EUROPEAN BUSINESS SCHOOL - PARIS FALL 2015 EXCHANGE REPORT CHEUNG WAI KAR

Transcription

1 EUROPEAN BUSINESS SCHOOL - PARIS FALL 2015 EXCHANGE REPORT CHEUNG WAI KAR

2 Part I Activity Log Pg. 3 Part II General Exchange Information Pg. 5 Part III Checklist Pg. 8 Part IV Best Practice of Host University Pg. 8

3 I arrived Paris on 4 th September, several days before school starts to familiarize myself with the brand new environment and adapt myself to the culture. Orientation starts on the 8 th September, while classes officially starts on the 14 th September. The orientation was held for incoming exchange student of EBS, which covers mainly briefing on administrative arrangement, course timetable, campus tour, buddy program and cruise around Seine River. The orientation lasts around one hour each day. The buddy program enables exchange students to network with local students from EBS through games and mingling session. The cruise around Seine River takes you through the best of Paris. The boat trip starts with the Eiffel Tower, and throughout the trip you would pass by Musée Du Louvre, Notre Dame, etc. I was enrolled in seven courses, as courses that could be transferred back to HKUST are very limited especially for Economics major. EBS classes have around 30 people per class. Each class lasts around 3hours with a 15min break. In most classes, I am the only Asian, but it is a valuable opportunity to collaborate with a diversified team and understand different culture. I spent most of September to walk around Paris and get to know about the city. October is the best month of my exchange trip, as workload is relatively less and you could travel to nearby cities utilizing the short break. First, I travelled to Milan for the World Expo I am glad to be exposed to the food and cultures of countries from all around the world. UK is fabulous. I spent 10 days during the midterm break in London and nearby cities, where I met long lost friends and enjoyed another style of living. I mostly take short trips to nearby cities during the weekend and will be back for classes on Monday. October is the midterm month. Although I went to lots of short trips, I managed to study really hard for midterms and complete all assignments on time. It was a challenge for time management, as you need to make the most out of your time while you do sightseeing in other cities. In October, I travelled to the Netherlands, Italy and UK. I was exposed to different style of living and it was awesome to visit the best attractions of these places.

4 November is the month of final presentations. Most classes assessed students through final project presentations. Thus, in November, I am busy doing research on projects and group meetings to give the best performance for final presentations as well as written reports. Exchange was a valuable experience as you get to collaborate with a diversified team and know about the working style for Europeans. Semester ends in mid December, although most final examinations were in form of a final project presentation held in late November and Early December. Most exchange students chose to leave Paris in December, thus, I visited lots of tourist attractions with my schoolmates and flat mates before they leave. The must- see in December is definitely the Christmas Market at Champs Elysees. If you like Christmas, you should not miss the Christmas dish and goods sold in the Christmas Market, most importantly it is the atmosphere! After final examinations, I spent half of the month in Iceland and Czech Republic. Iceland has fascinating scenery and unique landscape. Czech Republic is a nice place where you could find beautiful architectures. You could choose to take short trips from Prague to nearby cities like Karlovy Vary, Cesky Krumlov, etc, by train. I went back to Hong Kong in early January to catch up with the job recruitment process. The exchange journey was meaningful and memorable. You won t realize through these months you had became more independent and you are more capable of problem solving.

5 Visa Procedures If you are a citizen of a Non-European Union country, and if you are in France for your studies for more than 3 months, you will require a French long-stay visa to study in Paris. Since January 2010, all students should follow Campus France procedures to apply for a study visa: Campus France will assist you step by step. Please note that the process may take a while, therefor your early action is encouraged. You will need to apply for the visa at the nearest French Embassy or French Consulate in your city to get your visa before arriving in France. If your country doesn t follow a campus France procedure; please contact the nearest French Consulate in your country to obtain information regarding your visa requirement well in advance before your departure date from home. The necessary documents required to apply for the Visa may differ from one country to another. However, your passport and the official invitation letter from the school are always among the required documents. Orientation Activities Orientation will take place one week before semester starts. The orientation is held for incoming exchange student of EBS, which covers mainly administrative arrangement, campus tour, buddy program and cruise on Seine River. In the buddy program, you could network with EBS local students, and get to know more about the language, the culture, the school and the city. International Services & Activities The EBS international office provides academic support for students, as well as assist students to apply for bank account and housing. Lisa Tassy and Delphine David are in charged of exchange students study in EBS. Students could approach them through , phone or directly at the international office on campus. Accommodations EBS Paris does not provide accommodation. Students would need to look for housing on their own. It would be better to rent an apartment and find students to share the apartment with you prior to your arrival. I rent an apartment with 3 other exchange students from Hong Kong near Notre Dame, which was 30minutes from EBS. It was an awesome spot with all the necessary facilities around. Course Registration Course registration is done prior to your arrival. Courses are selected by submitting the course selection form along with the exchange application form. Exchange students will be taking the year 3 courses at EBS. You could also

