Choosing a business school isn't just about choosing a program. It's also about choosing a city, a culture, a professional network, and a place you may call home long after graduation.
In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Jinnie Hinderscheit, Head of Marketing for Post-Experience Programs at GEM Alpine Business School, to explore what it really means to study business in Europe.
Drawing on her own experience moving from the United States to France as an international student—and ultimately building her life and career there—Jinnie discusses the benefits and trade-offs of studying abroad, how local business ecosystems can create global career opportunities, and why factors like affordability, culture, friendships, and quality of life deserve a place in your business school decision.
They also explore what makes France and Grenoble distinctive destinations for graduate management education and how GEM connects students with an ecosystem built around technology, innovation, and global business.
If you're considering studying abroad—or simply wondering how much location should factor into your business school search—this conversation offers a new way to think about what you're really choosing when you choose a program.
Helpful Resources:
GEM Alpine School of Business: https://www.grenoble-em.com/en/
About Our Guest:
Jinnie Hinderscheit is an international marketing and communications professional specializing in higher education, research, and technology. At GEM Alpine Business School, she leads marketing and recruitment for the MBA, Executive MBA, and DBA programs. Her expertise includes international student recruitment, brand positioning, digital marketing, and program development.
Key Takeaways:
- You're choosing more than a school. The city, industries, alumni network, culture, and lifestyle surrounding a program can shape both your student experience and your career opportunities.
- Studying abroad can change how you work. Being immersed in unfamiliar cultures and multicultural teams can challenge your assumptions and develop skills that translate directly to global workplaces.
- Local and global aren't opposites. A strong local ecosystem can expose students to global companies, international classmates, faculty, and ideas while providing a concrete environment in which to apply them.
- The surrounding business ecosystem matters. Company projects, visits, internships, speakers, and work experiences can help students test career paths and build relationships beyond the classroom.
- Quality of life belongs in the decision. Jinnie argues that affordability, friendships, culture, and lifestyle aren't separate from the academic experience—they can affect how well a student is able to thrive.
- Make the experience count from day one. Her closing advice: use the career center, professors, company projects, language-learning opportunities, and friendships—and remember to enjoy the experience while it lasts.
Chapters:
- 00:00 – What does it really mean to study in Europe?
01:03 – Jinnie's journey from international student to life in France
02:06 – Why students choose Europe
04:14 – Advantages of studying in Europe
05:58 – Trade-offs to consider before studying abroad
07:01 – What you gain by stepping outside your existing network
09:02 – Why the city around your business school matters
11:17 – How local companies become part of the student experience
14:05 – Friends, culture, affordability, and quality of life
15:48 – How the local and global perspectives reinforce each other
17:27 – What international students bring to local companies
19:07 – Why study business in France?
21:11 – What makes Grenoble different?
23:02 – Grenoble's technology and innovation ecosystem
24:19 – What international students should know about GEM
25:40 – Who thrives at GEM?
27:10 – Jinnie's advice for prospective international students
