Relocating from Yerevan, Armenia, to Nantes, France, is a life-changing decision. Leaving behind a 5,000-kilometre comfort zone with minimal French language skills is daunting, yet success is possible. Lusine Zoryan not only navigated this transition but also built a thriving career at the very university where she earned her degree.
This is the inspiring journey of Lusine Zoryan, who transformed her passion for Communications into a fulfilling career in international higher education. Today, she serves as a product marketing manager at Audencia Business School, where she empowers students to find their own path in a new country.
In this exclusive interview, Lusine discusses her choice to pursue an English-taught Bachelor’s in Armenia, how she utilized Online Result to research Master’s degrees across Europe, and why Audencia in Nantes was the perfect fit. She provides honest insights into navigating visa processes, overcoming culture shock, mastering a new language, and the unique hurdles international students often encounter.
Why choosing an English-taught degree opened new doors
Online Result: Why did you prioritize an English-taught programme in Armenia over French, Russian, or Armenian language options?
Lusine: At the time, I wasn't proficient in French, and I wanted to ensure my future academic opportunities remained global. Choosing an English-taught degree offered the flexibility to apply for Master’s programmes across various countries, which was essential since I was determined to study abroad.
This choice was practical and aligned perfectly with my goals. Because my degree was internationally recognized, it opened many doors, and studying in English meant I could bypass additional language testing for my postgraduate applications.
“By choosing an English-taught degree, I knew I could apply to programmes in many different countries.”
Online Result: Was your plan to study in Europe set from the very beginning?
Lusine: Absolutely. During my final year of university, I researched top business schools in Europe. I wanted to combine Communications with Business. France was my top choice due to its vibrant culture and history, though I also considered options in Italy and Portugal.
I used Online Result to filter through programmes and identify those that best aligned with my specific academic and personal criteria.
Since I wasn't fluent in French, I focused on English-taught degrees. That search led me to Audencia’s MSc in International Management, which perfectly matched my professional aspirations.
How Lusine picked her Master’s and why Audencia stood out
Online Result: You explored opportunities in various countries. What specific criteria were you looking for in a programme?
Lusine: My primary focus was finding a high-quality International Management or Marketing programme taught in English. Additionally, duration was key; coming from a four-year undergraduate system, I was specifically looking for a one-year Master’s degree to streamline my transition into the workforce.
Online Result: Could you elaborate on what guided your final decision?
Lusine: The admissions process is a vital indicator of a university's culture. While evaluating schools in Portugal, Italy, and Lithuania, I paid close attention to how the staff communicated. I looked for transparency, professionalism, and clarity regarding application requirements and international rankings. Those interactions told me a lot about the student experience to come.
In my experience with Audencia, the staff genuinely cared about my journey. Their admission counsellors provided personalized support rather than just a transaction.
"I was looking for programmes all over the continent, from Portugal, to Italy, to Lithuania.”
Learning French through work and adapting to life in France
Online Result: Since you studied in English, when and why did you decide to learn French?
Lusine: Professional necessity drove me to learn French. While I enjoyed interacting with an international community as a student—frequently mixing English, Russian, and basic French—my internship required full immersion. Working with a team of French speakers pushed my language skills to the next level.
Initially, the transition was intense. Working in marketing and communications meant high-stakes daily interaction. There were days when the language barrier left me exhausted, thinking, “I can’t do this anymore.” It was a genuinely demanding period.
Ultimately, daily practice in a professional environment proved to be the most effective teacher. I didn't rely on formal classes; I simply persisted. Within four years, I gained complete confidence in my French proficiency.
Looking back, that challenging immersion was invaluable. I achieved a level of fluency where I can seamlessly operate in both languages, sometimes even mixing them up by accident!
“I started learning French because of the job, to be honest. As a student I was part of an international community, had French people in my class, but we all spoke English.”
Online Result: How did you navigate building a career in France, and what role did your studies play?
Lusine: Audencia’s Career Center provided excellent resources like workshops and recruiter meetings, but my specific role came from my own initiative. I volunteered to create content for the marketing team, showcasing my skills and dedication. When a position opened, they already knew me. Taking that initiative was more impactful than any standard application process.
Being the first student to volunteer as a content creator opened doors to an internship and, eventually, my current role as a product marketing manager. It’s rewarding to help future students navigate their own journeys to France.
“I was the first student to join the communications team as a volunteer content creator. That opened the door to an internship, then a communications role, and now a product marketing position for international programmes.”
Turning student experiences into a career in international education
Online Result: Does your background as an international student influence your work?
Lusine: Absolutely. I view strategy through the lens of a student, anticipating the hurdles—like visa processes or cultural adjustments—that traditional admissions perspectives might overlook. By staying connected with students through ambassadors and focus groups, I ensure our outreach remains student-centered and empathetic.
Online Result: What specific challenges did you face as a non-European student?
Lusine: Language was the primary barrier, coupled with the isolation of not having a large home-country community. Navigating complex visa processes, financial planning, and overcoming cultural stereotypes were significant, often misunderstood struggles. It requires resilience to thrive when your environment feels completely new and foreign.
Online Result: If you could offer advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Lusine: Start learning French well before you arrive. Beyond that, I’d tell myself not to be intimidated; you will adapt, and it’s a beautiful adventure. Focus on what truly drives you, prioritize building a genuine network, and embrace the process of building your own path—it’s worth every step.
