Student Report Alexander Burmo
Name of the University: Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey – ITESM / EGADE
Exchange semester: Fall 2013
I. PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Before leaving Norway
I recieved the information from the university during the summer with all neccessary
information about the school. I selected the relevant courses during the summer as well. There
was some deley in my application process, but everything worket out eventually.
Applying for a visa (if applicable)
Not necessary for such a short stay (Under 180 days in Mexico – no VISA needed)
Travel
I travelled with plane together with another student from BI. We first landed in Mexico City
and spent a couple of days there, before going to Los Cabos for a week. Then we flew from
Los Cabos to Monterrey.
Housing
Housing was not provided by the shool, we rented an apartment from the firm Rent-a-place.
They were very helpful.
Costs
- Approximately how much per month did you spend on rent, books, food,
transportation, and other personal expenses?
Rent
Books
Food
Transport
Other
NOK 2500
NOK 50
NOK 3000
NOK 200
NOK
Culture and language
There was no problems regarding the communication with the school. They spoke English
more than well enough. The locals however don´t speak that well English. There were many
oportunites for experiencing Mexican culuture, trips were organized all the time. And, since
we only had school three days of the week, there was also time to do it.
II. ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Please describe:
The EGADE school is located about 15 minutes in taxi away from the Bachelor campus area
and the area where we lived. It is a rather small school, but the facilities are nice. The special
thing was that shool usually startet in the evening about 6 PM and lasted until 9.30 PM.
Course registration
Pre-registration online on the courses we wanted, and then we confirmed our courses
when we got there the first day.
The add/drop period lasted for two weeks.
Academic calendar
Arrival date:
First day of the semester:
Last day of classes:
Examination period:
Any special events/holidays:
Other:
1 September
13 September
27 November
2-4 December
Arrival
We were introduced togheter with all the international students that studied at EGADE. We
got a lot of information about the school and about Monterrey. What to do and what not to do
etc.
The International Office
The International Office at EGADE was both helpful and professional. No problems.
Promoting BI and Norway
Talking about Norway to other students.
Social activities
There was social activities all the time, with a mixture of local and international students.
Trips etc. was organized, and you could always do something if you felt for it.
III. ACADEMICS
In the classroom
The courses were thought as I was used to at BI. A class of about 20-30 people and the
lecturer having a lecture with class participation, presentations etc. Both practical and
theoretical.
Course materials
We mostly used articles, and one book. Powerpoint presentation etc was also provided by the
lecturer.
Exams
- Was the exam based on the course materials or on the lectures?
The exams was both based on the course matirals and on the lectures.
- Evaluation included:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Final exam: written, home assignment, presentation.
Mid-term exam
In-class quizzes throughout semester
Small assignments and/or papers
Presentations
Group work
Class attendance
Class participation/debates
Library and technology
Same level as in Norway at EGADE.
Description of courses
Please list below all the courses you took while on exchange. Your comments are useful for
BI and for future exchange students, include information on the qacadmic level, challenges,
relevance to your studies, if the course was practical/theoretical, any enrolment issues, etc.
Course code & name
Exam form
Prerequisites
Written exam,
theoretical and
practical. Both
closed and open
book
None
Approved
as
Elective
Master
GA-4083:
Introduction to Latin
American
Management
Presentation
None
Elective
AD5015: Business
Master
Written exam
None
and presentation
Elective
Master
Presentation
Elective
AD5019: CrossCultural
Management
Master/
Bachelor
Master
Innovation and
Technology
Management
GA00309:
Global Consulting
Practicum
None
Comments
Low
workload.
Pracitcal.
Participati
on in a
global
culture
project.
High
workload
by Mexican
standard.
Homework
every week
– Mental
maps.
High
workload
by Mexican
standard.
Homework
every
week.
Workload
differ. Very
practical.
One task –
to be a
consultant
for a firm.
Mexico is a highly different experience from what I have earlier encountered. I
have been traveling a lot and on exchange before, but never to a latin American
country. I think everyone should experience the kindness of the latin americans
once in their life. If not for the academic purpose, then for the social and
culutural experience.