Fiorella's Exchange Semester at EMLV: Building Global Business Skills in Paris

Studying at EMLV gave Fiorella, Class of 2026, from Universidad de Montevideo, Uruguay, the opportunity to combine academic learning, international exposure and professional experiences in one of Europe’s leading business capitals. Her exchange semester reflects the value of EMLV’s global network of more than 150 partner universities and its multicultural learning environment.

Studying abroad is more than spending a semester in another country. It is an opportunity to experience different ways of learning, collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds and gain a broader understanding of international business. Every year, EMLV welcomes exchange students from partner universities around the world, creating a multicultural campus where perspectives, cultures and academic approaches meet. This international dimension is one of the defining characteristics of the Programme Grande École – Master in Management, and of the school’s commitment to preparing future managers for global careers.

Building an international perspective through business education at EMLV

During her exchange semester at EMLV, Fiorella Barcia, Class of 2026, an International Business student from the Universidad de Montevideo, chose to complement her home curriculum by studying communication and marketing.

These subjects allowed her to broaden her understanding of business while developing skills that naturally complement an international management profile. Throughout the semester, she benefited from courses delivered by faculty members whose academic expertise was enriched by professional and international experience, helping connect classroom discussions with current business practices.

For Fiorella, the exchange confirmed her interest in International Business while offering a different perspective on global markets and cross-cultural management.

“Sharing everyday life with people from all over the world, listening to different stories and understanding different ways of living, working and thinking taught me how to adapt, communicate better and see the world from completely different perspectives.”

Learning in a multicultural environment in Paris

One of the strengths of the exchange experience at EMLV is the diversity of its student community. Exchange students study alongside French students and classmates representing dozens of nationalities, creating an international classroom where collaboration becomes part of everyday learning.

Working with multicultural teams helped Fiorella strengthen the interpersonal skills that are increasingly valued by international organisations: communication, adaptability, intercultural awareness and collaboration.

These experiences extend beyond academic work. Daily interactions on campus, group projects and student life create opportunities to understand different professional cultures and develop the confidence required to work in international environments.

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EMLV has built this international ecosystem through partnerships with more than 150 universities worldwide, enabling both incoming and outgoing mobility while encouraging long-term academic collaboration.

Paris as a gateway to global industries

Living in Paris also gave Fiorella access to experiences closely connected to her academic interests.

Alongside her studies, she attended several Fashion Week events and volunteered in the Loewe showroom, supporting international buyers and assisting backstage during presentations. These experiences offered first-hand exposure to one of the world’s most influential luxury and fashion ecosystems while illustrating how international business, communication and global branding intersect in practice.

Combining classroom learning with opportunities available in Paris allowed her to gain a broader understanding of international industries beyond the academic setting.

Returning home with new perspectives after 6 months in France

After completing her semester in France, Fiorella returned to Uruguay to finish the final stage of her degree with a broader international outlook and new professional ambitions.

Her experience reflects the objectives of EMLV’s exchange programme: providing students from partner universities with an environment where academic development, cultural openness and international exposure reinforce one another.

Each semester, incoming students join a multicultural community that encourages cross-cultural collaboration and benefits from the academic resources of a business school located in Paris-La Défense, Europe’s largest business district. Through this international environment, exchange students strengthen both their academic profile and their preparation for careers in an increasingly global workplace.

Interested in studying at EMLV as an exchange student? Learn more about EMLV’s international partnerships and opportunities for students at partner universities worldwide.

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