeport Talent – Salarié Qualifié work visa)
At the time, I felt isolated in my struggles, believing I was the only one facing such obstacles. I soon realised there was a lack of experience sharing between international students and alumni.
That’s why, in 2017, I created Tell Me Panda — initially as a personal blog on Instagram, which later evolved into a website sharing student stories and experiences. By 2019, we launched our first online programmes and consulting services.
🇫🇷 Elina’s Background
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10+ years in digital marketing across FMCG, publishing, e-commerce, LegalTech, and EdTech
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Completed internships at Amazon as an Analyst & Digital Marketer
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Volunteered at TEDxIHEParis, an English-speaking conference
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Became Head of Growth & Marketing at 26 in a French EdTech startup, conducted 100+ interviews as a Hiring Manager and built a full marketing team
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Left a stable dream job to become an impact entrepreneur and fully dedicate my time to Tell Me Panda
🐼 Why Are We Called
Tell Me Panda?
Our name — Tell Me Panda — was partly inspired by a poster in the style of Banksy featuring a panda: it’s black, it’s white, it’s Asian. The panda is simple, international, and universally loved, it's a symbol of diversity, harmony, and cross-cultural connection.
We also wanted to create a kind of compass — like “OK Google, tell me…” — but for international talents. A friendly, trusted guide through the often confusing world of global education and careers. Thus, "OK Panda, tell me…” became “Tell me, Panda...": how to study abroad? How to work abroad? How to get a scholarship?”
We’re here to answer those questions — honestly, clearly, and with care. Like the panda itself, our brand is approachable, inclusive, and trusted across borders.
Let the Panda guide you 🐼
🌍 Tell Me Panda's Mission and Values
We are an independent international education and career consultancy based in Paris, operating with complete impartiality and no university affiliations. This guarantees 100% unbiased advice and tailored support, always in the best interest of our clients. Our unique double expertise in both global education systems and career development helps our clients achieve academic success and long-term professional growth.
🐼 Mission
Our mission is to bridge cultures and empower ambitious international talents to realise their full potential through global education and careers abroad.
🎓 Education
We believe education changes lives. It opens doors, builds confidence, and helps people create a future they’re proud of — wherever they come from, and wherever they’re going. We see education as a powerful driver of personal growth, social mobility, and global change. It’s the foundation for building informed, empowered, and purpose-driven lives.
🐼 Diversity & Respect
Everyone’s story matters. We celebrate different paths, cultures, and voices — and we believe in meeting each other with openness, kindness, and curiosity. We welcome all backgrounds and perspectives, as long as they’re rooted in mutual respect, tolerance, and a shared belief in human dignity.
👩💻 Professionalism & Transparency
We’re here to offer reliable guidance, real expertise, and no sugar-coating. We feel deeply honoured and responsible when you trust us with your dreams and life-changing decisions. That’s why we stay independent: to serve your best interests, not anyone else’s agenda.
❤️ Human-Centred Support
We’ve been there — we know how you feel, and we genuinely care. With empathy, motivation, and real support, we walk alongside you on your journey abroad
🌍 Community-Driven
We build bridges, not walls. We build a smart & global community that is a safe space to be vulnerable, find support, build new friendships, and share experiences and knowledge. We learn from each other and grow together.
Your Educational & Career experts
We’ve been in your shoes — each of us was once an international student navigating a new country.
Today, we’re professionals who have successfully built careers abroad, and we’re here to help you do the same.
🚀 Tell Me Panda's Advisors
All of our advisors have personal experience studying or working abroad, and bring deep expertise in education and social entrepreneurship.
