How can you study communication in New York with EFAP?

Why choose EFAP New York for your communication studies?

🗽 Testimonial from Eléa Cygan, Class of 2019

Eléa Cygan, a former student of EFAP New York, chose this campus for her final year of a Specialized MBA in order to experience a fully immersive stay in the United States. She benefited from high-quality communication training while developing her professional network. After graduating, she extended her stay thanks to an internship in a fashion incubator, followed by a position in an agency in New York.

Today, Eléa is an Account Director in an international communication agency, working with clients such as PayPal and HP.

Hello Eléa, could you introduce yourself and tell us about your experience at EFAP New York, as well as when you studied there?

I went to New York for my final year of a Master’s degree at EFAP New York in 2018–2019. This year marked the culmination of my journey at EFAP and represented a true international immersion. For me, it was a transition between student life and the professional world, particularly thanks to a final-year internship and the opportunity to stay in New York to begin my first professional experience.

Why did you choose New York as part of your EFAP journey?

What particularly attracted me to EFAP was the opportunity to study abroad and complete my Master’s degree in New York. I wanted to live a long-term international experience, practice English on a daily basis, discover a new culture, and explore a working environment different from the one I had experienced in France.

Which program did you follow at EFAP New York and how was your academic experience?

In New York, we had mandatory courses as well as the option to take elective classes based on our interests. I took a scriptwriting course, for example, which stimulated my creativity and improved my English skills, both written and spoken, particularly through presentations. I also took a crisis communication course, which allowed me to discover approaches different from those taught in France. The academic organization was very flexible and offered real freedom of exploration, and interactions with professors were particularly enriching.

How did you experience student life in New York?

Classes were highly international, with students coming from all over the world. This allowed me to broaden my horizons by confronting different perspectives and discovering diverse cultures. The ideally located campus made it easy to meet people, work on group projects, and manage daily life. I learned that being proactive is essential for integration—reaching out to others and fully engaging in campus life. My internship in New York was also an excellent way to meet people from other schools and build lasting connections.

What was the main benefit of your experience at EFAP New York?

Beyond the courses, the real advantage was the opportunity to stay in the United States after my studies thanks to the OPT program. I was fortunate to complete an internship in a fashion incubator and then work for six months in an agency in New York. This confirmed my desire to grow in an international, multicultural, and stimulating environment—one that I find today in my agency.

What do you do today and how did this experience influence your career path?

Today, I am an Account Director in a communication agency, managing clients in the technology sector such as PayPal and HP. Public relations have always been central to my career, and my experience at EFAP was decisive: it helped me gain confidence, improve my English, and become familiar with international professional environments. I now work daily with teams and clients based outside France, which is fully part of my everyday professional life.

How were you supported before your departure?

The international relations department was a great help. They provided all the necessary information before my departure, including contacts to find accommodation and a clear organization for the stay. This allowed me to approach the experience with peace of mind and all the tools needed to succeed.

What advice would you give to students considering going to New York with EFAP?

I would advise them to step out of their comfort zone and make the most of all the opportunities offered by this unique experience. It’s important to reach out to others, not stay only within the French community, attend events, and multiply encounters. This experience allows you to build an international network and gain cultural openness that goes far beyond academics.

One piece of advice for future students dreaming of going to New York?

One of the keys to success is having a strong sense of initiative and perseverance, especially for those who wish to extend their stay in the United States. Opportunities don’t come on their own—you have to dare to contact professionals and activate your network. In my case, it was by writing directly to the founder of an agency that I secured my first job after graduating. This experience taught me that sometimes you have to step off the beaten path to create your own opportunities.

In one sentence, how would you summarize your experience at EFAP New York?

It’s an experience that pushed me beyond my limits, broadened my professional horizons, and laid the foundations for an international career. These years in New York strengthened my self-confidence and opened many doors when I returned to Paris.

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