Neoma Business School Paris
Casa Mila, Barcelona
Station F Paris
Students visit TBS Education, Toulouse
Every spring, the Business School offers students the opportunity to take their learning beyond the lecture theatre through international study trips. In March 2026, groups travelled to Paris, Barcelona, Warsaw, and Pisa, each following themed itineraries tailored to their course and subject areas.
These experiences are designed to bridge theory and practice—giving students direct exposure to global business environments, diverse cultures, and real-world challenges.
In the first of two feature articles, we talk to management, strategy and marketing students about what they learned.
Management students explore Barcelona
The Management study trip to Barcelona demonstrated just how powerful international learning can be. A visit to TBS Education (the business school based in Toulouse) offered valuable insight into innovation and sustainability in a global context. Students saw firsthand how concepts from their modules translate into practice.
Aatish Vara (BSc Business and Management) reflected on the experience:
“It was insightful to see circular concepts like ‘slowing’, ‘closing’, and ‘recycling’ brought to life—ideas we’ve studied this year.”
For Pelin Baran (BSc Business and Management), the visit highlighted the broader purpose of business education:
“It showed how universities are preparing students to think globally, adapt to change, and approach business problems with a responsible mindset.”
Students also visited Aticco, a vibrant co-working and entrepreneurial space. This gave them a real sense of what it means to operate in a fast-paced business environment.
Pelin added: “It showed me that entrepreneurship is not just about ideas; it’s about building connections, adapting quickly, and creating value in a competitive market.”
Beyond the classroom, cultural immersion played a key role. Exploring the city, including a visit to Casa Milà, designed by Antoni Gaudi, helped students understand how cultural identity shapes business environments and consumer experiences.
Strategy and Marketing students discover Paris
In Paris, our Strategy and Marketing students gained firsthand exposure to international branding, innovation ecosystems, and startup culture. A lecture at NEOMA Business School helped students understand how marketing theory shifts across cultural contexts.
Maddison Francis (BSc International Business) reflected:
“It was fascinating to see how different countries approach branding. There were similarities, but also major differences in values and positioning. I won’t assume markets are the same anymore.”
Elena Khamitova (BSc Marketing and Management) added:
“Even though France is so close to the UK, the mentality and approach to marketing can be completely different.
“A standout moment was the visit to Station F—the world’s largest startup campus. Surrounded by entrepreneurs, investors, and global tech partners, students experienced the energy of a thriving innovation ecosystem.
She also noted that: “Seeing startups grow in that environment and the support they get from companies like Apple, Google, and TikTok, proved how powerful that ecosystem is.”
For others, such as Angelia Samperura (BSc Marketing and Management) the experience made entrepreneurship feel tangible:
“It showed me how fast things move in startups. It made entrepreneurship feel real, not just something you read about.”
Sofia Augsburger Salmen (BSc Marketing and Management with Psychology) captured the sense of possibility with innovation and entrepreneurship:
“It made me realise there are endless ideas and anyone can start something of their own.”
Making theory come alive in practice
Across both trips, one theme that stood out was the value of applying theory in real-world settings.
“I gained practical insights into marketing, startups, and international business that I can apply to my studies and future career,” commented Angelia.
Maddison reinforced the academic benefit:
“If you engage with the experience, you come away with insights you just don’t get from a textbook.”
Why it matters
Study trips like these are more than just travel, they are an essential part of developing as a globally minded business professional.
Students return with:
- a deeper understanding of international markets
- greater cultural awareness
- practical insights into industries and career paths
- increased confidence and independence
If you’re thinking about joining a future study trip or considering studying at Sussex, these experiences highlight what makes Business School learning distinctive. It doesn’t stay in the classroom; it comes to life in the real world. Discover our courses here.
The Business School would also like to thank faculty leads Associate Professor Sam Demirkol (Strategy and Marketing -Paris) and Professor Amany Elbanna (Management- Barcelona) and professional services staff Laura Silk (Strategy and Marketing -Paris) and Rami Awad (Management- Barcelona) who accompanied the trips, whose expertise, guidance, and support were instrumental in making memorable experiences for our students.