Nestled in the heart of Singapore’s one-north district—often referred to as the city-state’s “Silicon Valley”—ESSEC’s Asia-Pacific campus has evolved into a thriving educational ecosystem since its establishment in 2005. With its strategic location as a gateway to Asia, the campus has become a melting pot of cultures and ideas, attracting students seeking academic excellence and a global perspective.
A Strategic Choice for International Education
For many students, choosing ESSEC’s Singapore campus represents a calculated decision that balances practical considerations with ambitious global aspirations.
“I chose ESSEC’s Asia-Pacific campus in Singapore as a strategic choice. Being close to home allowed me to maintain a strong connection with my roots, while also providing the opportunity to build a substantial professional network,” explains Isabelle Wijaya, who joined the Global Bachelor of Business Administration (GBBA) program after completing high school in Indonesia.
The campus offered unique benefits for local students, such as Mohamed Asad, who transitioned from engineering to business. “As I’d like to pay for my studies, staying close to family was more financially sensible,” he shares. However, the campus’s international character was equally important: “ESSEC stood out as its cohort was more diverse.”
Singapore’s position as a leading business center creates exceptional opportunities for internships and professional experiences that complement classroom learning. “I recently completed my internship at Clarins as a marketing assistant,” Victoire Le Roy shares. “This experience gave me much more confidence in managing projects independently and taking initiative.”
Cultural Immersion in a Global City
With an annual intake of 950 students representing 46 countries across six programs, the campus creates a rich multicultural environment that prepares students for global careers.
“When you grow up meeting people from different cultures, it becomes ingrained in your mindset to be more open-minded and quickly adapt,” Mohamed notes.
Moving to Singapore presents exciting challenges for international students, such as Victoire from France. “Stepping into the unknown was initially daunting, but it was the best way to build adaptability and resilience,” she reflects.
Her journey of independence has led to remarkable personal achievements, including completing the Singapore Half Marathon—a testament to her determination to take on new challenges and push her personal boundaries.
Beyond the Classroom: A Vibrant Campus Life
With 16 student organizations spanning sports, arts, volunteerism, and professional development, ESSEC Asia-Pacific provides ample opportunities for students to pursue their interests and develop leadership skills.
“Since joining the Singapore campus, I’ve taken on the role of Communication Manager for the ESSEC Asia-Pacific Student Council. With a small, close-knit cohort, student life here is vibrant,” shares Victoire.
These experiences create lasting memories among the diverse student body. “During our induction week, we had a fantastic race across Singapore. It was great to see it from the perspective of my peers,” recalls Mohamed.
Personal Transformation Through Global Exposure
The most significant benefit of studying at ESSEC’s Asia-Pacific campus is the personal growth from navigating new cultural contexts.
“Living in Singapore has made me significantly more independent. My curiosity has intensified, and I’m constantly seeking new experiences,” reflects Victoire. “The experiences outside the classroom have been equally transformative as my formal studies.”
For students considering ESSEC’s Asia-Pacific campus, Victoire offers powerful advice: “Always embrace new challenges! Business isn’t just about theoretical knowledge; it’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, seizing opportunities, and learning through real-world experience.”
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