Voices from IUJ Exchange Students #1

Yui Ogino (Japan)

  • Host University: NEOMA business school
  • Participated Program: Summer in Paris
  • Duration: One month
Interactive Classes & Global Diversity

Classes were small (16–20 students), making active discussion and sharing opinions very easy. The workload—consisting of reports and group presentations—was well-managed with ample prep time provided in class. Studying alongside peers from the UK, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and France offered diverse international perspectives.

Supportive Faculty & Administrative Staff

The professors were friendly, approachable, and provided dedicated support for assignments. The administrative staff were equally responsive, usually answering emails within 24 hours. They were also quick to help whenever small issues arose, such as when I forgot my building key card.

Engaging Field Trips & Guest Speakers

Learning extended far beyond the classroom. In the Luxury Marketing course, I conducted mystery shopping at Dior as an individual assignment, joined a guided tour around Place Vendôme, and visited Galeries Lafayette. For Finance, we attended a lecture inside the Banque de France. Each course also featured guest speakers from relevant industries, offering invaluable real-world insights.

Campus & Comfort Environment

Unlike traditional campuses, the school is located inside a commercial building, so checking the entrance beforehand is helpful. The classrooms were clean and comfortably air-conditioned during the summer heatwave. To keep housing costs manageable, I chose an Airbnb instead of the recommended school accommodation.

Practical Living & Transport Advice

The school area is safe and convenient, surrounded by restaurants and supermarkets. Because dining out is expensive (around €15+ per meal), I recommend choosing accommodation with a kitchen to cook budget-friendly supermarket groceries. For transport, a one-month Navigo pass for the Metro and buses was ideal for my 20-minute commute. Note that Paris gets extremely hot in summer and many Metro trains lack air conditioning, so bringing a portable fan is a must!

Overall Impression & Advice for Future Students

Participating in three weeks of study and saving one week for sightseeing provided the perfect balance between academics and travel. The coursework is accessible even without prior specialized knowledge, making it a wonderful experiential opportunity.

Message for Future Students

Be open to connecting with young, international peers! To make the most of your time and budget, book accommodation with a kitchen, buy a monthly Navigo pass, and don't forget to pack a portable fan for the Paris summer heat.