From lectures to the Alpine slopes: a semester abroad at IPAG Business School in France

Maria Malkina, a student at the HSE Graduate School of Business (Business Administration program), shares her vivid impressions of a semester abroad in France. Studying in English, skiing in the Alps, a vibrant student life, and travels across Europe — this experience became truly unforgettable for her.

I attended a French school from first grade, and since then I had dreamed of studying in France. I set a goal to make that dream come true — and I did everything I could to make it happen.

When I found out I could spend a semester in Nice, I didn’t hesitate for a second. France had always seemed to me like a country with a special charm, and the chance to study on the Côte d’Azur felt like something out of a movie. But in reality, it turned out to be even better than I had imagined.

Studying in English: Not as scary as it seems!
At first, I thought, “How will I manage? Everything is in English!” But within the first week I realized — it’s absolutely doable. The key is to stop being shy and start speaking. Even if you make mistakes — it’s okay. The professors at IPAG were incredibly open and supportive: they always explained the material in a way that everyone could understand. The fact that the lectures were delivered by professors from different countries — Ireland, Germany, France — made the process even more engaging. Each class felt like a small window into another culture.

Every class came with a presentation, which really helped in preparing for exams. If you attend the lectures and participate in discussions, you won’t have any problems passing.

Ski Trip: A Dream Come True
I’ve loved skiing and snowboarding since childhood. For me, the mountains are a special feeling of freedom. So when IPAG organized a week of skiing in the Alps, I was over the moon. Honestly, it became the highlight of the whole semester. We didn’t just ski — we lived together like a team: throwing parties, having dinners after long days on the slopes, sharing stories. That feeling of unity and energy is impossible to put into words. When you're speeding down a slope with snow-covered peaks around you, you realize just how much your life has changed in just a few months.

Life Beyond the Classroom: New Friends and Bright Days
IPAG really knows how to create an atmosphere. Charity events, student parties, networking meetups — all of it helped us connect with people from all over the world. I made friends not only from France but also from Germany, Italy, and Spain — and that’s priceless.

And of course, the travel! Nice is so well located that on weekends you can visit Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and other European cities. We often traveled by car — I have a driver’s license — together with Maria Khmeleva, who was also studying at IPAG through HSE’s mobility program. We visited Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, Menton, Èze, went to Florence, Venice, and even to small, authentic coastal towns along the French Riviera. Every trip was its own story, and now all of them are a part of my life.

I’m endlessly grateful to my home school, HSE Graduate School of Business, for this opportunity. This semester changed me: I became more confident, expanded my horizons, and truly experienced what student life in Europe feels like.

If you ever get the chance — take it. It’s not just studying, it’s an experience that will stay with you forever.