EDHEC Business School (France) Double Degree Program Study Abroad Report: Sebastien Jandon

Introduction
As a Global MBA student at NUCB Business School, I am pursuing my dream of launching a venture in Japan after graduation. While NUCB provides me with excellent generalist business knowledge, I recognized that complementing this with specialized entrepreneurship training would be invaluable. This led me to EDHEC Business School's MSc. in Entrepreneurship and Innovation program. EDHEC, ranked 7th among European business schools by the Financial Times (2024), offers exactly the specialized skills I need to succeed as an entrepreneur in the Japanese market first, then Asia Pacific. In addition, Lille is also strategically located in Europe, offered me access to travel to many countries in Europe.

City of Lille
As France's fourth-largest urban area, the Greater Lille Metropolitan area (Lille Métropole) is home to 1.2 million inhabitants. The city has evolved into a premier destination for both residents and students alike, boasting a dynamic community of 120,000 students, remarkable architectural heritage, and a distinguished culinary scene.

Academics at EDHEC
The pedagogical approaches at NUCB & EDHEC offer distinct yet complementary learning experiences. NUCB's case method emphasizes student interaction & practical application, while
EDHEC focuses on a more traditional academic approach. Having experienced both, I appreciate how these methodologies enhance my learning experience. Moreover, as the elected class representative at EDHEC, I have been able to bridge communication between faculty and students while developing leadership skills alongside my studies.
While maintaining schedule flexibility, EDHEC upholds high academic standards through rigorous assignments, including the comprehensive Business Plan capstone project for my MSc. in Entrepreneurship.

EDHEC FEATURES
・World-class academic excellence,
・Supportive international student office team,
・International learning environment,
・Modern campus & quality of life,

The entrepreneurial immersion at Station F in Paris and Euratechnologies in Lille provided invaluable insights into France's vibrant startup landscape. At Station F, Europe's largest startup
campus, I witnessed the dynamic collaborative environment housing over 1,000 startups across diverse sectors. Meanwhile, Euratechnologies in Lille showcased the successful transformation of industrial spaces into innovation hubs supporting digital entrepreneurship.
These visits allowed me to connect with the startup ecosystem and attend founder pitch sessions, gaining practical perspectives on entrepreneurial challenges and opportunities that complement my academic experience at EDHEC.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP FEATURES
・Direct engagement with entrepreneurs,
・Observation of real-world startup pitches,
・Insights into incubation programs,
・Networking opportunities,
・Exposure to diverse business models,

The Certificate in Strategic Foresight at EDHEC Business School trains students in anticipatorymethodologies and future-oriented thinking, equipping them to identify emerging trends and
develop strategies for organizations navigating uncertainty. The curriculum combines theory with practical applications through scenario planning and collaborative projects.
I joined the Berlin field trip to apply classroom concepts in a real-world setting. We explored Berlin's entrepreneurial ecosystem, engaged with founders and industry experts, and conducted horizon scanning on wellbeing and nutrition trends, gaining valuable insights into Germany'
innovation landscape. It was an amazing experience which gave me the opportunity to discover the startup scene in another European country.

CERTIFICATE FEATURES
・Future-focused strategic methodologies,
・Practical scenario planning experience,
・Berlin startup ecosystem immersion,
・Networking with industry innovators,
・Focus on wellbeing market trends,

At EDHEC, teamwork forms the cornerstone of our learning experience, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and professional experiences. This international cohort creates a rich mosaic of perspectives, with classmates representing various industries, functions, and cultural viewpoints that enhance our collaborative projects.
Despite my 20+ years of professional experience, these intensive group assignments spanning leadership and negotiation, customer acquisition, new venture finance, research methodology, and talent acquisition have significantly enriched my perspective. Working alongside diverse teammates has provided fresh insights and approaches that complement my established expertise while developing strong bonds across cultural differences.

DIVERSITY FEATURES
・Enhanced problem-solving through varied perspectives,
・Cross-cultural communication competencies,
・Real-world preparation for entrepreneurship,
・Lifelong friendships across borders,

Social Life In Europe
Returning to Europe after 17 years in Japan has offered me more than just academic opportunities, it opened the door to rediscovering this diverse continent. As a wine enthusiast, I've embraced multiple cultural experiences across several countries, reconnecting with both the familiar and the new. My European adventure included visits to Germany (Wiesbaden and Frankfurt) and exploring the rich historical and art scene of Lille. I also returned to my roots with a tour through the Champagne region, savoring its heritage and world-renowned wine culture. In an unexpected but delightful turn of events, I reunited with fellow NUCB students for an unforgettable weekend in Brussels, where we explored the city's architectural treasures, museums, and celebrated its world-famous gastronomy including the famous Belgian waffles!

Reconnecting with my NUCB classmates in Brussels created a perfect blend of nostalgia and new discoveries. Reuniting with familiar faces in a European setting brought our shared academic journey full circle. Together, we navigated Brussels' charming streets, moving between historical landmarks and contemporary spaces with the easy camaraderie developed during our time at NUCB. Our cultural immersion included visits to several museums, including the Royal Museums of Fine Arts
and the impressive Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History, where we experienced Belgium's rich artistic and historical heritage. We explored iconic Brussels landmarks such as the Manneken Pis, the Grand Place, and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. Evening was spent in traditional Belgian restaurant, sampling authentic local cuisine such as moules-frites, and of course, indulging in the country's famous chocolate and waffles.

During my nearly year-long stay in Lille, I immersed myself in the city's rich cultural tapestry, beginning with the enchanting cobblestone streets of "Old Lille" (Vieux Lille) with its distinctive Flemish architecture, boutique shops, and charming cafés. Lille's diverse museum landscape became my weekend sanctuary. I explored the modernist masterpiece Villa Cavrois with its revolutionary architecture and design, experienced visual perception challenges at the interactive Museum of Illusion, and marveled at the unique La Piscine Museum in Roubaix, a stunning art museum housed in a converted Art Deco swimming pool. The childhood home of Charles de Gaulle offered fascinating insights into the early influences that shaped France's iconic leader.

My journey to Germany provided a perfect balance of historical discovery, cultural immersion, and
sensory delights. Wiesbaden, once a prominent spa town for European nobility and known as the
"Nice of the North," captivated me with its elegant Kurhaus, neoclassical architecture, and the historic thermal springs that have attracted visitors since Roman times. The highlight of my visit was participating in the traditional Rheingau Riesling Wine Festival, where I savored the region's distinctive wines characterized by their perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. This experience continued with a scenic Rhine cruise around Rüdesheim, floating past medieval castles, terraced vineyards, and the legendary Lorelei rock. My journey concluded in Frankfurt, where I explored the contrast between the reconstructed Römerberg square with its traditional timber-framed houses and the city's modern financial district with its impressive skyline.

My visit to the Champagne region represented more than just tourism, it was a meaningful return to my roots. This northeastern French region, renowned for its eponymous sparkling wine, boasts a unique terroir with chalky soils, a cool climate, and centuries of winemaking tradition that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015. Reconnecting with family and friends in the area provided a warm sense of homecoming and cultural reconnection. I seized this opportunity to explore several prestigious champagne houses and smaller family-owned wineries for the first time. These visits sparked business possibilities for my future wine venture once I return to Japan, potentially creating a bridge between my heritage and the country of the Rising Sun while leveraging my international business experience and newly academic background!