INTERVIEW] During the final year of my Bachelor's degree, I went to study in Montreal!
Discovery, open-mindedness, autonomy: three words that characterize the experience of Louise, currently in Montreal for an exchange semester at UQAM! Louise, who is currently in her final year of the bachelor’s degree in International Management, talks to us about the key stages of her departure abroad, her integration, the courses she is taking there and her daily life as an expatriate!
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY ABROAD?
I chose to study abroad during the final year of my bachelor’s degree for professional and personal reasons. First, I wanted to diversify my student career by including a study abroad period on my CV. I strongly believe that getting experience abroad is an important step as it enables you not only to open to the world and others, but also to challenge yourself, and to grow on a personal level.
HOW DID YOUR WELCOME AT UQAM GO?
My welcome went very well. We were accompanied from the moment we arrived and sponsored by members of the teaching staff. Integration was very easy and quick. Indeed, many associative activities are set up to create links between students!
WHAT COURSES DID YOU DECIDE TO TAKE AND WHY?
I decided to take subjects in the field of marketing, to perfect the knowledge already acquired in the second year of the Bachelor’s degree. I also chose to follow subjects in the field of corporate social responsibility, which is a subject which I am particularly interested in. These choices will help me to decide what to do next!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE COURSE AND WHY?
My favourite course is the one on consumer behavioural analysis. I find this course very interesting because it allows me to compare the practice I discovered during my professional experience at Unilever with the learning and theories I studied in class.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE COURSE/CAMPUS THERE IN MONTREAL?
What I like most about the campus is that everything is in one place. The classes are right next to a huge sports center, which is also close to the student’s union. It’s really a university bubble.
WAS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME IN MONTREAL? WHAT DO YOU THINK OF LIFE THERE?
Yes, it was my first time in Montreal and on the American continent. Life in Montreal is very different to life in Clermont-Ferrand. What surprised me the most when I arrived in Canada was the mind-set of the Quebecers. They are very relaxed and friendly.
HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE COST OF LIVING?
The cost of living is much higher than in France. However, thanks to the grants that helped me finance this project, the difference is less noticeable. Indeed, I was able to benefit from the “Upgrade” grant offered by the School and I am in the process of obtaining the “Bourse Régionale à la Mobilité Internationale des étudiants”.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER STUDENTS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THIS DESTINATION?
I would advise all students to contact the International Relations Department to prepare their departure, choose their destination, etc. Then, as far as UQAM is concerned, you can go with your eyes closed! Here, everything is in place to ensure that your experience goes smoothly. Finally, for those who fear loneliness, I would say that the use of French makes integration and exchanges with the local population much easier.
AFTER THE BACHELOR’S DEGREE, YOU PLAN TO PURSUE A MASTER’S DEGREE, BUT WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?
Indeed, I will continue with my last semester at ESC Clermont BS and then choose my master’s degree and my future specialisation. But in 10 years, I can see myself working in the field of marketing as a “Project/Product Manager” or even opening my own consulting agency!
IN FRANCE OR ABROAD?
I plan to move abroad for either a short or longer period, depending on the opportunities. Indeed, after living in Dubai for almost a year and then moving to Canada, I feel the need to discover the world!
Did you know?
With more than 100 partner universities around the world, international business is an integral part of the School’s DNA.
For many years, ESC Clermont BS has been forging close links with numerous international academic partners and has enabled its students to study in some of the world’s best universities and business schools. Studying abroad is an opportunity to consolidate one’s autonomy, to build cultural awareness, to learn to adapt to a new environment and to acquire the foundations necessary for a successful personal and professional life.
Academic mobility often takes the form of an exchange semester at a partner university and is not only possible but encouraged in all our bachelor and master’s programs. Students taking part will follow a study program which includes similar courses to those offered at ESC Clermont BS and validate their 30 ECTS credits on site.
ESC Clermont BS also has several double-diploma agreements in both the Bachelor and Master courses to accommodate outgoing and incoming international students for a full-year of study.
- Outgoing for ESC Clermont BS students who wish to enrich their studies with a complete experience in a partner university
- Incoming for international students who wish to study in France at ESC Clermont BS.
Finally, the International Relations Department oversees the various procedures related to student mobility, from advice on the choice of destinations to assisting students with their application, visa requests or financing etc.
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