Update from Lille : Kla Jaturaporn

August 2025

It has now been two years since I moved to Europe, starting with my master’s degree in Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence at EDHEC Business School in Lille, a city in the north of France. The experiences I have had here have been life-changing, both academically and personally.

Life in Lille has been beyond my expectations. I have found myself in a truly international environment, as the city attracts students from all over the world and is home to several universities. The people here have been much friendlier than I had imagined. Being a student city, most of the population is young and open to new things. There are many activities in town, from festivals to student parties, which create opportunities for people to meet one another. These experiences have allowed me to make friends from many countries and cultures, and they have helped me grow into a world citizen who is open to new experiences.

Academically, EDHEC is a highly regarded institution in France and maintains strong connections with leading global companies. One highlight of my studies was collaborating on a case study with LVMH, the owner of iconic brands such as Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Dior, and prestigious wine labels. Our team’s project went on to win the popular choice award. Studying here has given me the chance to meet talented people from different fields and to connect with students who share similar goals and interests. In the field of data management, I have developed technical skills such as programming, machine learning, and data visualisation, alongside the ability to interpret data to shape business strategies that I can apply in my future career.

Living here has taught me far more than what I could have learnt in a classroom. Moving to a country on the other side of the world from my home and family, adapting to unfamiliar weather, food, and surroundings, was a major change. I feel fortunate to have been surrounded by friends from diverse cultural backgrounds. Together, we created a sense of home in a place far from our own, becoming family for each other. Whenever someone needed help, we were there for one another. This experience has taught me to look beyond myself and to see the bigger picture.