A look back at emlyon's International Week 2024
In October 2024, emlyon business school hosted its much-anticipated International Week, a celebration of cultural diversity and international studies. Held from October 14th to 18th, the week brought together French and international students, the faculty, and international partner universities to immerse themselves in a series of activities and conferences designed to highlight the importance of international experiences in education and careers.
Organized in collaboration with the International Relations Department (DRI), the Mobility Department, the Scholarships Department, the International Student Office, the Career Center, the Bureau des Internationaux (BDI) and the Global BBA Student Office, this themed week provided insights into studying and working abroad. From workshops and conferences to social events, the program aimed to enrich the global outlook of emlyon's students, while also celebrating the diversity of its international community.
A week of cultural exchange and global insights
The International Week was packed with engaging events designed to inform and inspire students about the wealth of international opportunities available at emlyon. For French students, it was a chance to explore study abroad options and learn about the benefits of global experiences. For international students, the week provided critical advice on navigating French culture, pursuing career opportunities, and building their networks.
The event kicked off with the International Students Fair, held in the heart of emlyon's campus: the “coeur battant”, the main event space designed to welcome up to 1,500 participants. The fair showcased the cultural diversity of emlyon's exchange students, with lively stands representing partner universities.
Highlights from International Week 2024
International Students Fair
The fair was a central highlight, providing a forum where international students showcased their cultures and shared experiences from their home countries.
Participants explored cultural stands, learned about partner universities, and interacted with representatives from emlyon's International Relations Department, Mobility Team, and other essential support services. These services provided valuable information on exchange programs, mobility funding, and practical steps for studying abroad. The event featured "incomings" students presenting their countries and universities, while the Shanghai campus was represented by Nikola Zivlac. The Career Center and the International Student Office were also on hand to discuss professional opportunities abroad and departure formalities, such as insurance and scholarships.
Career Center Webinar: Working in France – Intercultural Tips for Success
The week started with a webinar hosted by Nadia Crobeddu, who shared valuable insights on French business culture. International students learned how to navigate intercultural differences and avoid common mistakes when entering the French job market.
Events organized by student associations
In collaboration with Sup de Cotteau, the Bureau des Internationaux – the student association for international promotion and integration – organized an international oenology class. It introduced students to French wines and the art of wine tasting. The Sup de Cotteau student association teaches the basics of wine tasting, a cornerstone of French culture, offering key technical insights and encouraging participants to share their impressions in a fun, educational atmosphere.
The Bureau des Internationaux regularly collaborates with other student associations to offer events in English, accessible to international students.
The Global BBA Student Association organized the Global Duo event this year, aimed at pairing French and international students to create a mentoring system for the Global BBA students.
International Students Coffee
This gathering allowed students to meet the International Student Officeteam over coffee, gain a better understanding of its missions and role within the school. International students had the opportunity to discuss their integration into French life, from setting up bank accounts to healthcare and mental well-being.
Career Center webinar: working in France on a daily basis
This practical webinar focused on the realities of working in France, covering topics such as communication styles, workplace etiquette, and local labor laws. The session, accessible to students from all programs, helped international students better understand how to succeed in the French professional environment.
Shanghai Campus Webinar
This event provided insights into the intercampus mobility program with emlyon's Shanghai campus. Students learned about the academic and cultural benefits of spending a semester in one of the world's most dynamic cities.
Career Center webinar: "First job in Europe"
This webinar provided an opportunity for international students to learn practical steps and cultural insights needed to secure their first job in Europe. Led by an experienced former recruitment consultant, this one-hour session offered tailored advice for business students, recent graduates, and anyone interested in the European job market. With an interactive Q&A segment, attendees could ask questions and receive personalized guidance, making it a valuable resource for navigating the challenges of finding employment in Europe.
Alumni Employability World Tour – Spain
The week ended on a high note with a webinar featuring emlyon alumni working in Spain. Participants gained valuable tips on building careers in Spain, its cultural specificities, exploring the Spanish job market, and expanding their professional networks.
A successful celebration of global education
The success of International Week 2024 was evident in the high participation rates and the positive feedback from students. The week provided a platform for emlyon's international community to shine, with students acting as ambassadors for their countries and cultures. The International Students Fair, in particular, was praised for its lively atmosphere and engaging cultural displays. Students also had to chance to ask all their questions about studying abroad.
"The International Fair was a great success, giving our international students the opportunity to be true ambassadors of their countries and universities," said Emilie Landuré, Head of the International Mobility Team. "The audience was exceptional, and we are thrilled with the rich and stimulating interactions that took place throughout the event. A special thanks to all the students! We would also like to sincerely thank the entire school staff, as well as our external partners, whose contributions were essential to the success and vibrancy of this exchange. This edition of the International Fair perfectly reflects the spirit of openness and sharing that we encourage at emlyon business school”.
The event also featured external partners such as OnlyLyon, Heyme, Lyon International, and Erasmus Place, whose contributions were instrumental in ensuring students had access to the resources they needed for their international mobility plans.
We look forward to welcoming even more students next year as we continue to foster an international spirit at emlyon business school!
