Formation

Our international students exploring the EU's regional impact

As part of the "Europe at the crossroads" course, international students from the Business Management and Administration department recently went on a field trip to discover how European policies are implemented locally. It was a unique opportunity to see the concrete impact of the European Union on our territory.

At the end of April, exchange students from the MMIC (Marketing and Management in an International Context) program, within the Business Management and Administration department, visited the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Headquarters ("Hôtel de Région). Accompanied by their instructor, Pierre-Jean BAILLOT, this visit was organized as part of the "Environment" module of the course titled: "EU at the crossroads: functioning, identity and global influence in the new global order".
 

A behind-the-scenes look at regional action


The primary goal of this immersion was to illustrate how European Union policies, often perceived as abstract, are embodied in our daily lives through local governance.

After a tour of the premises and an explanation of the regional authority's internal operations, the students were welcomed by the European Programs Project Manager. He provided a detailed presentation on the management of structural funds, focusing on two major pillars:

  • ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) dedicated to regional development and innovation,
  • ESF+ (European Social Fund Plus) focused on social inclusion and employment.

The students also learned about the Region's strategic representation in Brussels, which ensures a direct link between local needs and European decision-makers.


From academic concepts to field reality


Through specific examples, the MMIC students were able to understand how these funds support strategic local projects, such as:
  • Energy transition and environmental sustainability,
  • Sustainable mobility and transport infrastructure,
  • Support for research and innovation.

For them, this experience was more than just a field trip. It allowed them to compare classroom theories regarding EU identity and influence with the reality on the ground. By witnessing the Region's driving role in promoting European policy, they gained a deeper understanding of the "identity" of the EU as a local partner.


Acknowledgments


We would like to warmly thank the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region for their hospitality and the quality of their presentations. We also thank Pierre-Jean BAILLOT for organizing this initiative, which continues to strengthen the international outlook and academic excellence of our programs.
Publié le 12 mai 2026 – Mis à jour le 11 mai 2026