Studying abroad isn’t just about lectures and exams. It’s about stepping into a new culture, seeing how the world works from a different angle, and growing in ways you never expected. For many international students at ESSEC Asia-Pacific, studying in Singapore has been a game-changer. Here’s how:

1. From classmates to cultural crash course

At ESSEC Asia-Pacific, no two classroom discussions are the same because no two students bring the same worldview. With peers hailing from over 40 countries, learning happens beyond lectures. Group projects, lunchtime chats, and late-night brainstorms turn into mini cultural exchanges.

Students learn to listen, communicate across differences, and embrace perspectives they hadn’t previously considered. It’s a masterclass in empathy and global collaboration.

2. Asia up close and in motion

As ESSEC student Olivia Gunawan points out, studying in Singapore gives students a front-row seat to Asia’s rise. Singapore isn’t just a city-state; it’s a launchpad into the region’s fastest-growing economies.

ESSEC students don’t just read about emerging tech or green finance. They witness it in real-time. Guest lectures, site visits, and internships open their eyes to how innovation and business are shaped here. Asia isn’t following global trends. It’s setting them.

3. Sink-or-swim moments

Living abroad comes with plenty of “firsts”- first time navigating an unfamiliar subway system, first time celebrating a holiday without family, first time getting truly lost (and finding your way back). These small yet significant moments teach independence and resilience.

Many students arrive unsure if they’ll manage. By the end of their program, they’re mentoring newcomers, leading group projects, and planning weekend trips to places they’d only seen on a map. Growth isn’t always glamorous but it’s always worth it.

4. Easy access to the region

Singapore isn’t just globally connected. It’s student-friendly in every sense. Safe streets, reliable public transport, efficient systems, and access to neighboring countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand make it an ideal home base.

As Olivia suggested, this point is distinct from Singapore’s business appeal. It’s about quality of life. That day-to-day convenience makes a big difference for students juggling classes, internships, and travel. It allows them to explore, take risks, and say “yes” to opportunities they might otherwise avoid.

What we carry with us

Studying at ESSEC Asia-Pacific is more than a degree. It’s a transformation. Students leave with sharper business skills, yes but also with broader minds, braver hearts, and a deeper understanding of their role in a global community. The lessons learned in and out of the classroom stay with them, long after graduation day.