By Hoang Le Phuong Thao

My name is Hoang Le Phuong Thao, and I’m from Vietnam. I’m currently studying at the Institut d’Administration des Entreprises (IAE) Montpellier in the Bachelor of International Management and Business (BIMB) program.

This program is something I’ve dreamed about for a long time. I always wanted to study in France, but my major required a high-level French language certification, which limited my opportunities. Despite the setbacks, I didn’t give up.

I kept searching through eCandidat and school websites, applying to several programs. But with tight deadlines, specific course requirements, and the need to apply via Études en France, I often missed out.

Then, by chance, I discovered the BIMB program at IAE Montpellier through a simple Google search—and it changed everything.

A Program That Opened Doors

This one-year program is designed for final-year students and graduates and offers a wide range of courses in international management and business. Topics include:

• Marketing

• Cross-Cultural Management

• Finance

• International Economy & Strategy

• International Negotiation & Sales

• Plus, second-language courses in Spanish and French (which definitely help when living in France!)

What makes this program stand out is the balance between theory and practical experience. We engage in real-life projects that bring the classroom into the real world.

A Truly International Experience

Outside of class, there are so many opportunities to connect. Activities organized by ESN (Erasmus Student Network)and the school help students bond and explore the city.

One of the best parts for me is the international environment. I’ve had the chance to study with people from all over the world, developing essential communication, teamwork, and negotiation skills in a multicultural setting.

And the professors are amazing—always supportive, responsive, and genuinely kind. We email them all the time, and they always answer with patience and sincerity.

A Journey of Growth

Thanks to this program, I’ve traveled more than ever before. For Vietnamese students, opportunities like this are rare and hard to access, so I deeply value this experience.

Currently, I’m on an Erasmus exchange at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice, Italy. Studying in a second foreign country has pushed me to grow in so many ways—I’ve become more independent, disciplined, open-minded, and social, especially through small gatherings and parties with friends.

This journey has been life-changing. If you’re dreaming of international studies, don’t be afraid to keep trying. You never know—your next Google search might lead you to something incredible.

From Vietnam to Europe: My Journey with the BIMB Program at IAE Montpellier