News
Around the World with SKEMA’s Global Executive MBA: A Look Inside the Residential Weeks Experience
In an increasingly complex and connected world, global leadership is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. This is the mindset behind the Global Executive MBA at SKEMA Business School: a transformative programme designed for experienced professionals ready to navigate change, lead across borders, and drive meaningful impact.
At the heart of the Global EMBA journey are the programme’s Residential Weeks—four immersive, in-person experiences held across SKEMA’s global campuses in Paris (France), Raleigh (USA), Suzhou (China), and Belo Horizonte (Brazil). Each week offers an intense blend of academic excellence, cultural exploration, and real-world business insights.
One of the many reasons I chose this programme was because of these residential weeks,” shares Olesya, from the Fall 2022 cohort. "The international exposure, the diversity of perspectives—it all adds so much value to the learning experience.
Where it all started: Paris Residential Week
The current cohort’s journey started in October 2024 with their very first Residential Week in Paris. This initial gathering set the tone for the year ahead, combining:
- In-person classes focused on macro trends and business fundamentals.
- An Art Thinking seminar designed to stimulate innovation and lateral thinking.
- The launch of the Capstone Project, a core component of the GEMBA experience.
From exploring the megatrends shaping the global economy to examining personal leadership styles, participants began to develop the tools and mindset needed to lead in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Two Locations, One Cohort: Raleigh and Sophia Antipolis Residential Weeks
This past March, participants had the unique opportunity to experience it from two different vantage points: Raleigh and Sophia Antipolis.
While one group of participants traveled to the United States for the Raleigh Residential Week, another attended a parallel programme on SKEMA’s campus in Sophia Antipolis.
In both locations, the week focused on high-impact themes such as leadership, sustainability, innovation, and strategic thinking.
Courses were delivered in a hybrid format by esteemed professors Eric Viardot and Ante Glavas, and participants took part in interactive sessions, including an innovative virtual reality module exploring cognitive thinking and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues.
Guest speakers added further depth and inspiration: Igor Jablokov, Founder & CEO of Pryon, shared insights on artificial intelligence and the future of knowledge management. Dr. Rejaul Hasan, Data Engineer at Amazon, discussed how big data and digital tools are transforming business strategy.
In Raleigh, the academic journey was enriched with visits to forward-thinking companies such as:
- PepsiCo, where participants discovered the brand’s sustainability strategy from within.
- Windlift, a startup pushing the boundaries of renewable energy innovation.
Networking wasn’t forgotten, with cultural moments like a pétanque night hosted by a SKEMA professor and an evening at a Carolina Hurricanes hockey game—a unique blend of French tradition and American flair.
I may return to the U.S. someday, but nothing will compare to that one week I spent there as part of the GEMBA,” adds Hatem, participant from the Fall 2023 intake. “The blend of academics, culture, and business immersion made it truly unique.
Sophia Antipolis: A Mediterranean Alternative
In Sophia Antipolis, participants followed the same academic track but discovered a different local ecosystem. The Riviera setting offered unique insights into entrepreneurship, industry, and culture:
- A visit to Maison du Cœur highlighted how business can serve social impact and community health.
- At Argeville, participants learned about the creative and technical world of fragrance and flavour production.
- The Picasso Museum in Antibes offered a moment of reflection on creativity and perspective in leadership.
- A panel of GEMBA alumni at the KCenter wrapped up the week, providing first-hand testimonials and advice on post-MBA career paths.
These parallel experiences proved that no matter the location, the GEMBA’s mission remains the same: to build agile, globally minded leaders with a deep understanding of complex, real-world dynamics.
A Passport to Global Leadership
The Residential Weeks are more than just milestones—they provide the space and context for participants to test ideas, challenge assumptions, and grow both personally and professionally. As the cohort looks ahead to the upcoming Residential Weeks in Suzhou and Belo Horizonte, one thing is clear: this journey is shaping not only better executives, but better leaders for the world.
