A PROMISING PROGRAM IN THEORY, BUT POORLY DESIGNED FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN PRACTICE.
Avis de Hokawfph_29198 - MSc in International Marketing & Business Development - emlyon business school
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Quel est, selon vous, le principal atout de ce programme ?
Being able to study in multiple countries and be exposed to different educational systems and cultures is undoubtedly enriching, both personally and academically. The semester abroad, in particular, allowed for greater connection with fellow students and improved the overall experience. This kind of mobility is a unique feature and adds a global dimension that can be valuable in today’s job market, provided it is accompanied by adequate support.
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Quelle est, selon vous, la principale faiblesse de ce programme ?
Despite being promoted as an international program, it often fails to provide the necessary resources for non-French-speaking students to succeed—both socially and professionally. Integration into student life is limited, communication and services are often only in French, and the career support appears to benefit mostly French students. For many international participants, this results in isolation and difficulty accessing internships or jobs in France, undermining the program’s promise of global employability.
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Commentaires généraux
Feedback on the Master's Program – Experience as an International Student Overall, I am disappointed with the choice of this Master's program, which was highly promoted as an excellent academic and professional opportunity. I hope my feedback, which reflects not only my experience but also that of several of my fellow international classmates, will be useful in genuinely improving certain aspects of the program. 1. Arrival and Student Support From the moment I arrived in France, I faced logistical difficulties that I believe should not exist in a supposedly international context. It is surprising that the school did not offer on-campus housing or even fixed agreements with nearby student residences. The housing assistance service, presented as a key strength of the school, turned out to be ineffective. When I asked for help, I was told the service was unavailable. I ended up finding everything on my own. The Studapart partnership offers a discount, but the number of available spots is extremely limited, making it almost impossible to access. This left many students, myself included, struggling to find accommodation in an unfamiliar country, with a language we didn’t speak, and often feeling unwelcome. In addition, there was no support regarding the CAF process. Most students had never dealt with this before, and the assistance available was only in French, making it inaccessible for non-French speakers, it could be a nice service that the school can provide. 2. Student Life and Integration A major part of the school's promotional materials and rankings emphasized the quality of student life: events, clubs, sports, networking. Unfortunately, the reality was very different. There is no gym on campus, and sports activities are extremely limited. Just a few weekly classes with restricted access. Most of the clubs, events, and community initiatives are clearly designed for PGE or Bachelor students, leaving MSc students aside, especially during the first semester. I personally felt isolated, in a country where I didn’t know the language and where many local students tended to form closed groups. When I shared my emotional discomfort and sadness, I was told: "Don’t worry, in Stockholm you'll meet students from the other IMBD groups, and it’ll be better." But that meant waiting two more months in a situation that remained unchanged. Only after the semester abroad did things improve, but by then, we had already lost a large portion of the academic year. Also, it’s unfortunate that the four IMBD tracks barely interact before the international week. For the tuition we are paying, I believe the school should take responsibility in fostering integration and student wellbeing, both of which are closely tied to academic performance. 3. Campus and Facilities The campus is modern, centrally located, and the classrooms are spacious and well-equipped. However, there were several issues: The Wi-Fi often didn’t work properly, forcing us to constantly switch networks or use our own data. The cafeteria is extremely overpriced and does not offer healthy or accessible alternatives to packed lunches. After finishing classes at 6 pm, it’s hard to find the energy to cook for the next day, and eating at the cafeteria was simply not sustainable: expensive and unhealthy. This often led me to skip meals altogether. The CROUS canteens offer better pricing, but the long queues and incompatible lunch breaks made them unfeasible. There is no proper student bar or affordable café on campus where students can relax, grab a coffee, or have a drink after class. While we sometimes went to nearby cafés, having a school-managed space would have made a big difference. Lastly, the requirement to badge not only at the entrance but also at the exit of the campus is unnecessary and annoying. It adds no value and only creates daily inconvenience. 4. Physical Activity and Wellbeing The lack of a sports facility on campus was a major limitation, especially considering our busy class schedules, which left little time or flexibility to do sports elsewhere. Some existing campus spaces, such as the ground floor exhibition area or parts of the garden, could easily be repurposed to offer light or recreational sports activities. Physical and mental wellbeing should be an integral part of a modern academic program. 5. Career Opportunities and Support Perhaps the most disappointing aspect was the lack of real career opportunities and connections for international students. One of the main reasons I chose this Master's was its strong reputation for employability, highlighted in all rankings and promotional content. Yet here we are, in June, and I have been looking for an internship since January. I have had only one interview, in my home country, which I found entirely on my own without any help from the school. Most of my international classmates are in the same position. Meanwhile, most French students signed their contracts months ago, often with prestigious companies. This raises a fundamental question: who is this employability promise really for? During career events, the majority of companies clearly stated that they do not hire non-French speakers. The common response was: "We don’t have roles for you in France, maybe try your home country." But if we wanted to go back to our home countries, we wouldn’t have chosen a Master's in France with an international focus. In my meeting with the career counselor, I was only given a strategy: personalize your CV, write custom cover letters… I followed all the advice for months. It didn’t work. What I needed, what we all needed, was for the school to leverage its actual network, to make real introductions, to say to a contact: "I have a student who might be a good fit for you." Instead, I was told: "You can reach out to X." I did. X never replied. And that was the end of the school’s involvement. I expected the school to be more proactive. Without that, the so-called alumni network is just a list of names, not a support system. Final Thoughts This feedback comes from a place of care and involvement. I joined this program full of motivation and high expectations. What I encountered was, in many ways, not aligned with the promises made. In general, I believe this program, perhaps because it is an MSc, missed key opportunities and is not truly designed for international students. Opportunities for non-French speakers are limited, and it often feels like international students do not have access to the same resources or career paths. Is this a good program for French students? Probably. Is it a good program for international students hoping to build a career in France or globally? I don’t think so. The environment is still predominantly French, and international students often don’t benefit from the same level of access or inclusion. That said, I believe that with specific, targeted improvements and a genuine willingness to listen, this Master’s program can get much closer to the high standards it claims to represent.
Évaluation générale - MSc in International Marketing & Business Development à emlyon business school
Moyenne générale
Pédagogie du programme
International
Vie étudiante
Réseau et insertion professionnelle
Retour sur investissement
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310
Contenu académique du programme
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710
Moyens pédagogiques (bibliothèque, WIFI, locaux)
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510
Qualité des professeurs permanents
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510
Qualité des intervenants professionnels extérieurs
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310
Contrôle des connaissances, volume et répartition des cours, travail personnel
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510
Reconnaissance internationale du programme
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310
Accompagnement/aide si départ à l'étranger
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310
Services aux étudiants (orientation, projet pro., scolarité, etc.)
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110
Ambiance, cohésion dans la promo (projets, entraide, loisirs, associations)
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710
Ville étudiante, logement (coût, accès, situation)
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110
Réseau des anciens, contacts professionnels
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310
Qualité du directeur de programme et notoriété de la formation
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110
Stages et aide à l'insertion professionnelle
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310
Êtes-vous globalement satisfait de votre formation ?
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310
Referiez-vous le même choix de formation aujourd’hui ?
