On August 27, the opening ceremony of the 2026 Fall Asian Campus Semester (ACS) at emlyon business school was held at the Lecture Hall on the first floor of the Education Development Building at the Downtown Campus of East China Normal University (ECNU). Around 270 students from different programs and diverse cultural backgrounds gathered to officially begin their learning and exploration journey in Shanghai, witnessed by representatives of emlyon business school, the Consulate General of France in Shanghai, academic and corporate partners, and alumni.

This semester, students participating in the Asian Campus Semester come from:

• Global BBA – Year 2
• Global BBA – Year 4
• Master in Management – Grande École
• Ton Duc Thang University exchange students

The Asian Campus Semester is an important part of emlyon’s global education offering, providing students from different programs and cultural backgrounds with a platform to gain deeper insights into Asian markets and explore China’s business and social environment. During their time in Shanghai, students will experience China’s business ecosystem and diverse cultures at close range through courses, company visits, and exchange activities. Through cross-cultural interactions, they will broaden their international perspectives and gain richer practical experience for their future studies and careers.

Guest Remarks | Sharing Perspectives on Learning and Growth in Asia

During the ceremony, speakers from emlyon business school, East China Normal University, the Consulate General of France in Shanghai, as well as corporate and alumni representatives, delivered remarks in turn. From international exchange and cultural experiences to business practice and personal growth, they shared their expectations and messages for students embarking on their Asian Campus Semester.

▲ Prof. Florencio TRAVIESO, Associate Dean International Relations, emlyon business school

In his remarks, Prof. Florencio TRAVIESO, Associate Dean International Relations, emlyon business school, encouraged students to approach their experience with an open and inclusive mindset, fully embracing cultures and environments that may differ from their own and actively engaging with diverse international perspectives. He noted that although the ACS experience represents only one part of students’ broader global journey, it may become an important experience that influences their future development and continues to have a lasting impact over the long term.

He also particularly emphasized that, throughout their international experience, students should always keep emlyon’s DNA in mind, integrating sustainable development and environmental responsibility into both their studies and daily lives and putting these principles into practice through concrete actions. Finally, he encouraged students to fully immerse themselves in this experience, actively explore and engage with their surroundings, expressing his confidence that after four months, each student would discover changes in their perspectives, ways of thinking, and personal growth.

▲ Prof. KUAl Shuguang, Director, International Cooperation & Exchange Division, Director, Office of International Education, ECNU

In his remarks, Prof. KUAl Shuguang, Director of the Office of International Exchange and Director of the International Education Management Center at East China Normal University, noted that emlyon has long been an important partner of ECNU, with the two institutions maintaining strong cooperation in international education and talent development. He encouraged students to cherish the opportunity to study at ECNU, fully engage with its highly international campus environment, actively explore and discover new things both inside and outside the classroom, broaden their perspectives, enrich their experiences, and enjoy their semester at ECNU.

▲ Mr. Benjamin DEMIERE, Attaché de coopération universitaire (Shanghai), Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, France

In his remarks, Mr. Benjamin DEMIERE, Attaché de coopération universitaire (Shanghai), Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, France, spoke highly of the diversity of the ACS experience. He noted that each year, the exchange semester serves as a valuable example of Franco-Chinese cooperation in higher education and as a strong bridge connecting young peoplefrom both countries.

During their studies in Shanghai, students will not only have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of China’s social and cultural environment and discover the development of French companies and innovation in China, but also to meet alumni from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of experiences. By engaging in different academic environments and educational approaches, students can further broaden their international perspectives and gain richer learning and personal growth experiences through cross-cultural exchange.

▲ Mr. Dalibor NIKOLOVSKI, President of La French Tech Shanghai, CEO, Eco Green Energy

In his remarks, Mr. Dalibor NIKOLOVSKI, President of La French Tech Shanghai, CEO, Eco Green Energy, encouraged students to gain a deeper understanding of China through first-hand experiences, embrace cultural diversity, and make full use of the international learning opportunities offered by ACS.

He pointed out that understanding the Chinese market requires genuine engagement with the local ecosystem, and encouraged students to actively explore diverse opportunities such as internships and exchanges beyond the classroom. He also encouraged students to remain curious, proactively engage with Chinese entrepreneurs and clients, and actively participate in events organized at international, local, and La French Tech Shanghai levels, broadening their perspectives and networks through real-world business experiences. Drawing on his own experience, he particularly emphasized the importance of alumni networks and shared how, during his development in Shanghai, he built relationships with business partners and eventually found his co-founder.

▲ Ms. Aurora LI, BU Head, Fosun Pharma Rare Disease, emlyon DBA 2024 intake

Ms. Aurora LI, BU Head, Fosun Pharma Rare Disease and a member of the emlyon business school DBA 2024 intake, shared her experience and insights gained at emlyon through the lens of her academic and professional journey.

She noted that studying at emlyon not only strengthened her academic thinking and expanded her social network, but also gave her valuable experience through the Industry Consulting Project (ICP), where she had the opportunity to work with young professionals and students on corporate projects. Drawing on her multiple experiences of studying, working, and interning across different cities and overseas, she encouraged students to maintain an open mindset, actively step outside the campus, and gain an understanding of how local businesses operate and the cultures of different cities through first-hand experiences. She also encouraged them to remain curious and embrace exploration and adventure through diverse experiences such as travel and food.

▲ Prof. Nikola ZIVLAK, Associate Dean for Programs and International Cooperation, emlyon business school Asia

In his concluding remarks, Prof. Nikola ZIVLAK, Associate Dean for Programs and International Cooperation, emlyon business school Asia, encouraged students to make the most of their time studying in Shanghai and actively explore the unique experiences that can only be gained locally.

He noted that students should not be afraid of failure as they grow, as failure is also an important part of learning and experience. At the same time, he encouraged students not to limit their horizons to Shanghai, but to take advantage of their holidays to visit other cities across China, experience different regional cultures and ways of life, and broaden their perspectives and enrich their international experiences through continuous exploration and discovery.

The ceremony also welcomed Dr. Wenlong XING, Dean of emlyon business school Asia Campus; Prof. Mike CHAO, Dean of Faculty and Research, emlyon Asia; Ms. Carla HAID, Higher Education and Linguistic Project Officer, Cultural and Educational Cooperation Section of Consul General of France, Shanghai; Mr. Joniko CAO, Director of Asia Recruitment and Operations emlyon Asia; Ms. Peng PENG, Associate Director of Alumni, Corporate Relations and Career Services emlyon Asia and Mr. Mason ZHANG, Head of ACS program, emlyon Asia who joined the ceremony to witness the new cohort of students take their first steps on this journey.

A Diversity of Experiences | Discovering More Beyond the Classroom

During the next four months, classroom learning will be complemented by a rich range of practical and cultural experiences. In addition to attending courses and engaging with companies, students will take part in diverse activities ranging from sports to culture, while independently exploring Shanghai and Chinese society.

Students from the ACS cohort will also participate in the upcoming Gobi Challenge, which will not only test their individual resilience and ability to work as a team, but also bring an international dimension to the event and foster exchange among participants from different cultural backgrounds.

From the classroom to companies, from campus to the city, and from learning to practice, these diverse experiences will together form an important part of the students’ ACS journey.

We hope that students will make the most of their time studying and living in Shanghai, broaden their perspectives and develop their capabilities in a diverse environment, and approach China with greater openness while building connections with the world. These experiences will provide them with richer international perspectives and practical experience for their future academic and professional journeys.