Study in France I Master I ECEMALyon I Yulia

#Master #2014 #ECEMALyon #France

Name: Yulia

From: Russia, Moscow

Studied in: France, Lyon

Studies start: 2014

Grade: Master

Program: Full-time, Project Management with a focus on Marketing

University: ECEMA Lyon

Partner University in your country: –Program satisfaction rate: 5/5

Internship: Yes

Job: Yes

🎓 Application

How did you learn about this program?

I discovered the program while already living in France and searching for a school where I could earn a French degree.

Why did you decide to enrol in this program?

ECEMA offers alternance, which allows students to study and work in their field at the same time. I was eager to start working but needed a French diploma to do so. This format was the perfect fit.

What was your application experience?

I had an oral interview involving a case study and questions about my motivation. The main thing they cared about was whether I understood my professional goals and how ECEMA could help me achieve them.

What level of English is required to enter this program?

No formal requirement — the interview was oral.

What level of French is required to enter this program?

Spoken level around B1–B2

💡 Your impressions from your study abroad experience

What are your general impressions about this program?

The teachers were active industry professionals who brought real cases into the classroom. They also helped us prepare for interviews and handle real-life work situations. I worked four days a week, so I could immediately apply what I learned. Coming from a traditional Russian university background, this practice-oriented model was a total game-changer for me.

What was the major program value for you?

It helped me structure my theoretical knowledge and finally see how it applies in the real world — not just in textbooks or in a professor’s lecture.

What did you not like about the program?

The workload was extremely heavy.

What did you like about the program?

The direct connection with the real job market and current industry practices.

What is the hardest part of studying abroad?

Feeling completely lost and overwhelmed during the first six months — but that feeling eventually passed.

Is this experience different from your experience at your country’s university? If yes, how?

Yes, dramatically so. In Russia, the focus was purely theoretical. At the French business school, everything was about how things actually work in a company.

How did your typical day look like?

We had two major lectures a day — one in the morning and one in the afternoon, each lasting 3.5 to 4 hours, and always including practical work.

📌 Useful resources

If you had questions or issues (studies, language, administration, careers, integration etc), where did you get help/advice?

The school administration was always helpful. It’s a small school, so they had time and attention for every student.

Did you contact other students with a similar experience? Was their experience helpful?No, I didn’t ask.

Could you recommend websites which might help study abroad?I didn’t use any, so I can’t recommend any.

💰 Finance

What was the cost of your program? How did you finance your studies?

€700/month — paid entirely by the company I worked for (as part of the alternance system).

🏠 Accommodation

What was your accommodation experience?

I was already living in an apartment with my husband at the time.

How much did you pay for living per month during your studies?

I can’t say — I don’t know.

🚀 Career opportunities

Did you do an internship during your studies? How did you find it?

Since the program included work throughout, I didn’t need a separate internship afterward.

Did your university help you in this process?

Yes — the school regularly published job offers and recommended students through its network.

What was the field of your internship?

Marketing and web marketing.

Did you find a job after graduation? Which field and how did you find it?

After graduating, I transitioned into teaching and now promote myself independently.

🌏 Your future plans

What are your plans? Do you plan to stay in the country?

I already live in France.

What do you like about France? And what not?

It’s a big topic! But to summarize — life in France is delicious and comfortable. However, achieving your ambitions can be slow. Everything moves at a different pace than in Russia, and you have to get used to that.

Could you give a piece of advice to future students?

Be clear about what you want and why you want it. French schools love focused, motivated candidates.