💪 Tell Me Panda Is Supported By
🎙 Tell Me Panda Is Featured In
Elina has been featured in international podcasts, webinars, and alumni events:
![🇫🇷 ]
👇
1️⃣ « Je m’appelle Elina»❤️
2️⃣ I read and write in French, but I don’t understand a word in YouTube videos🙈
3️⃣ I’m a tourist in Paris, I what to practice, but I say « Bonjour », and French switch to English 🥲
4️⃣ I have just correctly wrote down my insurance number (4x20+10+7 you know 😅), dictated over the phone! The first time. Wow! 🔥
5️⃣ I’m learning to assert my rights at the bank and trying to argue with insurance company💪
⠀
6️⃣ I work in French with French people, but I don’t understand what they’re saying over lunch and at after-work drinks in those noisy bars😰
7️⃣ Haha, it seems like that was a joke on me! I got it. But what to reply... aaaaaaah. Too late. Conversation gone. Ok, whatever😟
⠀
8️⃣ Yes! I used « du coup » correctly for the first time! I’m almost French!🇫🇷
9️⃣ I understand what they’re talking about over lunch! Bingo! But how to join their conversation when I can’t formulate my thought in time? Too fast ..😭
⠀
🔟 Haha, now I can also joke on you in French. And my vocabulary allows me to respond quickly.😍
1️⃣1️⃣ Madame, your French is perfect! Do you have French roots? Leave us your CV!🙄
⠀
1️⃣2️⃣ Yes!!! I can keep up the conversation over lunch at the same speed!! I rock !!!🚀
⠀
1️⃣3️⃣ Madame, could you speak slower, we don’t understand you... 🤦♀️ Oops. Seems like that’s not a compliment.
⠀
1️⃣4️⃣ You have such a light accent, when you speak English, are you French? 😳
⠀
Well, to be honest, I still have an accent, I still do mistakes in French, especially with la/le, and don’t use complex grammar construction to minimise mistakes, but I feel quite comfortable with my level.
What level are you at?🇫🇷](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/598678255_826159457077823_5330942668433704028_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=4SQibmNxaO4Q7kNvwFoCqhA&_nc_oc=Adk-BoX_r_cXUdnPmQRSX3HQj-BePvSdbvyseu6YVmLjTkMQsRCwR2Vvo0XuZpzL5uc&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=t8-g8us2yOV_tIXICgCHyQ&oh=00_AfrzvMuSgtVrnydszeVP_wXnvvhFOSJaWeykBj6LTzAWnw&oe=69622E8D)
![🇫🇷 ]
👇
1️⃣ « Je m’appelle Elina»❤️
2️⃣ I read and write in French, but I don’t understand a word in YouTube videos🙈
3️⃣ I’m a tourist in Paris, I what to practice, but I say « Bonjour », and French switch to English 🥲
4️⃣ I have just correctly wrote down my insurance number (4x20+10+7 you know 😅), dictated over the phone! The first time. Wow! 🔥
5️⃣ I’m learning to assert my rights at the bank and trying to argue with insurance company💪
⠀
6️⃣ I work in French with French people, but I don’t understand what they’re saying over lunch and at after-work drinks in those noisy bars😰
7️⃣ Haha, it seems like that was a joke on me! I got it. But what to reply... aaaaaaah. Too late. Conversation gone. Ok, whatever😟
⠀
8️⃣ Yes! I used « du coup » correctly for the first time! I’m almost French!🇫🇷
9️⃣ I understand what they’re talking about over lunch! Bingo! But how to join their conversation when I can’t formulate my thought in time? Too fast ..😭
⠀
🔟 Haha, now I can also joke on you in French. And my vocabulary allows me to respond quickly.😍
1️⃣1️⃣ Madame, your French is perfect! Do you have French roots? Leave us your CV!🙄
⠀
1️⃣2️⃣ Yes!!! I can keep up the conversation over lunch at the same speed!! I rock !!!🚀
⠀
1️⃣3️⃣ Madame, could you speak slower, we don’t understand you... 🤦♀️ Oops. Seems like that’s not a compliment.
⠀
1️⃣4️⃣ You have such a light accent, when you speak English, are you French? 😳
⠀
Well, to be honest, I still have an accent, I still do mistakes in French, especially with la/le, and don’t use complex grammar construction to minimise mistakes, but I feel quite comfortable with my level.
