Study in France I Master I Emlyon Business School I Maria

#Master #DoubleDegree #2017 #Emlyon #France

Name: Maria

From: Russia, Moscow

Studied in: France, Lyon

Studies start: 2017

Grade: Master

Program: Double degree

University: Emlyon Business School

Partner University in your country: Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation

Program satisfaction rate: 5/5

Internship: Yes

Job: Yes

🎓 Application

How did you learn about this program?

The program was offered through my university in Moscow. I discovered it via their website.

Why did you decide to enrol in this program?

I had previously studied in France during my bachelor’s degree at ESC Troyes (now Y Schools) and loved the experience. I wanted to continue with a master’s in a more prestigious institution. Since the program was tuition-free (saving around €20,000), and Emlyon is ranked among the top 5 business schools in France, it was a great opportunity to get a high-quality education and consider staying in France afterward.

What was your application experience?

There were 5 spots for the program. I submitted a standard package: transcripts, language certificates, and GMAT (over 600). The GMAT could be submitted after the initial application in November — results were accepted until March. There was supposed to be an interview with Emlyon’s admissions committee in March/April, but that year it was cancelled for external reasons.

What level of English is required to enter this program?

At least B2. If you didn’t have IELTS/TOEFL, you could take an oral test with a language department professor.

What level of French is required to enter this program?

At least B2. A DELF/DALF wasn’t strictly required — you could also take an oral interview with a language professor.

💡 Your impressions from your study abroad experience

What are your general impressions about this program?

I’d say I was about 85% satisfied. Having already studied in France, I knew what to expect. I liked that there was no intense cramming — if you studied consistently during the semester, you could pass exams calmly and score well. Since I already had a background in finance from Russia, I chose marketing and data analysis courses to pivot into analytics.

The program let you choose most of your courses, which meant working with different classmates. That was good, though I noticed that when French students were grouped with internationals, they sometimes put in less effort (just my personal experience!). There were also plenty of social activities and events if you wanted to get involved.

What was the major program value for you?

Its alignment with the French job market and strong career prospects. Professors frequently invited industry speakers. For example, in Big Data for Business, each session featured professionals from digital and tech companies sharing real case studies. In Web Marketing, a guest from the consulting firm Converteo presented, and I later got an interview there — bypassing the standard application process.

What did you not like about the program?

The course registration process was frustrating. You could pre-select courses, but on registration day the system often crashed, and in minutes the most popular classes would be full. You’d be left scrambling for alternatives with limited options.

What did you like about the program?

The ability to fully customize your learning path. In Russia, your curriculum is fixed. Here, I was able to choose nearly all the subjects I wanted. I also appreciated the career course — it helped with writing a strong CV and cover letter, interview prep, and included a free session with a career coach who helped clarify my goals and boosted my confidence.

What is the hardest part of studying abroad?

For me, the biggest challenge was financial — not being able to maintain the same standard of living as back home (unless your family helps, which wasn’t my case). But studying abroad builds character — even a trip to the prefecture teaches you resilience!

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

Absolutely. In France, your opinion matters. You can speak up, be wrong, and no one will shame you. Professors gently guide you, and the focus is more on learning and experience than on grades. Also, I had no opportunity to choose courses back in Russia.

How did your typical day look like?

If I had classes, I’d go to school and attend lectures. If it was project time, I’d stay and work with my team. Otherwise, I’d explore the city or study something new — I used the free time to learn Google Analytics, Python, SQL, etc.

📌 Useful resources

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

I asked the international student coordinator, the career center, the student services office, or students who had already completed the program.

Did you contact other students with a similar experience? Was their experience helpful?Yes, I spoke with a girl who studied in the program the year before. She helped me a lot with practical matters.

Could you recommend websites which might help study abroad?

There’s a helpful (but currently inactive) VK group called “Стипендиаты французского правительства”:https://vk.com/boursiersgouvfr

💰 Finance

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

€0 — I received a French government scholarship (€767/month) plus housing aid from CAF (€218/month). To apply, I had to submit my admission letter, a motivation letter, CV, recommendations, and a description of my career plan (separate from the motivation letter). Then I waited for the selection.

🏠 Accommodation

What was your accommodation experience?

I rented a small 14m² studio in a student residence in Lyon, which I found through my school’s page on Studapart. The studio had a bed, wardrobe, desk, kitchenette, and private bathroom. I paid €475 for rent and €30 for electricity. With CAF, I received €218/month in housing aid.

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

Around €700–800

🚀 Career opportunities

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

Yes, the program required an internship outside your home country. I looked exclusively in France, starting gradually in January–February, then more intensively in March when July openings started to appear. I mainly searched via company websites and platforms like Jobteaser and Welcome to the Jungle.

Did your university help you in this process?

The school organized a career forum in January (not very successful, but still helpful for networking), along with career events and the career course I mentioned earlier.

What was the field of your internship? If you don’t mind please share the remuneration you got.

I interned as a Transport Analyst at Amazon. I earned €1,400 before tax and about €1,200–1,250 after tax.

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

Yes, I found a job as a Business Analyst in the digital sector. I saw the offer on LinkedIn but applied via the company’s website. The school didn’t help directly, although I heard their career center does provide support if needed.

🌏 Your future plans

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

Yes, I plan to stay in France for now to gain meaningful work experience. Later, I might launch my own project.

What do you like about France? And what not?

I like the people, the art de vivre, and the ability to enjoy the moment without rushing. I dislike the bureaucracy — but I’ve learned to stay calm. I know my rights and my legal status, so I don’t worry too much.

Could you give a piece of advice to future students?

Go study abroad. Even if it’s not what you expected, you can always return — but at least you’ll have tried, grown, and discovered a new side of yourself.