The Master in Strategy & Management of International Business (SMIB) program’s relatively small cohort size creates an environment where students from different countries, academic backgrounds, and professional experiences learn from each other as much as from their professors.

Diverse Perspectives Enhance Learning

“We’re a group of about thirty students from different nationalities and backgrounds, which makes learning even more enriching,” observes Mara Mittelman, a French student who studied in Canada before joining ESSEC Asia-Pacific. This diversity has helped her cultivate a global mindset and cultural adaptability—skills essential for her aspiration to work in corporate strategy.

The diverse cohort profoundly impacted Gong Ke, who had never studied abroad before joining the SMIB program in Singapore.

“Everyone is motivated and open-minded. You grow not just through the curriculum, but through the people around you,” she explains. Having classmates from different countries introduced her to new ways of thinking and approaching problems, expanding her strategic toolkit.

The learning environment is intentionally designed to leverage this diversity through group projects, case studies, and collaborative assignments that require students to work across cultural differences.

Jiaying Jin notes, “One class had us analyze a complex issue from different stakeholder perspectives—an eye-opening experience that completely changed how I approach strategy.”

Building Community Through Shared Experiences

Beyond formal academic programs, SMIB students forge strong community bonds through shared experiences, clubs, and extracurricular activities. These connections create a support network that enhances personal and professional growth.

Mara exemplifies community-building through her founding of the ESSEC APAC Boxing Club.

“It’s a great way to build community, stay active, and promote a sport that has been an important part of my personal and professional development,” she shares.

Alongside two fellow SMIB students, she organizes weekly training sessions that welcome students of all skill levels, creating opportunities for connection beyond the classroom.

Similarly, Gong’s involvement with the Bureau des Étudiants (BDE) helped her integrate into the ESSEC community. Through organizing events that foster cultural exchange and social connection, she found that these experiences “helped me build confidence, especially in English, and made me feel part of a close-knit community.”

These community experiences aren’t just about social connection—they’re also laboratories for developing soft skills like leadership, communication, and collaboration that are essential in professional settings.

Jiaying’s role as Student Representative for her SMIB cohort illustrates this dual benefit. “One challenge has been balancing diverse viewpoints in a small cohort. Everyone’s voice matters, and that can be tricky. So I created a feedback system using Microsoft Forms and WhatsApp to ensure every perspective is heard constructively,” she explains.

Preparing for Global Business Challenges

The diversity of the SMIB program directly prepares students for the realities of global business, where cross-cultural competence is a critical skill. By learning to navigate cultural differences within their cohort, students develop practical skills they can apply in international business settings.

Pauline Richard, whose academic journey took her from a non-target school to ESSEC APAC, highlights how this environment enhances professional development: “The diversity of the faculty and cohort has helped me develop cross-cultural communication skills—something essential in international business.”

Current students who are considering the SMIB program offer advice that emphasizes embracing diversity and stepping outside comfort zones.

Pauline recommends: “Be bold. Don’t be afraid to fail. Talk to your professors, try a new club, message that speaker on LinkedIn. The key is effort—if you want something, go for it. It’s your dedication that will set you apart.”

Jiaying echoes this sentiment, encouraging prospective students to “embrace the discomfort of change. This program will push you out of your comfort zone—but that’s where growth happens. Come with an open mind, and you’ll walk away with knowledge and transformation.”

The SMIB program’s diverse community doesn’t just prepare students for international careers—it transforms them into global citizens with the cultural intelligence, adaptability, and perspective needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected business world.