Discover Laura Baudier’s testimonial, currently on an academic exchange at PACE University
Laura, a student in the Business Management programme at EDHEC International BBA, did her academic exchange during her 2nd year. In this interview, she shares her experience as a student in the USA.
Why did you decide to do your academic exchange in the United States?
New York was my number #1 choice as I wanted to do my exchange in an English-speaking country and discover a new culture at the same time. I’d never been to the United States before applying for the Global Manager Certificate in partnership with Pace University, so it was a great discovery for me.
How did you find your accommodation?
I shared a flat with another student from Nice who came on the exchange to Pace University with me. We found our apartment on Students.com. It's an 8-person apartment, 20 minutes by subway from the university, which meant we were able to meet other students and young working New Yorkers. I think sharing is the best way to meet people, and it also allowed us to go out with people other than our EDHEC International BBA group.
What are the courses like at Pace University?
The courses are based on a different logic. At EDHEC International BBA, classes are comprehensive and dense. At PACE University, on the other hand, classes with professors are lighter and based on Q&A sessions. Most of the learning takes place at home, with reports to write and books to read. It was fascinating to experience another way of learning and to discover another vision of education and business.
Was there a particular course that stood out for you?
I really enjoyed the economics and management courses (International Economy and Trade, American business practices). These are courses where we can debate and develop our general culture while learning a great deal about economic theory and practice. The courses are based on case studies of well-known companies, where we have to find solutions to different managerial problems. The courses format, the teaching method and the professor's views pushed us out of our comfort zone and led us to debate by putting ourselves in the shoes of managers and company directors.
Does the university you're at have any services in place to support you?
PACE University has a special service for exchange students, which organises events and meetings between students from different universities. The department also informs us of activities and events in and around New York on their Instagram account, so we can visit and make the most of the city. There's also a "Buddy Programme" that connects PACE students with new students like us. It's a great way to meet other people and to get to know the university and the city.
How did your integration go?
It went very well. I adapted very quickly to life in New York and to the PACE system. The activities offered by the university helped us to meet other students and to discover the city. Our teachers were also very involved and close to their students, giving us lots of recommendations about places to visit. I really love my academic exchange and I have absolutely no regrets about my choice.
