BEM Past Review

By (International Business., Western Washington University) for

KEDGE Business School: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I should have gone a French university where English was not an option. If one desires to learn French, perhaps an international business school is not the best location. In addition, when I go to school, that is what I want to do. BEM doesn't give the impression that academics are of the top most importance. What one should get from a year abroad, is an appreciation for so many different perspectives and cultures and increased patience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

From my experience, the french business education in based on a very different philosophy. Focus is taken off of academic performance and placed on social activities. The life of a student at BEM can easily be centered on nightly parties hosted by numerous student clubs. While one does encounter the occasional class with rigorous academic expectations, it is more likely to have a light work load that gives time for travel and integration with other international and french students. One aspect of academics at BEM that I would commend is the varied international backgrounds of the faculty. This gives a wonderfully varied learning experience in the classroom. All in all, the experience was good but I have to admit that it will be nice to get back to the academic rigor of my home uni(however many sleepless nights that may imply).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The support at home and abroad was outstanding. Upon arrival at BEM one is met by the most amazing school association that is there 100% of the time to aid internationals. In this regard, the program could not be better.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in the Pierre et Marie Curie. This is a student housing apartment which is administered by the government. The price was right and the apartments were safe and clean. However, this is where one would like to have some knowledge of french. Most of the people working here do not speak English. What I would warn against is trying to find an apartment on the open market. You can do this, but be sure to arrive a couple of months in advance. It is best to take one of the options made available through the international office at BEM.

* Food:

Vegetarians beware!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Crazy trips...great deals on a variety of bus trips to various places. There were two bus trips to Spain and one to Paris. Within Bordeaux, the excursions and planned activities are almost weekly.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Bordeaux is as safe as any other big city. During the winter months EVERYONE was constantly sick. The good thing is that care is readily available and costs 20E for a visit to the doctor. The system of health care in France is excellent. No appointment needed.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

One could easily get buy at BEM with no knowledge of french. For the french language enthusiast, there is numerous opportunity to make french friends.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you like to socialize...you are going to LOVE BEM.