International experience: when a student shapes themselves entirely alone

When life hits hard, some give up. Others, like Sofiane, a student at Excelia, choose to turn hardship into a springboard. In this new episode of the Les Étincelles podcast, discover the inspiring testimony of a young man who refuses to let circumstances define his destiny. Between family difficulties, odd jobs to make ends meet and professional experience at Disney, his international student journey illustrates extraordinary resilience.

A student journey forged by determination

Sofiane's inspiring story begins within a financially precarious single-parent family. From an early age, this future business school student learns the meaning of work and effort. His adolescence is marked by responsibilities: between lessons and homework, he takes on one odd job after another to help his family make ends meet.

Despite these difficulties, his family passes on precious values that will become his compass: a love of travel, international openness and a fierce desire to succeed. Faced with life's hardships, Sofiane develops a philosophy: looking towards the future rather than dwelling on the past.

"The difficulties made me grow up faster and gave me a certain maturity," he confides in Les Étincelles, Excelia's podcast. This resilience in the face of adversity and this unshakeable optimism become the driving forces behind his academic and personal journey.

Putting down roots in La Rochelle before studying abroad

After a DUT in Techniques de Commercialisation, Sofiane chose to continue his studies at Excelia. He chose the La Rochelle campus, this port city historically open to the world, which resonates with his international aspirations. He opted for a general programme at this business school in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, which would let him explore different paths before choosing his direction.

It is at Excelia that Sofiane discovers the Humacité© programme, this initiative that allows students to carry out humanitarian missions internationally. Without hesitation, he chooses Africa. This international student experience marks a turning point: immersed in a different culture, confronted with harrowing human realities, Sofiane comes back transformed.

"Coming back from the Humacité© programme, I realise that my thirst for travel has grown tenfold. I want to discover the world thoroughly," says this student globetrotter in the podcast. This solidarity mission strengthens his conviction: international openness will be at the heart of his journey. The values of mutual support and commitment that he develops in Africa enrich his vision of the world and of his future career.

The Disney adventure: when dreams become reality

"Worst case, we'll go to Disney!" Sofiane says light-heartedly during a bet between friends. The selection process is demanding, but Sofiane is accepted for this exceptional opportunity combining a study placement and immersion in the magical world of the Disney parks.

Employability in two stages

His American adventure begins with two months at the University of Delaware. The objective? To improve his language skills. Sofiane then begins his work placement. Six months in Florida at the heart of the Disney empire! There, he takes on different roles, immersing himself in the world of American-style customer service and the management of multicultural teams.

This experience, which he shares today across various listening platforms, exceeded all his expectations by developing essential skills:

• Adaptability in the face of the daily challenges of a demanding environment
• Mastery of professional English in an international context
• Know-how in intercultural customer experience and stress management
• Ability to work in a multicultural team

International mobility: the key to opening up to the world

Through the "Les Étincelles" podcast, Sofiane wants to share his advice for students who, like him, face personal challenges. "Stay open to opportunities, don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and turn every hardship into learning," he recommends. His plans? To travel across the Americas, to work at Disney's French Pavilion, and to keep inspiring others through his journey of resilience and openness to the world.

Sofiane is a student on the Master in Management (Programme Grande École) at Excelia Business School, on the La Rochelle campus. His journey is told in Les Étincelles, Excelia's podcast, and his course of study included an international solidarity mission, as part of Excelia Business School's student engagement schemes, before an internship in the United States carried out as part of the Disney International Program. You can listen to the full episode and consult the other testimonials from students and graduates to discover other journeys experienced within the Master in Management.