Studying abroad might promise adventures, but ask any international student if they have any worries; the answer is likely culture shock.
Student Ambassador Mingyue Ma was the same.
The Chinese national had done an exchange program in Thailand and summer school in London during her undergraduate years, but joining the MSc in Marketing Management and Digital (MMD) program would be the first time she had lived overseas for an extended time.
Her concerns were quickly put to rest thanks to the inclusivity and diversity at ESSEC Asia-Pacific.
Experiencing Different Cultures
“ESSEC’s focus on fostering a welcoming and inclusive community played a crucial role in helping me adjust and feel a sense of belonging,” Mingyue shares.
She cites campus-wide events such as the ESSEC Global Village—where students enjoyed delicious food and games from their friends’ countries and learned about each other’s cultures—as a critical platform for her to meet the rest of the cohort.
As everyone on campus is also an international student, the motivation to mingle is high, and students often organize smaller group outings to explore Singapore together.
A particularly memorable one for Mingyue was when her classmates arranged a hike at Macritchie Reservoir.
Excitedly, she says: “My classmates were hot and considerate, helping me when I encountered difficulties during the hike. We got to know each other better during this walk, and I got to know my best friend here in Singapore from this outing!”
Tapping On Diverse Perspectives to Learn
Fellow Student Ambassador Kanishka Shivaram from India adds that fitting in is also easier because the MMD program involves a lot of group work.
“We work in small teams of five or six, which vary for different projects, so we work with almost everyone in the cohort by the end of term,” she explains.
“This helped us break the ice, make new friends, and form lasting relationships.”
To Kanishka, the emphasis on collaboration and teamwork also shows how “the school appreciates different perspectives, accommodates people from diverse cultures, and encourages the free exchange of ideas.”
This approach’s benefits go beyond allowing international students to feel welcome—it also offers new perspectives that can enhance learning.
Mingyue agrees. “I believe the exposure to diverse viewpoints and problem-solving approaches is invaluable, equipping me to thrive in today’s global business landscape,” she testifies.
Enjoying the Best of East and West
Reflecting on their time thus far at the MMD program, Kanishka and Mingyue reiterate that although many will cite Singapore’s safety and business reputation as reasons to come to ESSEC Asia-Pacifc, they believe that diversity, too, should be a key pull factor.
“ESSEC Asia-Pacific offers the best of both worlds,” Kanishka emphasizes. “There is a balance of exposure to the European way of teaching but a strong focus on Asia in the modules. I also get to interact with peers from all over the world.”
Their advice to those considering the MMD program is that it is a top choice for anyone looking to carve out a marketing career in the global world.
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