Lyon: an enticing European metropolis

Since the Renaissance, the banks of the two rivers, the Rhône and the Saône, that flow through the city, the Fourvière basilica that dominates the city centre, and the Old Lyon, are sights that make Lyon an extremely pleasant place to live in.

Lyon is not only home to many of France’s large corporations which now operate worldwide; it also attracts many international firms and organisations. For centuries, the city has been a trading centre at the cross-roads between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean South. While its entrepreneurial culture dates back to the silk manufacturers in the early 19th century, its present dynamism is based on a diversified range of modern industries: energy, chemicals, vaccines, laser technology, etc...

Lyon, the capital of a dynamic region at a great location:

  • 6th most important region in Europe: Rhône-Alpes: 6th highest GDP in Europe, out of 204 regions ranked (Source: Eurostat 2014)
  • #1 region in France for incoming international companies: 900 foreign capital companies (above 50 employees) employing about 165,000 people
  • A major education capital in Europe: around 150,000 students

Shanghai: an engaging city

Once you arrive in Shanghai, you will immediately be overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of this thriving city: its colours, its people, its culinary specialties and its futuristic skyscrapers and indigenous Shikumen houses will shake you to your very core. The sightseeing activities and the endless possibilities of cultural endeavors will stun you!

Shanghai is one of China’s commercial and financial centers and was ranked #5 by the 2018 edition of the Global Financial Centers Index published by the City of London.

Taking up only 0.06% of the country's land area, Shanghai now generates about 8.3% of China's gross industrial output value. Furthermore, thanks to its geographical location, Shanghai is also one of the shipping centres of China. Due to its excellent port, the city has become a leading economic power and trade development pole.

It’s quite easy to find an apartment in Shanghai because there are many real estate agents in this city. Students usually find flats by themselves and they share an apartment with their classmates. The average monthly rental fees are 2000-4000RMB/person (213€-426€), depending on the apartment’s location and status. Generally the apartments are equipped with furniture and electrical appliance.