Yashi Xie — An international starting point in fashion

I. Overview of my study abroad experience

I went to France in 2018 to attend a high school with a literature-focused track and passed the French Baccalauréat with a score of 14.95/20. Intensive French language study and philosophy courses sparked my interest in brand storytelling and cultural context.

After graduating from high school, I chose to major in Fashion Marketing at the University of Manchester, where I learned about brand positioning, consumer insights and digital marketing strategies in class.

Now that I have returned to China, I work in the fashion advertising industry, integrating the language skills and international outlook I developed during my studies abroad into brand communication and market campaigns.

II. What I gained from studying in France

My time in France exposed me to rich courses in philosophy, history and the arts, and to the stimulating exchange that comes from a diverse cultural environment. Through class discussions and social activities, I gradually developed a more open and nuanced sense of aesthetics.

Although the learning pace in France feels flexible, it places strong emphasis on independent exploration. I learned how to plan my own time, actively look for resources and opportunities, and this laid a solid foundation for later applying to a UK university and for cross-border internships.

These cross-cultural experiences have become an important foundation for how I now understand different markets and audiences in my brand marketing work.

III. Advice for future students

1. Focus on French first — having the courage to speak matters more than speaking perfectly. Do not be afraid of making mistakes. Take the initiative to talk with French classmates and join class discussions. Once you can use French fluently, both your studies and daily life will become much smoother.

2. Build a good relationship with your host family. In France, your host family is like your “second parents”. Communicate often and ask for their advice — they can offer first-hand suggestions on academic planning and future study choices.

3. Make the most of different resources to enrich yourself. Visit local museums, join festivals or student clubs and bring what you learn in class into real-life practice, so that your perspective becomes more three-dimensional.

IV. Closing thoughts

Studying in France was an important starting point for me on the international fashion stage. It not only benefited me academically, but also shaped the way I embrace diverse cultures and express myself confidently.

Whether I am now working on brand strategy proposals or on advertising creative execution, I can always draw on that experience to build a broader perspective. I hope every student who is preparing to study in France can move forward with curiosity and courage, and create their own highlight moments.