A MICEFA Exchange in Practice: Emily’s Experience between France and North America

As part of its integration into the MICEFA network, EMLV welcomes international students from North America to its Paris-La Défense campus. Among them is Emily Gonzalez, an exchange student from California State University, San Bernardino, who chose Paris to complement her studies in international business.

Originally from a Mexican-American background, Emily is currently in her fourth year of university. Her decision to join the MICEFA programme was driven by a prior experience of visiting Paris and a desire to explore the city beyond tourism.

MICEFA x EMLV: A clear framework for international mobility

Emily explains that the application process through the Mission Interuniversitaire de Coordination des Échanges Franco-Américains (MICEFA) was relatively straightforward, with support from both her home university and the programme coordinators.

While some administrative aspects required adaptation upon arrival, particularly regarding course registration and credit transfers, EMLV provided guidance and flexibility to help her integrate academically.

Through this exchange, Emily is completing English courses and earning ECTS credits toward her degree. The programme reflects the broader objective of the MICEFA partnership: enabling students from North America to access a European academic environment while maintaining continuity in their studies.

Learning through international collaboration

At EMLV, Emily highlights the pedagogical approach as a key aspect of her experience. Courses are structured around group work, presentations, and continuous assessment, culminating in final projects.

EMLV’s pedagogic format allowed her to work closely with students from diverse cultural backgrounds, providing a practical understanding of international collaboration.

For an international business major, this exposure proved particularly relevant. She notes that working with peers from different countries helped her develop communication skills and adapt to varying work styles and expectations—an experience she considers directly aligned with her academic goals.

An international environment on campus

Although Emily initially expected deeper immersion with French students, she emphasises the value of meeting a wide range of international peers.

The diversity within the classroom created a multicultural environment that reflects the global nature of business education at EMLV.

This interdisciplinary and international setting is a defining feature of the De Vinci Paris-La Défense campus, where management, engineering, and digital disciplines intersect.

A broader perspective on studies and career

Living and studying in Paris has had a significant impact on Emily’s outlook. Managing daily life in a new country has strengthened her independence and reinforced her interest in pursuing an international career.

She now expresses a clear intention to return to Europe, particularly to Paris, either for further studies or for professional opportunities.

She also notes differences between student life in the United States and in France. In her experience, the European system offers a more balanced pace and a supportive academic environment, which contributed positively to her overall experience.

Paris as a learning environment

Beyond academics, Emily describes Paris as a motivating environment that encourages ambition and professional development.

She appreciates both the cultural lifestyle and people’s openness to networking and collaboration. This combination has reinforced her motivation to seek future opportunities abroad.

Advice to future exchange students

Reflecting on her experience, Emily encourages future MICEFA participants to approach their exchange with openness rather than fixed expectations.

For her, the value of the experience lies not only in academic achievement but also in personal growth, cultural exposure, and a broader mindset.

Through testimonies like Emily’s, the MICEFA partnership highlights its role in fostering meaningful academic exchanges between North America and France and in contributing to the internationalisation strategy of EMLV and De Vinci Higher Education.

Learn more about EMLV programmes