Studying in France: Three Italian Students Share Their emlyon Experience

Italian Students Find Practical, Career-oriented Learning in France

Postgraduate study in France can offer an extensive range of benefits: affordable, practical learning within innovative programs, English-taught options, cultural immersion, extensive internships, and significant research opportunities, leading to high employability and post-study work permits. Students gain international experience and strong career prospects for working in France or across Europe and beyond. Three native Italian students talk about their choice to undertake a master’s program in France. These emlyon business school students, Pietro Maglione, Carola Rosso, and Paolo Birolini candidly share their motivations, surprises, and advice.

Why Study in France?

Many Italians choose to study in France to experience hands-on learning within a more career-oriented academic system. While education in Italy tends to emphasize theoretical knowledge, in France, the theory was accompanied by real-life case studies and practical coursework. 

“I chose France for my studies because I needed to try a different approach, a more practical and realistic way to understand the economy,” says Pietro.

Carola, who had already studied in France and Canada, echoed that interest. “I decided that I wanted to pursue my studies in a system that places more emphasis on applied learning… That’s why I chose to come to France.”

For Paolo, who pursued a Master of Science (MSc) in Luxury Management and Marketing, the match was career-driven: “Paris and Milan are the two most important cities in the world for this field… that made Paris the ideal place for me.”

Why Did They Choose emlyon business school? 

These Italian students cite the quality, the international experience, and career direction as deciding factors. In addition, emlyon ranks 4th among French business schools by Le Figaro Étudiant and is the 10th best business school in Europe by the Financial Times in 2025. 

“I really liked the international structure… and emlyon has a strong reputation globally,” states Paolo.

As part of the globally-focused curriculum, students begin their program in Lyon or Paris, depending on the program they select. They then participate in a week-long international seminar within Europe, along with a semester abroad at a partner university. 

“This school has a really good quality of learning, and its focus is on how to apply this knowledge in the job market,” explains Pietro.

The Career Center at emlyon business school prepares students as well as alumni for the next steps in their professional life, offering three areas of support to emlyon students. The Career Center hosts career workshops, personalized coaching, and digital tools, coordinates job and internship offers from partner companies, and organizes these companies to visit campus for forums and conferences. In fact, the emlyon Career Center frequently hosts multiple career events every month. 

Lyon vs Paris: Dynamic but Different

One of emlyon’s advantages is its presence in two major French cities. While Lyon bubbles with human-scale charm, Paris pulses with global energy.

Life in Lyon

Pietro describes Lyon as vibrant and welcoming. “The campus is alive… There are always events that help you learn more about the Lyon ecosystem and the work world,” he says. “There are a lot of activities and events directed to young people that permit us to be integrated into the French reality.”

Carola describes Lyon as “a big city with all the commodities and cultural life, but with the perks of a smaller city, where you can go anywhere by bike.”

Lyon is home to emlyon’s main campus, which spans 30,000 square meters, and acts as a hub for learning and networking. However, students recommend going beyond campus to immerse themselves in the local community, experience French culture, and build a wider network.

Life in Paris

Paolo shares a different but equally positive experience on emlyon’s Paris campus. “Paris is just amazing! It’s a melting pot of cultures… events, nightlife… It’s the perfect city to live in!”

The Paris campus occupies 5,500 square meters in the center of the French capital, near the Gare de Lyon. Paolo appreciated the smaller campus. “It allows you to easily connect with people and build a community.”

Each study program is linked to one of the two cities. Students experience different benefits from each of these rich global cities; the big city energy of Paris or a smaller town with a close-knit community feel like Lyon. 

Adapting to Life in France, with emlyon Support

The transition to French culture is all part of the emlyon experience. The school’s student-run events helped these students expand themselves through their dedicated international student office. Hosting many student associations (including one dedicated to international students), events run all year long, such as wine tasting, parties, ski trips, gatherings, and an international week.

Pietro recalls feeling welcomed early on,  “The best events were those at the beginning of the year, when I felt privileged and happy to be part of the emlyon family.”

Paolo found emlyon’s International Welcome Day especially helpful: “It allowed me to meet international students and start building friendships from day one.”

Carola echoes the immediate impression of inclusion and belonging, “The integration day… made me feel part of the community.”

Such events help Italian students in France build networks and feel anchored in their new environment.

The Joys of Studying in France

A major reason Italian students choose to study in France is the difference in teaching approach. However, further benefits emerged as they pursued their programs.

Pietro highlights the clear contrast with Italy:  “Here [in France], the way to study is [to] learn by doing.”

Carola was pleasantly surprised by the structure of assessments, mainly taking the guesswork out of preparation: “Exams are mainly on what is being said in class and on group projects.” 

Paolo enjoyed the pace of study. Instead of working toward periodic exams, “there are continuous assessments, exams, essays, and presentations almost every week, which I find much more dynamic and effective,” he says. These features propelled the course and kept students motivated and on track.

In addition, both socially and culturally, there were a number of pleasant surprises. 

Carola enjoyed the strong student culture, explaining that in France, “students can spend many hours in their [student] association village working on side projects.”

Pietro says that in general, “France is very similar to Italy… It’s the perfect mix for discovering new horizons without being overwhelmed.” 

In combination, this meant that the Italian students soon felt at home in France. 

Advice for Italians Considering Studying in France

Each student had practical, personal advice for future Italian applicants.

“Do not hesitate to ask questions and contact those who you believe have the information you are looking for,” recommends Pietro. 

Carola reassures students who fear missing the comforts of home. “Do not hesitate to come to France… it is full of Italian restaurants and grocery shops with real Italian products!”

Paolo offers the boldest message.  “Just go! Don’t let fear or hesitation hold you back. Carpe diem!”

These three current students are glowing with praise for their adopted home during their studies. Reach out to more Italian emlyon alumni if you have questions about studying in France.

Final Thoughts on Study in France at emlyon

For Italian students looking to study in France, emlyon business school offers a compelling mix of experiential learning, supportive student services, and rich lifestyles across Lyon and Paris. As these students show, the experience not only opens professional doors but also offers a holistic transformation, academically, culturally, and personally.

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