Parents Testimonial on Forward College
For many parents, sending a child to study abroad comes with as many questions as it does excitement. For Cendrine and her husband, the answer was Forward College. We spoke with Max’s parents to hear what drew them to Forward — and what they’ve witnessed since.
1. Can you briefly introduce yourself?
We are a French-Australian family. I work as a Well-Being Coach and my husband works in Wealth Management.
2. Can you briefly introduce Max and his academic path before joining Forward College?
Before joining Forward College, Max was a student at the French School in Sydney, where he completed his Baccalaureate. Outside the classroom, he was part of the tennis and surf squad and competed in monthly surfing competitions. Max has always been a curious and kind person with a naturally high emotional intelligence.
3. How did you first hear about Forward College, and what was your first impression?
Forward came to do a presentation at our school. We all loved the approach and the idea of small classes. The Leadership programme focused on personal and emotional intelligence was a big hit for us.
4. Which universities or programmes was Max admitted to before choosing Forward College, and why did he finally choose Forward?
Max was accepted at ESCP, and also many universities in France. But Max wanted an international experience. What differentiated Forward College from ESCP and other business schools was its innovative educational approach. Max was particularly attracted by the emphasis on active learning, close interaction with professors and mentors, the strong focus on personal development, and the opportunity to take ownership of his learning journey.
5. Has Max been enjoying his experience at Forward? What does he specifically like?
Absolutely. After 8 months, we can honestly say that Max is very happy. What he enjoys most is the combination of academic rigour and the international environment — he has made friends from many different countries, which has helped him grow both academically and personally. He also really appreciates the small cohort size and the strong sense of community.
6. What about the academic programme and the Business & Leadership Bachelor?
The academic side has exceeded our expectations. Max particularly enjoys the emphasis on critical thinking, teamwork, presentations, and real-world projects rather than simply memorizing content for exams. The group assignments have been especially valuable because they force students to collaborate with people from different cultures and backgrounds, which is an important skill for the future. The Business and Leadership focus adds a practical and personal-development dimension to the degree that appealed strongly to Max — beyond academic knowledge, he was looking for a programme that would help him develop leadership skills, self-awareness, communication abilities, and the confidence to take initiative.
7. What has Max’s experience of Lisbon been like?
Lisbon has been an excellent choice for a first year abroad. The quality of life is outstanding: the weather, safety, public transportation, and overall atmosphere make it an ideal environment for young students taking their first steps toward independence. It’s a vibrant international city but still feels manageable and welcoming for an 18-year-old moving abroad for the first time.
8. What about the coliving?
The Xior residence has been a huge positive. It creates a strong sense of belonging from day one, and for parents, it’s reassuring to know that students are not arriving completely alone in a new country.
5. Has Max been enjoying his experience at Forward? What does he specifically like?
Absolutely. After 8 months, we can honestly say that Max is very happy. What he enjoys most is the combination of academic rigour and the international environment — he has made friends from many different countries, which has helped him grow both academically and personally. He also really appreciates the small cohort size and the strong sense of community.
6. What about the academic programme and the Business & Leadership Bachelor?
The academic side has exceeded our expectations. Max particularly enjoys the emphasis on critical thinking, teamwork, presentations, and real-world projects rather than simply memorizing content for exams. The group assignments have been especially valuable because they force students to collaborate with people from different cultures and backgrounds, which is an important skill for the future. The Business and Leadership focus adds a practical and personal-development dimension to the degree that appealed strongly to Max — beyond academic knowledge, he was looking for a programme that would help him develop leadership skills, self-awareness, communication abilities, and the confidence to take initiative.
7. What has Max’s experience of Lisbon been like?
Lisbon has been an excellent choice for a first year abroad. The quality of life is outstanding: the weather, safety, public transportation, and overall atmosphere make it an ideal environment for young students taking their first steps toward independence. It’s a vibrant international city but still feels manageable and welcoming for an 18-year-old moving abroad for the first time.
8. What about the coliving?
The Xior residence has been a huge positive. It creates a strong sense of belonging from day one, and for parents, it’s reassuring to know that students are not arriving completely alone in a new country.
9. What about the teachers and teaching methods?
The teaching methods are probably one of the biggest strengths of Forward. The professors are approachable and genuinely engaged with the students. Classes are interactive — lots of discussions, debates, presentations and participation rather than passive lectures. Students are encouraged to think independently, challenge ideas, and develop their own opinions, which is excellent preparation for university and professional life.
10. Did you have any apprehensions about sending Max to study abroad? What would you tell other parents?
Forward offers a gradual and supported transition into adulthood. Students gain independence while still benefiting from a strong community and close academic support. In many ways, it feels safer and more structured than sending a child to a large university where they can easily become anonymous. The international exposure, personal growth, and confidence students develop are remarkable.
11. From your perspective as a parent, how has Max evolved academically and personally?
One thing that has impressed us most is how much Max has matured in just a few months. Beyond academics, he has become more independent, adaptable, confident, and internationally minded. For us, that’s probably the greatest value of the experience: not only what students learn academically, but also who they become as young adults.