What level are you at?🇫🇷](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/599081388_25454827604128484_387611132758334720_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=rMp8-W2Iy7AQ7kNvwFMM3AJ&_nc_oc=AdlAx_x2GQftqqY2HQeLRTpcEkXyYrpAaNlNESMXilYaZ0BtEUEBTnEa1aJo7-XrG7k&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=t8-g8us2yOV_tIXICgCHyQ&oh=00_AfoHxZcKnpW4-rbomKW8DmyGqF9T5W2yvTF2VndL3vdThA&oe=69623725)
![Here are 9 French phrases that were incredibly helpful for me when I moved to Paris and my French was not that good 🙈
[follow @elina.sarazetdinova for more about studies and career in France 🇫🇷]
They’re perfect for keeping conversations flowing and pretending you understand even if you don’t 😉
🇫🇷 « Ça va? » - It means « How are you? » and is a great way to start a conversation or check if everything’s okay. « Ça va? Ça va! « And yes, it’s considered as a full dialogue 😀
🇫🇷 « Et du coup... » - This one means « So... » and is often used to transition between topics. Now I use it all the time🙈
🇫🇷 « Ok, ça marche! » - It’s like saying « Okay, got it! » or « Sounds good! » when you agree with something.⠀
🇫🇷 « Ah c’est trop cool! » - Use this to say « Wow, that’s so cool! » when someone tells you something exciting.⠀
🇫🇷 « Ah bon? / Ah oui? » - These phrases express surprise or confirmation, like saying « Really? » or « Oh, yes? »⠀
🇫🇷 « C’est vrai? / c’est pas vrai! » - They mean « Is it true? / Is it not true? » and are perfect for expressing surprise or curiosity.⠀
🇫🇷 « N’importe quoi! » - Use this when something seems crazy or absurd, like saying « That’s nonsense! »⠀
🇫🇷 « Pas de soucis » - It’s like saying « No problem » or « No worries » when someone asks for help or apologizes.⠀
🇫🇷 Ending a sentence with « #quoi » adds emphasis, like saying « you know » in English.⠀
Got any more to add?👇
#frenchspeaking #frenchlanguage #learnfrench](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/591146502_719102190820078_380072849571844118_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=j6iBTIcZ_x4Q7kNvwH-gaKx&_nc_oc=Admgh9PKwHku5rr9CjpvvZR_pWaVEBg_PKSpOyiB3Q-OPQvE1GrLgPEKrkrCcPA_je4&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=t8-g8us2yOV_tIXICgCHyQ&oh=00_Afov_MXyrQtlaRa5AJ_tZWKz9dFb3Bm4jXDFctd4Ei0ifA&oe=69625968)
![Here are 9 French phrases that were incredibly helpful for me when I moved to Paris and my French was not that good 🙈
[follow @elina.sarazetdinova for more about studies and career in France 🇫🇷]
They’re perfect for keeping conversations flowing and pretending you understand even if you don’t 😉
🇫🇷 « Ça va? » - It means « How are you? » and is a great way to start a conversation or check if everything’s okay. « Ça va? Ça va! « And yes, it’s considered as a full dialogue 😀
🇫🇷 « Et du coup... » - This one means « So... » and is often used to transition between topics. Now I use it all the time🙈
🇫🇷 « Ok, ça marche! » - It’s like saying « Okay, got it! » or « Sounds good! » when you agree with something.⠀
🇫🇷 « Ah c’est trop cool! » - Use this to say « Wow, that’s so cool! » when someone tells you something exciting.⠀
🇫🇷 « Ah bon? / Ah oui? » - These phrases express surprise or confirmation, like saying « Really? » or « Oh, yes? »⠀
🇫🇷 « C’est vrai? / c’est pas vrai! » - They mean « Is it true? / Is it not true? » and are perfect for expressing surprise or curiosity.⠀
🇫🇷 « N’importe quoi! » - Use this when something seems crazy or absurd, like saying « That’s nonsense! »⠀
🇫🇷 « Pas de soucis » - It’s like saying « No problem » or « No worries » when someone asks for help or apologizes.⠀
🇫🇷 Ending a sentence with « #quoi » adds emphasis, like saying « you know » in English.⠀
Got any more to add?👇
#frenchspeaking #frenchlanguage #learnfrench](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/589892888_24804975712515482_7221654215776529031_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=FP3N91Q7334Q7kNvwEaAreJ&_nc_oc=AdkOCcvYF571DC3S5nEXPlhMRwbWZurvmewRNz9qFTPP5ZIOBtoz5OH947fWzjI-6iM&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=t8-g8us2yOV_tIXICgCHyQ&oh=00_Afo-mbFL7Mh8OAgX2GHuQtgnP14G4ooVpE0Yzn2vVlF-3g&oe=69624B7C)
