A one-of-a-kind experience at IPAG Business School
Review by Anastasia Shlapak, Bachelor’s Student in “Marketing and Market Analytics” — Spring Semester 2021–2022 Exchange Program
Hi there!
If you’re currently thinking whether to go on exchange or not, here’s a quick answer: YES!
Now let me tell you more about my experience in Paris, at IPAG Business School, and what the exchange was like overall.
On Exchange in General:
Let’s start with the big picture — the idea of an international exchange itself.
Before applying, I hesitated for a long time. Do I really need this? Couldn’t I boost my career in a simpler, cheaper way? Maybe. But career aside… the exchange turned out to be an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience you simply can’t replicate in any other way. So what made it so uniquely great?
A) +100000 points to independence
Applying for a visa, booking flights, dealing with bureaucracy — not exactly glamorous, but incredibly useful. After this, no organizational challenge seems scary!
B) A unique chance to travel
With a Schengen visa, 65 European countries suddenly became accessible. Of course, it’s impossible to visit them all in one semester, but prioritizing is key! In five months I visited:
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Germany (Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich)
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Belgium (Brussels)
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Italy (Milan)
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Monaco
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Portugal (Lisbon, Porto, Sintra)
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All over France (Nice, Villefranche, Beaulieu, Lille, Strasbourg, Honfleur, Deauville, Mont-Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, Étretat, Annecy, Versailles, Giverny)
Total: 6 countries, 20+ cities!
C) Level up your soft skills
Yes, you’ll be in unfamiliar surroundings, maybe with only one or two other HSE students around. How do you adapt? You’ll find out — and grow from it!
D) Language practice (and maybe even sign language)
I didn’t speak a word of French, so I had to rely on English — which is generally fine in Paris. In smaller cities, however, some charades and “crocodile games” came in handy.
E) Cultural immersion
No need to explain this one. Living in another culture, hearing different perspectives, and seeing new ways of life — it opens your mind like nothing else.
F) A huge plus for your CV
Originally, this was my main reason to apply — and it’s definitely a valuable one. But in the end, it turned out to be just one of many amazing benefits.
About Paris
"See Paris and die." That says it all!
Honestly, I didn’t expect to love it. I thought it would be overhyped, too polished, too cliché. But in reality, I fell for it completely — it’s lively, complex, endlessly beautiful.
In Paris, all EU students under 26 (that’s us!) can visit state museums for free. And believe me, there’s so much more than just the Louvre. My favorites:
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Musée d'Orsay – an incredible collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art
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Musée de l'Orangerie – a small gem with Monet’s Water Lilies
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MAD (Musée des Arts Décoratifs) – always intriguing temporary exhibitions (I saw one on Thierry Mugler!)
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Rodin Museum – the museum itself is as beautiful as its art
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Perrotin Gallery – part of the global network of cutting-edge galleries
And so much more!
Only real downside? The prices.
Eating out starts from €10 — usually €15–20 for a main dish. But water is always free in restaurants, and supermarkets have a great variety of food, so I actually learned to enjoy cooking! A monthly metro pass costs €75. I spent about €20–30 on groceries every few days.
About IPAG Business School
The main highlight of IPAG? Its location.
The university buildings are in the best areas of Paris:
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Bd St-Germain
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Rue du Dragon (Latin Quarter)
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Rue du Théâtre (20-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower)
As for the classes — they were fun and pretty easy. On one seminar, for instance, we analyzed Lady Gaga’s success strategy.
I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who helped convince me to go on exchange. I hope this review nudged at least a few of you toward saying “YES” to studying abroad.
Yes, there will be challenges — but you’ll handle it!
After all, you’re from HSE!
