Student Story: Saketh AEKKA, Audencia Business School, Bachelors in Management

Saketh Aekka, a Bachelor’s in Management student at Audencia Business School, shares his experience studying in France, securing an internship, and adapting to the country’s unique education system.

What motivated you to choose France for your undergraduate eduation?

France wasn’t my first choice. I initially considered the USA, Spain, and then France. However, the US was too expensive, and Spain’s struggling economy made me reconsider. That’s when France became the obvious choice, especially since it is known as an incredibly diverse country, with people from all over the world.

In the past 2–3 years, the Bachelor’s programs in France have gained significant recognition, largely due to strong promotion by country managers and President Macron’s visit to India. This growing popularity, combined with France’s diverse environment and strong academic reputation, convinced me that it was the right place for my studies.

Another key motivation was learning French. I strongly believe that learning a European language adds immense value beyond just monetary benefits. France also offers a great opportunity to build a global network, as students here come from all over the world.

How was the process of selecting a school and adapting to the education system?

The French education system can be quite complex to navigate, especially for international students. Terms like Bac +3, Grandes Écoles, and RNCP were initially confusing. Fortunately, having access to country managers helped me understand the system better and make informed decisions when applying to schools.

I highly recommend thorough research before choosing an institution — some private business schools can be misleading, so it’s essential to look at rankings and accreditation.

The top-ranked private schools can be expensive, but they often offer a great return on investment. Public universities, on the other hand, can be excellent options, especially for students seeking quality education in French.

Can you tell us about your internship experience?

I am currently working as a Change Management and People Analytics Intern at Egis, a a global French company. One of the biggest advantages of studying in France is its robust internship and apprenticeship system, which offers excellent opportunities for professional growth.

I was fortunate to have a strong network from the beginning, which helped me secure this role. Working in a French company has allowed me to develop valuable skills while also improving my French, as I pick up the language from my colleagues daily.

What challenges did you face while settling in?

The biggest challenge I faced was with my school. Many private business schools in France do not always meet the expectations they set online. It’s crucial for international students to do their own research and consider public universities as well.

Other than that, I didn’t face major issues. Contrary to popular belief, France is quite welcoming to international students, as long as you make an effort to learn the language and respect the culture.

What advice would you give to students planning to study in France?

Here are my top three recommendations:
 1️⃣ Learn French before arriving and continue learning once you’re here. It makes a world of difference.
 2️⃣ Thoroughly research your school. Avoid uncertified, misleading institutions. Look for well-ranked private institutions or renowned public universities.
 3️⃣ Embrace the culture! Be ready to turn a little French. Immerse yourself as much as possible.

Moving to France comes with challenges, but it’s incredibly rewarding. The opportunity to learn a new language, gain professional experience, make international friends, and grow personally and professionally is invaluable.

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Saketh’s journey highlights the immense opportunities France offers — from quality education and strong professional networks to cultural immersion. His experience also serves as a reminder that thorough research and adaptability are key to making the most of studying abroad.

For students looking to pursue undergraduate education in France, resources like Classes Internationales provide valuable guidance on choosing accredited programs, understanding the French education system, and integrating smoothly into student life.

Whether you’re considering France for its internship opportunities, global exposure, or language learning, planning ahead and staying informed will set you up for success!