Studying abroad experience

Yulianna Poroshyna is an international student who came to France, at Esdes Business School to study in our Bachelor in Business. This is her vision of studying at our school.

Moving from Kyiv, the vibrant capital of Ukraine, to Lyon was like stepping into a new chapter of my life — one filled with excitement, uncertainty, and endless possibilities. It wasn’t just about adapting to a different educational system; it was about discovering a new culture, forming friendships with people from around the world, and testing the limits of my resilience.

Back home, I often heard my friends talk about their long commutes to university, sometimes over an hour and a half. Now, my journey takes just twenty minutes. It’s a small difference, but one that reminds me daily of how much my life has changed.

Getting into a French business school

In Ukraine, getting into university is all about standardized test scores (VNO) — a clear, transparent process. In France, the application journey is more complex: preparing a dossier, writing a motivation letter, and competing for a limited number of spots. I still remember the nervous anticipation as I waited for ESDES’s response. When the acceptance letter finally arrived, my heart swelled with pride. At that moment, I knew I was about to embark on a journey that would reshape not only my education but also my perspective on life.

Studying at Esdes Business School

Now, as a first-year student at ESDES in Lyon, studying here is unlike anything I have experienced before. The focus isn’t just on memorizing theories but on applying knowledge through practical projects and teamwork. Group projects have become one of my favorite parts of the curriculum. They’ve taught me how to listen, compromise, and collaborate — skills that go beyond the classroom. I’ll admit, adapting to this approach wasn’t easy at first. But with each project, I’ve gained confidence in my ability to communicate and think critically.

ESDES turned me into a student, created the feeling that there are as many hours in a day as I wish, and - the "superpower" of sleeping wherever you want! I am constantly building myself, I try to allocate time for all things. My home ESDES provides me with the ability to think logically, as you know, it is not possible to know everything. I wish my alma mater to continue being a pioneer in higher education in France, to support its students and provide them with many new opportunities!

The beginning of the academic year at the university always surprises first-year students with its exceptional originality and makes them feel independent to the fullest. A week have passed entirely unnoticed by everyone due to the time when the freshers with a sinking heart entered the class for the first lecture. Besides lectures in the first week, we were made to see the history of the faculty and the university and talked about the prospects.

One experience that stands out taught me a valuable lesson about teamwork and perseverance. During a group project with tight deadlines and diverse opinions, tensions occasionally rose. I learned that patience, clear communication, and empathy are essential when working with others. By finding common ground and supporting each other, we not only completed the project successfully but also built strong relationships. This experience showed me that challenges are opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.

Living and studying in Lyon, France

Lyon itself has quickly become more than just a city to me — it feels like a second home. I love wandering through the narrow streets of Vieux Lyon, climbing Fourvière Hill to take in the city lights, and savoring the simple joy of a coffee at a local café. I’ll never forget my first ride on the Ferris wheel at Place Bellecour or the magic of watching fireworks on July 14th — moments that made me feel like I truly belonged. Of course, there were tough days, too. I missed home and sometimes felt the weight of loneliness. But over time, I learned to see these challenges as part of my growth. They taught me to rely on myself and discover strengths I didn’t know I had.

Living in France, a global experience

One of the most rewarding parts of studying abroad has been meeting people from different countries. Conversations with classmates from Spain, Italy, and China have opened my eyes to new traditions and perspectives. Yet, despite our diverse backgrounds, I’ve realized how much we have in common. This experience has made me more open-minded and empathetic, helping me connect with others on a deeper level.

Living in France has also taught me the importance of balance. Unlike the fast-paced, study-centric culture I was used to, French students emphasize finding harmony between academics and personal life. This mindset has helped me improve my time management and appreciate the value of relaxation, making me more focused and motivated.

Studying abroad is about so much more than earning a degree. It’s a journey toward independence, self-discovery, and confidence. Each challenge is a steppingstone, pushing you to step outside your comfort zone and realize what you’re truly capable of. If someone asked me whether it’s worth taking this leap, my answer would be a resounding yes. After all, it’s not just about where you study — it’s about the person you become along the way. And while my journey is far from over, I know that every new experience will bring me closer to the future I’m striving to create.

Q&A

Why did you decide to move from Kyiv to Lyon?

Moving to Lyon was an opportunity to experience a new culture, meet people from around the world, and challenge myself in a different educational system.

How is the university admission process in France different from Ukraine?

In Ukraine, admission is based on standardized test scores (VNO), while in France, it requires preparing a dossier, writing a motivation letter, and competing for a limited number of spots.

What was your reaction when you received your acceptance letter from ESDES?

I felt an overwhelming sense of pride because I knew this opportunity would reshape my education and perspective on life.

How is studying at ESDES different from your previous education?

There is more focus on practical learning, teamwork, and applying knowledge rather than just memorizing theories.

Can you share an experience that taught you an important lesson?

During a group project with tight deadlines, I learned the importance of patience, clear communication, and empathy when working with others. This experience showed me that challenges are opportunities for growth.

How has living in Lyon changed your daily life?

Compared to the long commutes my friends experienced in Ukraine, my daily journey to university now takes just twenty minutes. This small change reflects how much my life has transformed.

What do you enjoy most about living in Lyon?

I love exploring Vieux Lyon, climbing Fourvière Hill for the city lights, enjoying coffee at local cafés, and experiencing events like fireworks on July 14th.

What challenges have you faced while studying abroad, and how did you overcome them?

Missing home and feeling lonely were difficult at times, but these challenges taught me to rely on myself, build resilience, and appreciate my personal growth.

How has studying abroad influenced your perspective on other cultures?

Meeting people from Spain, Italy, and China has shown me that, despite our differences, we share many similarities. This experience has made me more open-minded and empathetic.

What lessons have you learned from the lifestyle in France?

French students emphasize balancing studies and personal life, which has helped me improve my time management and understand the importance of relaxation.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying abroad?

I would wholeheartedly recommend it because studying abroad is not just about earning a degree — it’s about discovering who you are and gaining confidence to face the unknown.