Beyond the Classroom: How CEMS Shaped My Global Perspective 

Théoxane Anaelle Marcel’s MSc in Management + CEMS MIM journey has been one of transformation and discovery. 

Currently completing her final semester at Stockholm School of Economics (SSE), this NUS student reflects on her unforgettable term abroad at the London School of Economics (LSE) and shares how her CEMS experience has shaped not just her career path, but her understanding of herself. 

A Small Cohort, A Close Community 

My name is Théoxane, and I am a CEMS MIM student from NUS in Singapore. While I am currently completing my final semester at SSE in Stockholm, my first CEMS Term Abroad took me to the London School of Economics (LSE) in London, a place I had long dreamed of studying at.  

From the very beginning, the experience felt special. 

Our CEMS cohort at LSE was quite small, which meant we quickly became close! There was a genuine sense of support between classmates, and the strong academic and professional energy really motivated all of us to grow together. The professors were genuinely engaging, and I am giving special thanks to Dr Jörn Rothe, who was an amazing professor and made the learning experience truly inspiring.  

Growing Beyond Borders: Lessons in Adaptability 

Living in London made the journey even more memorable. Autumn in the city felt almost cinematic: walking through Regent’s Park or Hyde Park as the leaves turned orange, taking long walks along the Thames on my way to class, passing Big Ben, and feeling the rhythm of the city around me while holding my Prêt filter coffee. 

As winter arrived, London transformed and the Christmas lights, the cosy atmosphere, and the warmth of the season made everyday moments feel special. I also lived with two fellow NUS students. In the middle of everyday routines and late conversations, a shared apartment slowly turned into friendships that I will always carry with me.  

More than anything, this exchange helped me grow as a person. 

Through CEMS, I learned to be adaptable, open-minded, and comfortable working across cultures, surrounded by people from all over the world. These experiences have shaped the way I see my future as I am currently looking for opportunities across Europe and Asia, and I truly feel that the international exposure and personal growth I gained during this semester have prepared me for what comes next. 

I also had the opportunity to attend the CEMS Career Fair in Barcelona, which was an incredibly enriching experience. Being able to interview with companies in such an international environment reinforced how real and accessible these opportunities are. 

Looking back, studying at LSE through CEMS was not just about academics. It was about building meaningful connections, and learning more about who I am.