Swathi’s passion for French culture and language, ignited during her two years at Alliance française de Bangalore, played a significant role in shaping her academic journey. When the opportunity to pursue an MBA presented itself, France emerged as the perfect destination.
Beyond the cultural connection, France offered several advantages. French universities boasted significantly lower tuition fees compared to other European countries. Additionally, France’s position as a frontrunner in Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which aligned perfectly with Swathi’s area of interest, solidified her decision.
A graduate of the International MBA from Audencia, Nantes, Swathi Rao shares her journey as an Indian student in France.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what motivated you to pursue your MBA in France?
I’ve always been fascinated by French language and culture. I studied French for two years at the Alliance Française de Bangalore. So, when the opportunity to pursue an MBA came up, I naturally gravitated toward France. The tuition fees for French universities are also more affordable compared to other European countries. Moreover, France is a leading country in Europe when it comes to advocating for sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR), which aligned perfectly with my focus area. However, the selection process wasn’t easy. I was looking for a city with a reasonable cost of living and affordable tuition fees.
I had a strong interest in studying both sustainability and luxury brand management, but the universities offering these courses were quite expensive. Finding the right balance between quality education and affordability was challenging.
What was your language proficiency when you moved to France, and how important was it for your experience?
I had a B1 level in French when I arrived, and it was definitely helpful. Knowing the language, even at an intermediate level, made a significant difference in my daily interactions and navigating administrative procedures. I would highly recommend learning the language if you’re planning to study or work in France.
You mentioned your focus on sustainability. Could you share more about your current role and how it ties into that?
Currently, I work as a Project Lead, where I’m responsible for delivering documentation and support for over six product ranges in more than 14 languages. I manage stakeholders across Europe, China, and the US. Our product portfolio revolves around energy conservation, effective consumption, and sustainability, so my work aligns closely with my passion for promoting sustainability in business practices.
I had a B1 level in French when I arrived, and it was definitely helpful. Knowing the language, even at an intermediate level, made a significant difference in my daily interactions and navigating administrative procedures. I would highly recommend learning the language if you’re planning to study or work in France.
Do you have any advice for students considering studying in France?
France is rich in culture and history, and it’s a beautiful, student-friendly country. Each city offers something unique, and the transportation facilities are extremely convenient with plenty of discounts and rebates for students. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the administrative processes can be quite challenging for international students. But if you know the language, it will definitely help you navigate through those challenges more smoothly.
Swathi’s journey highlights both the opportunities and challenges faced by international students pursuing higher education in France. While proficiency in the French language significantly enhances the experience, administrative hurdles can pose difficulties. There remains an opportunity for educational institutions and career services to provide more tailored support to international students, particularly in helping them integrate smoothly into the French professional landscape. By bridging these gaps, France could further position itself as a top destination for global talent.
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