Paris made Bianca more confident in applying for international jobs

It was both the courses offered and the destination in itself that made Bianca choose the Institut de Gestion Sociale in Paris, France.  

– I wanted to learn more about the role played by human resources in mergers and acquisitions, consulting, and about labour laws. As France is a country were a lot of strikes take place every year, I thought it would be interesting to learn from local HR professionals how they manage negotiations with the unions, she says. 

Once there, she studied subjects like HR and global business, international legal issues, and the HR function from an international perspective. An attractive aspect of the Institut de Gestion Sociale was that several of the teachers were HR professionals themselves. 

– All professors were not academics but HR professionals that worked in companies or as consultants. That way they could provide students with real life cases and practical advice.  

A change of culture – both rewarding and challenging 

Bianca Peresani really appreciated the possibility of immersing in a different culture, and especially in such an international setting as Paris. During the exchange she got to meet and collaborate with people that had different backgrounds and life experiences from her.  

But a change of culture can also be challenging, she says. As many people in Paris don't speak English there was sometimes an initial language barrier to overcome. She also required some time to adapt to the educational system, which is quite different from the Swedish one. For example, the verbal tradition is evident. 

– All the information about exams, tasks and the date by which we had to complete them was given verbally so we had to remember it. But all this is part of the cultural experience, so it was quite fun at the end. 

Shared flats are easier to find 

Finding accommodation was another thing Bianca struggled with. She discovered too late that hosts were refusing her application because the minimum length of a rental contract is six months, and she was applying for four. In the end the only accommodation she was able to find, last minute, was a shared flat outside the city center. 

I strongly recommend students staying less than six months not to look for individual apartments, but for shared ones, as they are easier to find.

– I strongly recommend students staying less than six months not to look for individual apartments, but for shared ones, as they are easier to find. For those staying six months or more there are very good student accommodations, similar to SGS, in different areas of Paris. But you have to apply around April–May as they are assigned very quickly.  

Although it made her spend a bit more time commuting than she would have liked, in the end Bianca says she was satisfied with her accommodation.  

– My housemate was the nicest person ever and we had a great time. And the positive aspects of not living in the city center is that supermarkets and shops in general are way cheaper, and if you're near a major subway line you can go anywhere very quickly and without it being super crowded.  

A real boost for her professional confidence 

Bianca Peresani left Paris feeling more confident in her ability to engage and interact in an intercultural setting. She also says it has improved her organizational and analytical skills, and she has become better at creatively developing ideas and presenting them in a convincing way to an audience.  

I feel like my chances of finding the job I’m looking for have exponentially increased because of it.

– I feel like my chances of finding the job I’m looking for have exponentially increased because of it. I have gained more knowledge in my field of study and improved specific skills which make me feel more confident in applying for jobs in other countries. 

Bianca's best tips for students going to Paris 

1. Be interested in the country, its history, culture, and people. If you can, visit your course mates in their hometowns and try the local products. 

2. Paris is a big city. You must be careful with your belongings and be patient while moving from one place to another – it can take some time. 

3. Socialize! There's an association called “Paris Erasmus Life” that organizes free tours and social events around the city. These events are great for meeting new people and making friends. They also organize one- or three-day journeys around France and neighboring countries for prices affordable to students. Visit their Instagram here.  

4. Try to find accommodation close to your university. As mentioned above, moving around such a big city takes time, and it can be very tiring after a while.  

5. Download the local transport app and be on the lookout for strikes or other disturbances; there are areas of the city you don’t want to be stuck in after midnight. I'd recommend anyone to also try alternative transportation, like bicycles or scooters.  

6. Save some money before you go! France and Paris are so beautiful and although some things are free or cheaper if you are under 26, some of the must-sees, like Versailles and the Opera, are not. The Erasmus grant gives you an advantage, but it is not enough to live in Paris while also exploring the surroundings.  

7. Find a flat as soon as possible but beware of scams. Take your time in accessing that the landlady/landlord and flat really exist – check if they are on social media, ask for a video call of the apartment and try to see if anyone can visit it to have a proper look.