Studying in a historical place : welcome to Esdes Business School

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.

When I chose to study at Esdes, the business school of Lyon Catholic University (UCLy) (to know more you can follow the link https://www.ucly.fr/en/), I didn’t fully realize how much the historical setting would shape my student life. Now, as a first-year student in the Bachelor in Business - International Track, I see how the past blends with the present, influencing my academic journey in unexpected ways. Walking through the corridors of a university founded in 1875, I feel like I am part of something greater, a tradition of knowledge and growth that spans generations. This article is my personal reflection on what it’s like to study in such a historic institution and how it has shaped my perspective.

Studying business in a historical university in Lyon, France

Every day at UCLy is like walking through a living history book. The university buildings, with their grand architecture and old stone facades, remind me that countless students before me have walked the same halls, chasing their dreams just as I do. It’s both humbling and inspiring. Sometimes, I like to imagine what it must have been like to study here a hundred years ago—how different, yet how similar, student life must have been.

What surprises me most is how seamlessly the old and new blend together. I attend modern business courses in rooms with high ceilings and intricate moldings, and I study case studies on digital innovation while sitting in a library filled with ancient books. It’s this contrast that makes UCLy so special to me.

Studying in a historical university changed the way I learn. The whole environment of history around me makes me take my studies so much more seriously—it's not just a matter of passing a degree; it's a matter of adding to this great tradition of learning. I feel this subconscious pressure to push myself, make the most of all the amazing resources I have at my disposal, and honor the academic traditions of the university.

A multicultural school with students from more than 35 nationalities

Being in the International Track at Esdes is like spending time with students from all around the world. With the diversity of cultures, my experience is just so much better. Everyone has their perspective based on where they come from, but we are all working towards the same goal: learning, becoming more, and preparing ourselves for what comes next.

Discussing global business strategies with my fellow students from around the globe is really fascinating, particularly because each one of them has his or her own perspective. Sometimes we even disagree on our opinions, and those arguments really make me think more. Being in such a multicultural setting is certainly one of the highlights of my stay at Esdes.

Learning to be a responsible manager

At Esdes, education isn’t just about textbooks and lectures—it’s about developing as a person. The university’s emphasis on responsible management and sustainability resonates with me. Before coming here, I didn’t think much about the ethical responsibilities of business leaders, but now, I see how important it is to balance profit with positive social impact.

Also, being in Lyon—a city with such deep cultural and historical roots—has added another dimension to my experience. It’s not just about studying in a historic place, but also living in one. Exploring the old streets of Lyon, visiting museums, and even just sitting in a café in Vieux Lyon has given me a new appreciation for history and how it shapes the present.

I had no idea what to expect when I first came to Esdes. I required a good business education, but never thought that the university's history would impact the way I think so deeply. Now, I feel a connection not just to my fellow students, but to those students who came before us. There is a subtle sense of belonging that is created by being in an institution with such a long history of education.

Studying in a historic location has made me reflect greatly on my legacy—what do I want to leave behind? Seeing how UCLy has developed since its inception in 1875 to become a leading international university gives me the conviction that anything can be achieved with time, effort, and the appropriate mindset. It makes me realize that education is not necessarily about individual achievement, but about being part of something bigger than oneself.

Studying at UCLy and Esdes has been more than going to school—it's been a personal and cultural experience that has changed the way I think in ways I never thought would happen. The history of the university enhances my education, enabling me to learn from the past while building my future. Being here makes me want to study harder, think more, and be more grateful for the opportunities I have as a student. If you ever have the opportunity to study at an old university, do it—it's an experience that will transform you.