A Semester to Remember
As summer approaches my semester here in Saint Etienne, France comes to an end. This all started when I had an amazing opportunity last summer to apply for a few study abroad programs. Looking back, I never saw myself studying in another country other than the States. In fact, even after submitting my application, I was pretty sure that I wouldn’t be studying abroad for the Spring Semester. With the help of Nick Hinojosa, Prof. Polze and the study abroad team, I was accepted into the three programs. Saint Etienne became an unlikely first choice to me for two main reasons. The first being that I would be studying in one of France’s Business Schools at the EmLyon School of Business and the second being that I had three other close friends joining me in this journey. I knew going into the program, that I would be gaining a lot of different exposures both academically and culturally, but I never knew how big of an impact that it would have on me as a person and as a professional. Through the language barriers, uncomfortable situations, decisive moments and difference in schooling systems, this study abroad experience formed me into a better and more well-rounded individual.
Although I was away from the University of Texas of Dallas, I can confidently say that this semester was one of the semesters that I really pushed myself and my boundaries. From having to quarrel at 2:00 AM with an Uber driver who was trying to scam us in Lyon to successfully chasing a pickpocket down some dingy streets to get a friends phone back, this semester never lacked adventures.
Academically, I had a first-hand view on the differences of education systems in France compared to the ones in the US. I took on a total of 8 classes totaling to 30 ECTS this semester. I had a pretty great selection of classes, which included classes such as International Business Development Strategy, Operations Management, International Negotiation and Relevant Cost. At first it was challenging to adapt to a new type of a teaching system, but I found a way to cope around it and give the best work that I can give. As of this post I have only received my final grades for 6 of the 8 classes and I am very proud to say that I have placed 16 or higher, which equates to A’s, in all of the classes. In addition to that, being in a different country really taught me to be proactive to learn the skills I want to learn. As part of the Professional Program in Finance, I took an online financial modeling course called “Breaking into Wallstreet”. With the help of Alex Treece as well as the modules in the course, I was able to add financial modeling to my arsenal. In addition to the required modeling/valuation of a company, I did a 5-Year DCF model for an additional 7 companies. To add to that, I also became more interested in the different aspects of modeling which pushed me to learn to do harder, more complex models such as LBO modeling, M&A modeling and etc.… This new proactiveness gave me a clarity as to assuring that I am in fact in the field of my passion.
But one of the best things about this semester were the people. During the span of 4 months I travelled to about 7 countries in Europe making new connections as well as friends. Of these people, my fellow Study Abroad peers were the main highlight. With people from Brazil to China, I was able to learn in a very diverse environment in which we cultivated a lot of friendships as well as memories.
All in all, from the mistakes I made in this semester to the simple quotidian things like grocery shopping taught me lessons and skills that I will be taking with me to the future. It taught me and gave me a sense of realization of how privileged as well as a lucky I am to have been able to be given this opportunity. Thank you to everyone from the EmLyon staff to the UTD Study Abroad in making this experience possible. MERCI BEAUCOUP FRANCE! ABIENT?T!
