La Rochelle is known for its picturesque harbour, historic streets, and Atlantic coastline. For one Northumbria University student, however, it became something much more: a living classroom.
Travelling to Excelia Business School, ranked among the top 1% of business schools worldwide, provided the opportunity to explore Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and how event management companies use it to create meaningful impact. What began as a summer school quickly became an international adventure in responsible business.
The classroom learning was only part of the experience. Visits to organisations such as Coopérative Carbone, La Matière, LR Tourisme, Francofolies, and Hennessy brought CSR theories to life. Instead of reading about sustainability, it was possible to witness how businesses reduce waste, support communities, preserve cultural heritage, and embed environmental responsibility into everyday operations.
One of the most memorable moments took place at Hennessy in Cognac. During the visit, participants sampled two cognacs: one aged for two years and another aged for four. Prior to the tasting, the difference between two and four years did not seem particularly significant. Afterwards, there was a newfound appreciation for the patience involved in the process. After all, waiting two extra years for a drink suddenly seemed far more sensible than waiting two extra years to finish an assignment.
Across every company visit, one message remained clear: CSR is not a marketing slogan. It is a way of thinking. Whether through alternative materials, carbon reduction initiatives, responsible tourism strategies, or sustainable event planning, organisations demonstrated that profitability and positive impact can work side by side.
The experience extended beyond lectures and site visits. Insights from the programme were regularly shared on LinkedIn, turning daily observations into professional reflections. Discussions about sustainability, ethical leadership, and responsible event management connected classroom learning with a wider professional audience. Each post helped transform knowledge into action.
The lessons learned also encouraged personal change. Greater attention is now given to reducing waste, choosing sustainable products, considering the environmental impact of travel decisions, and approaching event planning through a more responsible lens. Simple actions—such as prioritising reusable materials, supporting ethical businesses, and questioning how events affect local communities—became habits rather than afterthoughts.
Most importantly, the programme showed that responsibility is not reserved for large corporations. Small decisions, repeated consistently, can create meaningful change.
From exploring the streets of La Rochelle to tasting cognac in Cognac and analysing sustainability strategies across France, this experience proved that learning can happen far beyond the classroom. Sometimes, the most valuable lesson is discovering that good business is not just about creating successful events—it is about creating a positive impact that lasts much longer than the event itself.