6 choose from year 2 and year 4 courses if there is no time clash to fulfill your university credit requirements at HKUST. Add-drop period is in the first week of the semester. Teaching & Assessment Methods EBS classes are mostly 3 hour long with a 15-minute break. Teaching method focuses on student presentations and discussion. Class attendance is mandatory. Most courses do not have final examinations, as students are assessed through the final project presentation. Professors are knowledgeable and they like to teach with cases and examples, which is better for understanding and application of concepts. Sports & Recreation Facilities There are no sports & recreational facilities on campus at EBS/. However, students could enjoy discounted plans from selected sport complexes or gyms. Students could also choose to exercise in parks or jog along the River Seine. Cost/ Expenses Expenses vary with the daily routine and preferences of individuals. Below is an estimate for reference Fixed Per month Note Rent 650 euros Sharing an apartment in district 5 Transportation 70 euros Monthly Recharge Fee for Navigo for all zone 1-5 is 70 euros including travelling to airports and by line RER. Telephone Services 40 euros Orange International Plan which could be used also in other parts of Europe costs 20 euros, valid for 2 weeks Variable Per Month Note Food 400 It would be cheaper if you dine out less. Also, goods in the China Town would cost less compare to ordinary supermarkets. Entertainment 200 Entertainment expenses might include shopping, entrance fee of tourist attractions, etc.

7 Travelling expenses depends on where you go and the means of transport you take. It is very convenient to travel from Paris to other countries/cities, as lots of transportation alternatives are available. The earlier you book, the cheaper it is. Social Clubs/ Networking Opportunities Buddy Program enables exchange student to network with EBS students from various years and seek help from them on any difficulties they face during their exchange. Health & Safety Exchange students are required to pay the social security fee before the semester starts. You could consult the doctor if you are ill, social security will refund up to 70% of the doctor fee. Food Food is sold in cafeteria in EBS, like baguette, pasta, pizza, rice, salad and beverages. Vending machines are also available around the campus. Students could also dine in restaurants and café nearby EBS. There are large shopping malls 10 minutes walk from EBS. Transportation It is very convenient to take the metro in Paris. Most students get a Navigo pass that could be recharged weekly or monthly (70 euros). Navigo pass could be used for most public transport except for public bicycle rental. Monthly period refers to the first day of the month to the last day of the month, even if you got it on the second last day of the month, it will expired on the last day of the month, so better purchase or recharge on the first day of the month. Climate In September2015, the temperature is around. I could still put on summer clothes under the sun, but will need to put on jackets at night. In October2015 and November2015, it s colder with temperature between that requires thicker clothes. In December2015 and January2016. It is important to bring enough warm clothes and shoes that could walk on wet and slippery ground. Communication Telecommunications companies provide phone service along with data plans. Orange provides international holiday plans in which calls and data could be used within Europe. Computers are available for use on EBS campus along with their WIFI. Cautionary Measures Personal belongings and valuable items should always be kept carefully by putting into a small bag that could be wrapped around your body parts and covered. Pickpockets are common in the city especially in tourist spots, metro stations and crowded areas.

8 Notebook Computer Stationery Plug converter Umbrella Jacket or large coat Tops Trousers Business Suit (Optional) Sneakers Warm socks Gloves Toiletries Slippers Bedroom necessities (Optional) Basic Medicine Travel Document Copies Small bag to hold money and travel documents The EBS International Office provides assistance to students on all academic issues and student life in Paris.