Admissions to other top MBA programmes convinced me that I had the profile to follow such a competitive curriculum. However, I had made the HEC/CUHK double MBA degree my first, if not only, choice. My ambitious professional goals and the qualities of excellence I have found at both universities have consistently strengthened my motivation, and I see this programme as unique in the personal development and entrepreneurial spirit it offers.

Putting an emphasis on my international career, I feel driven to explore China. CUHK's location in Sha Tin - close to China and the economic boom there - offers me an opportunity to expand my global network, experience the quality of its faculty, and study and travel in Asia. I want to increase my exposure and first-hand familiarity with China, which promises to be a major, if not, dominant economic force in the near future.

Thanks to its history, the quality of its [business] environment and its economic infrastructure, Hong Kong is the ideal place to get involved in the Asian business environment and to study the trends and dynamics of the region.

Doing a double MBA takes a bit longer than studying a single degree. It's difficult to say why someone makes the decision to pursue an MBA, and it varies from individual to individual. What is undeniable though is the fact that everyone considers the costs negligible when compared with the future value of a degree. The value of a double degree, from two different schools, is inestimable because you have access to the career services of each and belong to the communities and the alumni networks of both.

The MBA curriculum consists of core and elective courses. During the core phase at HEC, I covered fundamental business subjects such as finance, strategy and statistics. This phase is very demanding academically because it requires a solid foundation in management in order to advance to the next level.

During my elective phase at CUHK, I may choose a concentration in one of three areas: China business, finance or marketing. Now that China has become the economic engine of the world, learning to do business there is the prime objective of many MBA students, particularly for those who come from overseas. That's why I chose the China business concentration. The workload is less intense and the programme provides a unique opportunity to learn about another economy and society.

I think students gain valuable knowledge about the host country and culture, and cross-cultural communication and management skills are enhanced.

I have gained the most from the China business concentration. For a business student there is no place more exciting, inspiring and dramatic than Greater China today. Not only is the CUHK MBA meeting all my expectations of experiencing the business world of Asia first-hand, it is surpassing them with world-class teaching and facilities as well as professional administration.

I've had the opportunity to travel to mainland China for business field studies where aspects of trade, politics, geographical and social issues were highlighted. Site visits to companies were included.

In terms of culture, I think I have learned the most about myself by immersing myself into another culture. Initially, I came with stereotypes of how things should be done. I also found myself comparing the attitudes and behaviour of people in France and people in Hong Kong, making unfair conclusions about both.

The biggest challenge has been to overcome these stereotypes and statements based on limited observation and experience, and to enjoy another culture in another city as it is.

So far, the programme has been one of the highlights of my life, and I encourage students to step out of their comfort circle and get to know the local students - they will definitely enrich your life and allow you to see Hong Kong from an entirely different perspective. I am acquiring a mind-opening education and a cultural experience that I am sure will carry me far in my career. If I ever need help, I know I can count on my vast network of Chinese classmates, alumni and mentors who will become my family.