Throughout my study abroad experience in Paris, I was able to gain valuable insights into entrepreneurship and the cultural differences between France and the United States. One of the most impactful experiences I had during the program was our visit to L’Escalator. During our time at Escalator, my team and I worked together to create an advertising campaign for our assigned startup company, Bewellcome. The next day, we had the opportunity to present our work to a panel of judges allowing us to grow our presentation skills, articulate our ideas clearly, and respond to critical feedback and concerns. The audience feedback pointed out details that we had not considered before, emphasizing the need to continuously refine our ideas and make sure we are well prepared.

During our visit to the ESSEC Business School, I gained valuable insights into the cultural differences between the United States and France. In the United States, we tend to revolve around the sense of competition and hustle. In contrast, the company speaker says that Europe places a stronger emphasis on building long-term relationships when networking before discussing business matters. This approach fosters deeper relationships, where professional and personal life can come together, reflecting the culture in France where they value collaboration over independence.

Another major contrast between the U.S. and France is how we value sustainability. At EY ImpACT Lab, we were able to understand how we can integrate sustainability into business practices. They showed us a 360 short film that projected around the walls that showed us what Paris would look like in 2040. It was truly an eye-opening experience as it gave me an idea of what Paris would look like in 2040 and what we should do to prevent these negative social and environmental impacts. Similarly, our visit to Beyond Form also gave us insights into sustainable fashion and how technology such as AI can be a solution.

Throughout this entire experience, not only was I able to understand the work culture, sustainability enforcements, and cultural values that shape business practices in France, but I was also able to explore the culture of France and its significant history. From seeing the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower under the moonlight sky, to indulging classic culinary traditions of France, I was able to completely immerse myself in the country’s culture. Exploring Paris has shown me how history and tradition shaped both daily life and business practices in France. These experiences overall gave me a new sense of awareness of cultural differences in the business world. Being able to understand different cultures, and different perspectives while adapting to new environments are key skills that I will carry on with me in my future career.

Name: Gina Zhang
Status: Sophomore
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Bay City, Michigan
Program: Entrepreneurship in Europe