Kimberlee John

HEC Paris

Home City and Country: New York City, NY, USA

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: David Yurman, Designer (Assistant)

How has studying business in France enriched your learning experience? Studying business in France has pushed me beyond a U.S.-centered way of thinking. In class, I’m constantly exposed to different cultural, economic, and professional perspectives, which makes discussions richer and forces me to challenge my own assumptions. It’s made me a more thoughtful and adaptable thinker.

Being in France has also made my MBA feel very real and applied. You’re surrounded by global companies, entrepreneurs, and institutions, so what you study in class often connects directly to what you see happening around you. Given my background in luxury and my plan to stay in the industry, learning here is especially meaningful. France sits at the heart of the global luxury ecosystem, and being here allows me to connect my academic work to the brands and business models I hope to be part of long-term.

What has been the toughest transition to living in France so far? What have you done to overcome this difficulty? The toughest transition has been learning to operate comfortably in a new system, from language to administration to professional norms. Even simple things take more time and patience. Early on, that can feel disorienting.

I’ve tried to approach it with humility and consistency rather than frustration. I’ve invested seriously in improving my French. I ask questions instead of pretending I understand, and I’ve pushed myself to handle daily life in French whenever possible. Over time, those small efforts will compound. What once felt overwhelming will gradually feel like progress, and the process has begun to build a lot of confidence.

What school service has been the most helpful in transitioning to living in France? How has it helped you adapt? The HEC Paris Events team has been incredibly helpful in making the transition feel human rather than overwhelming. From the beginning, they’ve organized thoughtful gatherings like a Welcome Soirée and cultural events like a “French Touch” event, which introduced new MBA students to the vibrant French culture through food, wine, and music.

These moments have given us space to connect as a cohort outside the classroom, learn about one another, and start understanding our new environment in a natural way. It made a big difference in not feeling alone in a new country. Those early experiences helped build a real sense of community, which made settling into life in France feel much more accessible and exciting.

What has been the most interesting cultural nuance of people living in France? Why has this struck you? What has stood out to me most is the way people in France protect quality of life and intellectual exchange. Conversations are thoughtful and often passionate, whether about business, art, politics, or food. There is a real respect for craft, heritage, and ideas.

That has struck me because it aligns closely with what drew me to luxury in the first place. Luxury, at its best, is about time, intention, and excellence. Seeing those same values reflected in everyday culture has made me more aware of how environment shapes the way people work, consume, and build brands. It’s one of the reasons I feel increasingly committed to building my career here.

Are you seeking a Visa to work in France after graduation? If so, what obstacles have you faced and how did you overcome them? Yes, I do intend to work in France after graduation and will need a visa. Your HEC degree grants you a 1-year visa that allows you to stay in France for up to 1 year after graduation while you are looking for a job. Since I’m early in my MBA, the main challenge so far has been learning to navigate a new system and understanding how post-graduation work options function in France.

I’ve focused on getting informed from the start by speaking with my school’s faculty, connecting with students and alumni who have stayed in France, and building a clear picture of the process ahead. It’s still early, but being proactive has helped me feel confident that staying in France long-term is both realistic and achievable.

What have you done to make it easier to make friends with people from outside your home country at business school? I’ve tried to lead with curiosity and openness. When you move abroad, you realize quickly that connection doesn’t happen by accident; it happens through intention. I operate with a “yes” mentality, saying yes to invitations and opportunities, even when they’re outside my comfort zone, and to spend real time with people rather than staying within familiar circles.

Food has been one of my favorite bridges. I love trying cuisines I didn’t grow up with, cooking with classmates, and sharing long meals where conversations naturally open up. Those moments create space for stories, differences, and common ground. Approaching relationships this way has helped me build friendships that feel genuine, not transactional, and has made the experience of studying in France much richer.

What piece of advice would you give to an international student looking to study in a French graduate business program? I would say don’t underestimate how transformative the experience can be. There are real challenges, from language to logistics to being far from home, but the personal and professional growth far outweighs the discomfort. If you’re willing to lean into it, the pros truly outweigh the cons.

French graduate business programs place a strong emphasis on globalization, cross-cultural immersion, and international careers in a way that feels very lived, not theoretical. If you’re someone who wants to push yourself, step outside of your comfort zone, and grow not only as a business professional but also as a person, studying in France gives you that opportunity. It’s a fresh start that challenges you, sharpens you, and often helps you rediscover what you’re capable of doing.

DON’T MISS: 2026 MBAS ABROAD: LIVING & LEARNING ACROSS EUROPE

© Copyright 2026 Poets & Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets & Quants, please submit your request HERE.