Paris Students Return from Transformative Business Plan Course in Amsterdam
A group of ambitious students from our Paris campus recently returned from an enriching five-day course titled “How to Develop Your Business Plan”, held at the University of Applied Sciences Europe (UE) in Amsterdam. This immersive programme was designed to enhance entrepreneurial thinking and provide practical tools for building robust and actionable business strategies.
Organised by Maria Nek, Managing Director of UE, the course welcomed 35 students for a week of learning and cross-cultural exchange. Thanks to BSBI’s full sponsorship of travel, accommodation and meals, students were able to focus entirely on their development and seize this exceptional opportunity without distraction.
The programme combined expert-led sessions with interactive group activities and culminated in a business plan development competition, where BSBI/PPA Paris student team “CULTURA” led by Subhan Basit, Student Council President and Global MBA (UCA) → RNCP Titre L7 (PPA) student, won first place. This success highlighted the power of teamwork, creativity and critical thinking under pressure.
As Subhan shared, “This programme wasn’t just about competition, it was a deep dive into real-world entrepreneurship. Over five days, we visited some of the leading Dutch brands, honed our pitching skills, and left feeling genuinely empowered to turn our ideas into action.
Above all, I walked away with confidence, the kind that inspires you to fearlessly pursue ideas that can truly make a difference.”
Assisatou Eniola Bachirou Olawale, Global MBA (UCA) → RNCP Titre L7 (PPA) student and member of the winning team, shared:
“The event was a great success, and I’m thrilled to share that our group, CULTURA, won 1st place in the Business Plan Development competition! This milestone reflects the power of teamwork, creativity and determination.”
She also extended her gratitude to Maria Nek and to Patricia Berth, Dean of International Programs PPA/BSBI Paris, and Owen Dedenys, Student Services Manager, for their unwavering support throughout the trip. “Your efforts made this journey both smooth and memorable,” she added.
Other students echoed similar sentiments, praising the programme’s structure and the welcoming atmosphere of Amsterdam.
Muhammed Rashid, MSc Information Technology Management (UCA) → RNCP Titre L7 (PPA), said:
“The course was amazing. I learned a lot about how to create a business plan and the importance of teamwork. I also got to conduct an interview, something new and exciting for me. The hostel was great, the food was delicious and the people were very friendly. It was a wonderful experience, and I’d love to join more programmes like this.”
Emefa Adordie, Global MBA (UCA) → RNCP Titre L7 (PPA), said:
“Of all my experiences at BSBI/PPA so far, the Amsterdam trip has been the most impactful. The sessions were engaging and encouraged me to share my ideas with more confidence. Although pitching to investors was initially daunting, it became an inspiring incubator for real business potential.”
The week in Amsterdam not only provided academic value but also fostered collaboration, networking and cultural exploration, essential elements for future business leaders. As BSBI continues to invest in hands-on, globally-minded learning experiences, we look forward to seeing more students benefit from international programmes that challenge, inspire and empower them to succeed in today’s fast-paced business landscape.
